Guardians Of The Galaxy Director James Gunn To Direct DCU’s Superman: Legacy

Earlier this year, James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, Peacemakers) and Peter Safran (Aquaman Producers), both co-CEOs of DC Studios, unveiled the lineup for the first chapter of the DC cinematic universe. The first chapter of the DCU, titled Gods and Monsters, will feature at least 10 film and television projects. One of those projects is a new Superman movie called Superman: Legacy.

At the time of the film’s announcement, it was rumored that Gunn would direct it, but that has not been confirmed. However, Safran said he personally hopes Gunn will direct. Yesterday, Gunn confirmed on Twitter that he will indeed be directing Superman: Legacy with a heartfelt post.

“Yes, I am directing Superman: Legacy, which is due out July 11, 2025,” Gunn tweeted. “My brother Matt told me when he saw the release date he started crying. I asked him why. He said, ‘Dude, it’s Dad’s birthday.’ I would not have noticed it. I lost my father almost three years ago. He was my best friend. He didn’t understand me as a kid, but he supported my love of comics and my love of film, and I wouldn’t be making this film right now without him.

It’s been a long road to this point. I was offered Superman years ago – I initially said no because I didn’t have an opportunity that felt unique, fun and emotional that gave Superman the dignity he deserved. Then, a little less than a year ago, I saw a path in that in many ways centered on Superman’s legacy — both how his aristocratic Kryptonian parents and his Kansas peasant parents informed who he is and the choices he makes meets.

“So I decided to finally write the screenplay. But I was reluctant to direct, despite constant harassment from Peter Safran and others to sign me up (sorry, Peter). Just because I’m writing something doesn’t mean I feel it in my bones, visually and emotionally, enough to direct for over two years, especially not on this scale.

But in a nutshell, I love this script and I’m incredibly excited as we begin this journey. #Up and away”

Superman: Legacy is slated to hit theaters on July 11, 2025 and, according to Safran, is “the start of the DCU.” The co-CEO also revealed that while this is the formal launch of the DCU, Superman: Legacy will not be an origin story. Safran says it will instead focus on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, before addressing a decades-old theme of the hero: “He’s the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way. He’s kindness in a world that thinks kindness is old-fashioned.”

At the time of Superman: Legacy’s announcement, it was revealed that a separate Superman film, produced by JJ Abrams and written by Te-Nehisi Coates, was still in development but will exist outside of the DCU, much like Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise, starring Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader, will do the same.

For a full breakdown of DCU’s early film and television projects, check out our list here. For more superhero action, check out the latest Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League gameplay trailer, which confirms that the game will have a Battle Pass and free DLC post-launch.

Are you looking forward to Superman: Legacy? Let us know in the comments below!