Headed by seasoned filmmaker James Gunn. DC Studios is finally finding its footing back. Gunn’s era at DC is set to start with a reboot of the Superman film series. The filming of what will be the first DC film under Gunn’s supervision Superman, previously titled Superman: Legacy has commenced in Svalbard, Norway.
Filming in the Arctic means that viewers will see Clark Kent in his Fortress of Solitude. All to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his adoptive human family; as the premise suggests. However, the film might share a similarity with Christopher Reeve’s Superman II, from the 80’s. And it might have something to do with the Fortress of Solitude.
James Gunn’s Superman Hinted at a Similarity with Christopher Reeve’s Superman II
James Gunn himself has posted some breathtaking shots of Svalbard from a helicopter, for his followers on Instagram. While speaking with a Norwegian news outlet, the Guardians of the Galaxy director spoke on how they filmed the initial scenes of the film in Svalbard. He told Svalbardposten (via Deadline):
“We have filmed the first scenes [in Svalbard], which show Superman fleeing to the Fortress of Solitude.”
Lars Winther, who serves as executive producer on the film also shared images from the Norwegian archipelago on his social media (via @DCFilmsNews on X/Twitter). It seems unlikely that the Superman crew will fly out to the freezing temperatures of the Arctic Circle only for some introductory shots of the Fortress. The fact that Gunn, along with Winter, is there is a bit of an inclination that the Fortress of Solitude might have a bigger role in the film than the director is letting on.
‘SUPERMAN’ EP, Lars P. Winther, some photos from Svalbard, Norway pic.twitter.com/h9yk4164Si
— DC Film News (@DCFilmNews) March 16, 2024
Gunn has emphasized time and again that the film is not an origin story (via Deadline). Rather, it is Superman attempting to reconcile his identity as the Last Son of Krypton with that of Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. This sounds like something that would involve some reflection and some window to the past.
Similar to what happened in Christopher Reeve’s Superman II, where he gives up his power at the Fortress, for the love of his life. Only to realize his duty, get his powers back and kill Captain Zod at the Fortress. Even in Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel, the Fortress plays a key role. That is where Kent understands his purpose on Earth.
It is highly plausible that Gunn’s Superman might do something similar and the Fortress could play a larger arc in Superman’s character development.
James Gunn’s Superman- What We Know So Far
James Gunn’s approach to the details of the film hasn’t exactly been what one could call super-secretive. The director shares just enough to keep fans in the loop, yet not enough to reveal the entire plot.
David Corenswet will be seen playing Superman. The film also stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer. The ensemble includes Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Sean Gunn, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Isabela Merced, and Nathan Fillion.
Some costume images are also floating around the internet, and the film will be shot entirely on IMAX (via Collider). DC’s favorite superhero is making a comeback and fans couldn’t be more thrilled.
Superman is set to hit theatres on July 11, 2025.
