James Gunn has the screenplaySuperman: Legacy” completed, which means pre-production for the new DC blockbuster can now really begin. It also marks the beginning of the new DC universe, which really begins with “Superman: Legacy”. As is often the case with the new DC co-boss and upcoming Superman director, Gunn shared the good news for all DC fans via — and then gleefully answered questions from his followers.
The screenplay was completed in time for Superman’s 85th birthday, who first appeared on the cover of a comic strip on April 18, 1938. As Gunn went on to write, Now it really gets going with the design of costumes, sets, backgrounds and more – and of course the casting.
As has long been known, in “Superman: Legacy” Henry Cavill will no longer wear the famous S symbol on his chest, but a new actor will play a new, younger Superman.
Who will be the new Superman?
As Gunn explained, these departments (i.e. costumes, production design, and casting) will continue their work during his absence as he promotes his Marvel blockbuster Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.3. It will be in cinemas very soon, in Germany on May 3, 2023. And as a director, Gunn still has obligations to his old employer.
According to Gunn, it will be some time (at least until June 2023) before a Superman actor emerges from the ongoing casting process. In recent weeks, Gunn had repeatedly dismissed reports of alleged top candidates as rumors.
Besides Superman: First character for “Legacy” is certain
James Gunn also revealed a second character who will appear in “Superman: Legacy”: Jimmy Olsen, Superman’s best friend in the comics. At the request of a fan, Gunn confirmed Jimmy Olsen’s appearance with “ofc” (“of course”).
Jimmy Olsen is slightly younger than Superman in the DC comics, but like his alter ego Clark Kent and his lover Lois Lane, he works for the Daily Planet newspaper, mostly as a photographer. The naive, somewhat clumsy young man often gets into trouble and entanglements from which he has to be rescued by Superman. However, in the Grant Morrison All Star Superman comic series credited as an inspiration by Gunn, Olsen is much more capable and active.
By the way, Jimmy Olsen was a CIA agent masquerading as a press photographer in Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. Olsen has also appeared in most of the other ‘Superman’ movies and series.
Like the American industry magazine reported in response to Gunn’s tweet, Actual filming is scheduled for early 2024. This puts “Superman: Legacy” on track for its planned theatrical release on July 10, 2025.