James Gunn confirms he’ll be directing a new Superman movie for DC

The writer-director revealed that he had previously been offered a chance to direct a film about the Man of Steel but turned it down.

Gunn previously said that Superman: Legacy would mark “the true beginning of the DCU” and is set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.

In a post on Twitter, Gunn said his brother reminded him that this was the date of his late father’s birthday – which he was unaware of.

“I lost my father almost three years ago. He was my best friend,” Gunn wrote.

“He didn’t understand me as a kid, but he supported my love of comics and my love of film, and without him I wouldn’t be making this film now.

He continued: “It’s been a long road to get to this point.

“I was offered Superman years ago – I said no at first because I didn’t have the opportunity to feel unique, funny and emotional that gave Superman the dignity he deserved.”

Superman: Legacy, which will focus on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing – an angle Gunn said was his “entry” into the story.

“So I decided to finally write the screenplay. But I was reluctant to direct, despite the constant harassment from Peter Safran and others into signing me (sorry, Peter),” he said.

“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 something of this magnitude.

“But, long story short, I love this script and I’m incredibly excited as we begin this journey. #Up and away.”

Superman: Legacy was part of the new line of films Gunn announced after taking on the role of co-head of DC Studios alongside Safran.

The pair said their goal is to connect characters across the DC Universe as part of an eight to 10 year plan.

The announcement of the new Superman film came after it was revealed that Henry Cavill would not be returning to reprise the role in the new phase of the franchise.