Summary
- James Gunn's Superman movie makes exciting choices for a unique Metropolis, already beating Cavill's Superman.
- Cavill's Superman was shrouded in controversy due to confusing creative decisions by the DCEU.
- The DCU's iconic cities need unique designs to establish a rich and diverse world, starting with Superman's Metropolis.
James Gunn is hard at work on movies in the DCEU. Now, the franchise hopes to shift towards a new chapter with the star of the new DCU, spearheaded by Gunn and Peter Safran, DC Studios co-CEOs.
Despite playing Superman for nearly a decade, Cavill only led one solo movie as the hero, appearing in a couple of crossover projects after that. When he was onscreen, Cavill showed glimpses of the perfect Superman within, though the DCEU made some confusing creative decisions with the hero, which included changes to his core cast of characters and beloved city. Now, the new DC Universe is reworking those decisions, and after recent reveals, it is clear that Gunn's Superman reboot is already beating Cavill's Superman based on a key change.

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David Corenswet has officially been cast as Clark Kent in the DCU’s Superman: Legacy, leading many to wonder about his career up to this point.
The DCU Metropolis Feels Unique & Henry Cavill’s Did Not
Set Photos Reveal The DCU Metropolis' Look
Gunn has managed to keep a tight lid on Superman's production. Aside from officially released set photos, not much has been revealed about the Superman movie. However, now that the DCU project is getting ready to film outdoors in Cleveland, Ohio, Superman set photos have started to come out, including a new look at Corenswet as Superman in action. With DC preparing the movie's set to start filming, the first look at the DCU's Metropolis has been revealed through set photos, and it will be very different from the DCEU's.
In the DCEU, Metropolis and The Daily Planet looked just like any other city, which was a boring choice. Thankfully, the DCU will correct that, presenting a stylized look for its Metropolis as shown in the Superman reboot set photos. As revealed by the set photos shared by @DCUSuperNews/Twitter, the DCU's Metropolis will have a retro style that comes straight from the comics, with storefronts showing a bright design that screams the City of Tomorrow. Instead of being dull like the DCEU's the Superman reboot's Metropolis will feel unique.
Check out the Superman reboot set photos of Metropolis here.
How The DCU Can Make The Most Of DC’s Iconic Cities
World-Building is Key
The DCU needs to take some cues from its Metropolis design for the rest of DC's iconic cities. Since Gunn has shown that he understands DC's iconic settings, it should be expected that each location will feel unique. Gotham City could have a noir inspiration, Themyscira needs to be a lush island, Central City can be a technologically advanced city, and so on. Having each city stand with a singular design allows the DCU to establish a rich and diverse world from the get-go, which would be key in making the franchise feel fresh, starting with Superman's Metropolis.

Superman
- Release Date
- July 11, 2025
- Director
- James Gunn
- Writers
- James Gunn, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
- Producers
- Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran
- Franchise(s)
- DCU
Cast
- Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El
- Rachel BrosnahanLois Lane
- Nicholas HoultLex Luthor
- Edi GathegiMichael Holt / Mister Terrific
Superman: This film follows Clark Kent, a cub reporter in Metropolis, as he navigates the complexities of his dual identity, struggling to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing while embracing his role as Superman.
DC Movies |
Release Date |
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October 4, 2024 |
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July 11, 2025 |
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June 26, 2026 |
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October 2, 2026 |