'Superman' release date, latest casting news, plot and more

James Gunn is taking the DC universe in a different direction after re-casting the beloved superhero and introducing new characters. So, goodbye Henry Cavill and Amy Adams, and hello David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan. As Gunn said himself, this is “the true beginning of the DCU."

While we’re getting movies like “Joker: Folie à Deux” this year and “The Batman Part II” in two years, there doesn’t seem to be much coming out in the coming months. However, that’s not a bad thing, because “Superman” can steal the show when it releases in 2025. This superhero movie was originally titled “Superman: Legacy” but has been condensed for more oomph. 

Oh, and just some context, “Superman” is the first DCU movie in the new universe that Gunn has planned. Others include Batman and Robin in “The Brave and the Bold”, “Supergirl”, and a new TV series called “Lanterns”.  

'Superman' release date

Alongside the above announcement video, where we first learned about "Superman", we also learned that the movie is coming on July 11, 2025. 

That mid-summer release date would suggest an early-fall streaming date on Max, but the ever-turbulent world of the best streaming services could be much different by 2025.

Gunn has also posted a new photo on his Instagram (May 6) revealing the first look at Superman's suit. The caption confirmed the release date once again: “Get ready. #Superman. 7.11.25.” 

This photo has created even more excitement for the “Superman” reboot because it shows David Corenswet rocking the classic superhero suit. His iconic swirly hair and color scheme suggest that Gunn is sticking to Superman’s roots while doing something different. The suit itself strays away from Cavill’s pristine armor since it’s more rugged and dirty. A darker, grimier “Superman” would truly set the DCU on the right path. 

'Superman' casting news

Three became one when The Wrap reported David Corenswet had been cast as James Gunn's Superman. The Hollywood Reporter had just recently reported the other potential Clark Kent potentials were Nicholas Hoult and Tom Brittney.   However, Deadline later confirmed that Hoult will be playing as Lex Luthor instead.  

Then, the outlet reported a surprising addition: Anthony Carrigan (Barry's NoHo Hank) will play a Rex Mason, an archeologist who turns into the hero Metamorpho.

Interestingly THR had stated the potential Clarks and Lois lanes had been seen in the "pre-determined pairs" of Nicholas Hoult with Rachel Brosnahan; Tom Brittney with Phoebe Dynevor and David Corenswet with Emma Mackey. Mackey also auditioned alongside Brittney and Hoult, but that apparently didn't ensure a role.

Corenswet's been paired with Hoult's Lois, as Rachel Brosnahan secured the role of Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane. Brosnahan is best known for playing Miriam "Midge" Maisel, an aspiring comedian, in the Prime Video series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”.

Corenswet, for the unfamiliar, has appeared in TV and film since 2011, with early appearances including a single episode of “House of Cards” and the projectionist role in “Pearl”. 

Three more cast members were announced in Vanity Fair: Isabela Merced as the winger brawler Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as the inventor and fighter Mister Terrific, and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, a Green Lantern.

The rest of the cast includes Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen (Clark’s friend), María Gabriela de Faría as the Engineer, Sara Sampaio as Lex Luthor's right-hand woman Eve Teschmacher, Terence Rosemore as Lex’s henchman Otis, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent, and Neva Howell (Novitate) as Martha Kent.

Milly Alcock will also play Supergirl in the upcoming movie “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”, with Sean Gunn assuming the role of Maxwell Lord in another project. However, it’s unknown whether they will be in “Superman”. 

James Gunn has recently confirmed that Beck Bennett has been cast as the Daily Planet reporter Steve Lombard. He's supposed to be brash and arrogant since he enjoys taunting Clark Kent.

Update (July 18): Stephen Blackehart has also been cast in the "Superman" movie, but his role is currently unknown. People are speculating online that he could play Jor-El, Superman's biological father. Others are guessing he's Bizarro, an imperfect clone of Superman created by Lex Luthor. 

'Superman' plot

We have very simple details about Superman's story. Peter Safran was quoted by Deadline as saying the film "focuses on Superman’s balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He’s the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, he’s kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old fashioned."

Clark Kent will already be working at the Daily Planet and knows Lois Lane. This means the movie can focus on building Superman’s character without him having to meet and get to know Lois all over again. Safran said that the plot will be more modernized to put the superhero in the real world.

Gunn also revealed that “Superman” takes inspiration from the comics All-Star Superman that ran from 2005-2008. These comics saw Superman close to his death, and so he went on many heroic feats to make peace.  

'Superman' trailers and photos

We don't have any teaser trailers right now considering they're still filming, but there are leaked photos showing the cast in action (and their impressive outfits). Thanks to Cleveland.com, we get a better look at Superman in his new retro suit that looks exactly like it was plucked from the comics. And I'm not the only one who believes sporting comic-style outfits is the way to go. Other photos include characters like Lois Lane walking out of a spaceship and Mister Terrific looking pretty cool in his gear. 

Check the photos out:

Not only that, but we also got a glimpse at Corenswet as his regular human identity Clark Kent. And I have to say, the suit, curly hair, and glasses are very accurate details pulled from the comics, so it definitely seems like they want to stick to those as much as possible. 

July has also treated us with some new behind-the-scenes photos of the cast in action, including Superman himself. DC Film News released a new image of Corenswet's Superman being a "symbol of hope" as his character is seen saving a little girl. 

We also have our first look at Merced's Hawkgirl and Fillion's Guy Gardener. Both characters seemed to have joined Superman during a huge conflict, as they were spotted saving civilians and flying away. All of their costumes stay true to the comics, but fans have a feeling they won't be their final outfits. 

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