Insider Reports Reveal How Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Will Differ Dramatically from Snyder’s ‘Man of Steel’

For over a year now, it’s been well-known that James Gunn is crafting his own cinematic universe to replace the failed DCEU. Initially, an ambitious effort to replicate the MCU’s success, the DCEU faced more challenges than anticipated, leading to a strategic shift with Gunn and Peter Safran appointed as co-CEOs of DC Studios.

While the DCU’s official launch is still some time away, it will technically begin with the release of ‘Creature Commandos’ in December. However, Gunn and Safran have emphasized that ‘Superman,’ set to debut on July 11, 2025, will mark the true beginning of the DCU.

Principal photography for the film began on February 29, 2024, in the Adventdalen valley of Svalbard, Norway, aligning with Superman’s canonical birthday. Filming continued at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, starting March 8, 2024, and was scheduled to run until August 2, 2024. Additional shoots took place in Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio, from April 1 to August 23, with Cleveland scenes being filmed from June 24 to July 16, and Cincinnati wrapping up on July 30, 2024.

During this period, various set leaks emerged, receiving mixed reactions from fans—some praised the updates while others criticized the costumes for appearing low-budget. Despite limited details about the movie, recent insider reports have generated optimism. Industry insider Daniel Richtman has indicated that the film is “fantastic” and markedly different from Zack Snyder’s ‘Man of Steel.’

[Superman] is fantastic, and a complete shift to hardcore sci-fi and fantasy, the exact opposite of Man of Steel. It’s set in a world very different from ours and far removed from the DCEU. Heroes have been around for ages, and we’ll see how it affected this world’s history and has shaped the DCU. […] The DCU will feature various projects set across different timelines, not just present day. So more in line with the approach of Star Wars than Marvel.

Richtman’s claims support earlier reports suggesting that Gunn is adopting a more upbeat and classic take on Superman, reminiscent of the Christopher Reeve films.

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