Superman Reboot Movie Announced: First Plot Details Surface Online

By Savannah Sanders Updated:
Superman, Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh

New details about the plot of James Gunn's Superman reboot have been revealed as part of his new slate for the DCU

The Warner Bros. shake-up has finally hit Metropolis; and despite that Black Adam cameo, it appears that truth, justice, and a brand new way is what DC Studios has in mind. 

In a series of tweets, James Gunn, the new co-head of DC Studios, confirmed that a Superman film is in the works. However, his Son of Krypton won't be played by Henry Cavill, much to the actor's dismay.

This bombshell wasn't the only news Gunn had to share though.

In addition to helming the new DC Universe, the Guardians of the Galaxy director is also writing the reboot; and as part of this Superman news blitz, certain plot details have surfaced. 

James Gunn's Superman Story Revealed

Superman Metropolis Daily Planet
DC

In announcing that Henry Cavill won't be playing Superman in his upcoming film, James Gunn shared a few details about his Superman reboot, including that it centers "on an earlier part of Superman's life:" 

"Among those on the slate is Superman. In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman's life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill."

Variety reported on additional plot details, such as that the Man of Steel will be a cub reporter in Metropolis and cross paths with key Superman characters, Lois Lane included.

Gunn later confirmed that the movie would not be an origin story, simply saying "No way," in response to a fan on Twitter.

The report also claimed that Gunn's film isn't replacing J.J. Abrams and Ta-Nehisi Coates' Superman project, which is still in active development.

New Direction; Classic Superman Story?

While some fans are sure to be disappointed by Cavill being recast, the good news is that James Gunn - the writer and director of Marvel's Guardians franchise and DC's Peacemaker - won't just be calling shots behind a desk. 

Instead, Gunn is sticking to what he knows best and writing this Superman reboot. And, if anything, that should make fans rest a little easier. 

Now, it's worth noting that this isn't the first time Gunn has taken on a Superman tale. He did produce 2019's Brightburn, a dark twist on the Man of Steel's origin. 

Given his style and track record, audiences may be in for a fresh take on the tale; but one that sticks to the heart and classic Superman story beats, a la Metropolis and Lois Lane. 

Lastly, since Gunn also claimed that he's been writing this film for a while, it's possible that he shares additional story details in the months to come. 

But in the meantime, this string of announcements confirms that DC Studios has set a new course, and it's already well underway.

- In This Article: Superman: Legacy
Release Date
July 11, 2025
Platform
Theaters
- About The Author: Savannah Sanders
Savannah Sanders joined The Direct as a writer in 2020. In addition to writing for The Direct's Star Wars, Marvel, and DC teams, Savannah specializes in the relationship between Disney's blockbuster franchises and the Disney Parks.