James Gunn to direct new Superman movie and announces special release date

James Gunn announced Wednesday that he will write and direct the new Superman movie that is scheduled to open on July 11, 2025.

The new project, “Superman: Legacy,” is the first installment in a planned cross-platform release of superhero content from DC Studios and HBO Max. The studio calls this “Phase 1” “Gods and Monsters,” Variety reports.

The cast has yet to be established, but the studio released a first synopsis of what awaits us in the film.

TO Wednesday press release from Warner Bros. Pictures said it will present “the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees goodness as passé.”

Gunn had said in the fall that he was writing a new Superman script and that Henry Cavill would not return to the role as his project deals with the hero’s younger years.

Director took to Twitter on Wednesday to share some of his feelings about the advertisement. Gunn said he was offered the project years ago, but initially turned it down because he had no way to make it “feel unique and fun and emotional that would give Superman the dignity he deserved.”

“A little under a year ago I saw a way in, in many ways centered around Superman’s heritage: how both his aristocratic Kryptonian parents and his Kansas farmer parents inform who he is and the choices he makes.”

Gunn also shared that the upcoming release date has special meaning. July 11 is the birthday of his late father, whom he lost three years ago and whom he says helped foster his love of comics and movies.

Gunn now serves as CEO of DC Studios with partner Peter Safran, and previously served as a writer/director on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films as well as 2021’s “Suicide Squad,” among many others.