The premiere for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 took place yesterday evening, but director James Gunn couldn't escape questions about his DCU future on the red carpet!
Asked about Superman: Legacy, a movie the DC Studios co-CEO will write and direct, Gunn started by jokingly confirming he won't be casting Star-Lord actor Chris Pratt as the Man of Steel. He'd add, "It’s hard but we’re looking. And we actually have some really great choices, which I’m excited about."
As for what he specifically wants in this new Superman, "It has to be somebody who has all the humanity that Superman has, but he’s also an alien. It’s gotta be somebody who has the kindness and compassion that Superman has. And it has to be somebody that you’d want to give you a hug."
Gunn concluded by saying, "You know, all the Supermen have been good, so we just have to add to that story."
Superman: Legacy won't be another origin story but the Clark Kent we meet for the first time here will be a "cub reporter" in Metropolis and is expected to have already met Lois Lane and his fellow heroes.
Presumably, the actor Gunn casts will be in his early to mid-20s, and there's already been chatter that whoever is cast will be front and centre in DC Studios' decade-long plan. Pre-production is currently underway before the movie begins shooting next January.
"Superman: Legacy tells the story of Superman's journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas," reads the movie's synopsis. "He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned."
Superman: Legacy is set to be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.