Superman: Legacy has recently expanded its cast with the addition of Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and Edi Gathegi, who will be taking on important roles within the DC universe. Merced will take on the role of Hawkgirl, while Fillion will bring Guy Gardner, associated with the Green Lanterns, to life. Gathegi, on the other hand, will be playing the character of Mr. Terrific. Director James Gunn has explained the reason behind the inclusion of these DC heroes in Superman: Legacy.
In response to a fan's query on Threads, Gunn emphasized that their presence is justified by the story itself, stating that these characters align with the narrative he is crafting. He firmly believes that the story should always take precedence and dictate the choices made regarding the cast. Gunn also reassured fans that Superman and Lois Lane are the central focus of the film.
Superman: Legacy promises to delve into the character's journey, exploring the delicate balance between his extraterrestrial origins from the planet Krypton and his humble upbringing in Smallville. Per the official synopsis, the film aims to portray Superman as a symbol of truth, justice, and the American way, relying on his inherent human kindness to navigate a world that often overlooks these virtues. The narrative focuses on Superman's personal growth and inner conflicts as he strives to reconcile the contrasting aspects of his identity, seeking to leave a lasting impact on the world around him.
What to Expect From Superman: Legacy
Superman: Legacy is set to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved superhero character. David Corenswet, known for his roles in Netflix series like The Politician and House of Cards, has been cast to portray Clark Kent. Alongside him, Rachel Brosnahan, acclaimed for her performance in the Prime Video series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has been chosen to bring the spirited reporter Lois Lane to life. Director James Gunn aims to explore new adventures and character development, steering away from the familiar origin story that fans have come to know.
In an interview with the newspaper El País, James Gunn emphasized his commitment to breaking away from formulaic patterns often found in other superhero franchises. Rather than repeating the same old content, Gunn seeks to create engaging and thought-provoking films that captivate audiences. By selecting talented directors and writers, he aims to infuse the DCU with their unique storytelling prowess.
"I’m hiring great directors and great writers. It’s going to be interesting stuff, if nothing else. That’s what I’d rather make, stuff that’s interesting and doesn’t work, than stuff that is just the same old thing that we’ve seen again and again.”
Prior to Gunn and Peter Safran's involvement, reports emerged about Ta-Nehisi Coates writing a new Superman movie produced by J.J. Abrams. Gunn previously mentioned not having read the screenplay yet but expressed openness to the Coates-Abrams project existing as a separate DC Elseworlds film, unrelated to Superman: Legacy. He said: “Those two things are totally unrelated. That’s an exciting movie. I know that Chantal Nong, who is the executive on that project, is extremely excited about it. So if it comes in and it’s great, which I haven’t read the script, and if the timing is right, that could absolutely happen. That’s totally unrelated. It would be an Elseworlds tale like Joker.”
Superman: Legacy is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.