Superman: Legacy director James Gunn has given a new update on the selection process for the franchise's new Man of Steel. The news, which came in a recent interview, also came with Gunn's reservations about the discourse surrounding the casting.
Although the project won’t be the first project to premiere, Superman: Legacy will likely be the most important piece of the puzzle in Gunn and Peter Safran's retooling of the DC cinematic universe following Gunn's confirmation that The Flash would be a soft reboot of the DCEU. Based on the eternally popular DC Comics character, Superman: Legacy will focus on a younger, less experienced Superman and how his dual heritage as a blue-blooded son of Krypton and humble upbringing as a farmer’s boy in Kansas shape the man he becomes. Gunn stated early on that he will direct the film, which he also wrote.
Since Henry Cavill confirmed he would not return as Superman, the matter of his replacement has been a point of interest for almost everyone interested in the DCU, more so even than the film’s plot. Fortunately for fans, Gunn has offered an update on the casting process. Speaking on Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, Gunn noted, “Now that we’ve kind of done a lot of auditions, we’re narrowing it down,” further clarifying that “We’re not done yet.” With the film slated for a 2025 release and the expectation that it will be foundational to the new DCU, it makes sense that the careful selection process would be nearing its end soon.
Gunn, who first gave an update on the DCU's new Superman when he confirmed casting had started in April, also took out time to air some grievances with the conversation surrounding the casting. “There’s things in there that are completely false, but I can’t go out there and say, ‘Oh, this isn’t true, and this isn’t true’ without going through everything,” Gunn said. “And by the way, it’s not the audience’s — at this point, I don’t think it’s the business of anyone who is screen-testing for a role. That is a very private thing.” He added, “There’s a lot of nonsense that comes out of it, and that’s difficult because there’s people out there that are supposedly testing that aren’t, and that must be difficult for them as people. And there’s other people that might be testing… and I think it’s a private thing between me and them.”
While encouraging, the update is unsurprising, as reports from early May indicated that the selection pool had been narrowed down to just a few picks for Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Gunn's primary concern seemed to be that fans and others concern themselves with the decision less and focus more on the anticipation for the film itself, which Gunn seems invested in. “It’s not an origins story,” he’s previously said, discussing his vision for the film. “It 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.”
While the news of progress on the Superman casting is positive, some fans still have reservations about the whole affair. When details about the age of Gunn's proposed lead were revealed, many fans concluded that the replacement of the beloved former Man of Steel was due to Gunn having some personal beef with Cavill, with the accomplished director having to set the record straight on his feelings toward Cavill. Whether the selection process will turn up a star who the more resentful fans can also get behind remains to be seen.
Superman: Legacy is currently expected to release on June 11th, 2025.