Superman release date, cast, plot & more
Netflix/DCHere’s everything we know about the Superman release date, including the cast James Gunn has assembled for the DC blockbuster, and what storyline he is giving the iconic hero.
First announced in December 2022, Superman will serve as the entry point in Gunn and co-DC Studios head Peter Safran’s revamped DC Universe.
As with any Superman movie, there’s a lot riding on the production, but even more so as it has the unenviable task of needing to make audiences care about this cinematic universe again. No pressure, then, for writer-director Gunn.
There has been plenty of noise around this one already, and we’ve compiled all the information you need about the Superman release date, cast, and plot.
Superman release date – When is the movie out?
Superman will fly into cinemas on July 11, 2025.
Given how often release dates for films change, huge blockbuster movies, and superhero titles—not to mention the writers’ and actors’ strikes—there was concern that this date would change. Thankfully, these concerns proved unfounded, and Superman: Legacy will stick the landing on its July 2025 premiere date.
Is there a trailer?
After months of build-up and teasing fans, the first trailer for Superman dropped on December 19, 2024. While only just over two minutes long, the footage had a lot for fans to be excited about.
The new Superman film is stacked with comic book characters from Lex Luthor, Hawkgirl, Lois Lane, Guy Gardner, and more. Even Krypto makes an appearance in the trailer and looks as cute as ever.
Superman plot – What will the film be about?
From Gunn’s comments and comic book inspirations, we know Superman will tell the story of a younger version of Superman, while also exploring Clark Kent’s conflict between human and hero.
Shortly after James Gunn announced Superman, he confirmed that the film will focus on a much younger incarnation of the Man of Steel than fans are used to seeing on the big screen. DC Studios subsequently issued an official Superman: Legacy plot synopsis that offered further details about the reboot’s plot.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, the synopsis reads: “[Superman: Legacy] focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned.”
Gunn later elaborated on both his earlier statements and the synopsis, clarifying that the movie isn’t an origin story, despite being headlined by a more fresh-faced Superman. “[Superman’s] working,” Gunn said at a press event (as relayed by Collider). “He’s a reporter. He’s at the Daily Planet.”
Superman cast and crew – Who will be involved in the movie?
The Superman cast will be led by David Corenswet in the titular role, and will also include:
- David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho
- María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer
- Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher
- Milly Alcock as Supergirl
- Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord
- Wendell Pierce as Perry White
David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan were announced as the leads in the Superman cast in June 2023. Corenswet is best known for Netflix’s The Politician and Ti West horror flick Pearl. Meanwhile, Brosnahan has garnered considerable acclaim for the titular role in Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Since then, additional casting information has come to light, either directly from Gunn or via industry outlets. Of the supporting roles announced, the most high-profile include Nicholas Hoult as Superman’s nemesis, Lex Luthor, and Skyler Gisondo as Daily Planet cub reporter Jimmy Olsen.
Sasha Calle, known for playing Supergirl in The Flash, will not be reprising her role in Superman. Instead, the film will introduce a new DCU Supergirl. It was announced in January 2024 that the new Supergirl would be played by House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock.
Filming is expected to get underway soon. Reports indicate a table read will be occurring sometime in February in Atlanta.
Switching to the opposite side of the camera, as mentioned above, DC Studios co-chair and co-CEO James Gunn will write and direct Superman: Legacy. Gunn’s previous credits include all three installments in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, as well as DC’s most recent Suicide Squad film.
Is Superman connected to the DCEU?
No, Superman is a brand new iteration of Superman and will have no connections to Henry Cavill’s take on the Man of Steel or the other heroes in the now defunct DCEU.
This is a fresh slate for DC movies, so everything that has come before like Cavill, Ben Affleck’s Batman, and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, are now relics of the past. Superman will kick-start the new era of the DCU.
Keep checking back here as we will update this section with new Superman information as it drops.