DC fans were delighted when James Gunn shared the news that Krypto will be part of the much-awaited Superman: Legacy movie.
One of the most popular superheroes of all time, Superman has appeared in many live-action DC movies throughout the years. The initial movies featuring Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent received positive reviews from the audience for the most part. Superman Returns starring Brandon Routh, released in 2006, was also praised by fans but it didn't bring in the expected revenue.
In terms of financial performance, the following movies such as Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017) also paled in comparison to the blockbuster success achieved by superheroes movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans knew that the character and DC was in deperate need of a reboot and the entry of James Gunn felt like a sliver lining.
Gunn and Peter Safran were hired as co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios by Warner Bros. Discovery in 2022. They are currently working on building a connected DC Cinematic Universe, and of course, a new version of Superman is part of the plans. Titled Superman: Legacy, the upcoming feature film will be part of the "Gods and Monsters" phase of the new DC Universe.
Given that it has been a few years since the last time fans saw Superman on the big screen, fans have been waiting for any news that they can find to keep their spirits up. Although there is no definite news about the cast and plot yet, there have been a few hopeful announcements regarding the progress of the film.
The most recent revelation was made by Gunn himself who shared that fans can expect to see Krypto, the Superdog in Superman: Legacy.
5 things that ardent DC fans should know about Superman: Legacy
1) Krypto will make an appearance
Also from the planet Krypton, Krypto possesses superpowers similar to those of Superman's. The audience got to meet the character on the big screen in the movie, DC League of Super-Pets (2022).
During a recent interview for Toronto Sun, James Gunn who was joined by Chris Pratt, shared that he wanted to cast the actor in Superman: Legacy.
"I was hoping I could cast you as Krypto the Superdog (in Superman Legacy). You could do motion capture on set and walk around on your hands and knees, but you can’t talk."
His quote makes it clear that Krypto will indeed by joining Clark Kent aka Superman in the upcoming movie.
2) Not an origin story
When news of Superman: Legacy was first circulated all over the internet, many fans contemplated whether it will be an origin story. But Gunn was quick to respond and shared that it wasn't.
Superman: Legacy will focus on a young Superman working as a reporter and interacting with key characters, and his journey of reconciling his Kryptonian heritage with his Earth family in Smallville.
3) New Superman
Although there is not definite news about which actor will be playing the role of Clark Kent aka Superman, it is certain that Henry Cavill won't be returning to reprise the role.
Cavill did a good job playing the superhero, but as Superman: Legacy will mark the beginning of the new DC Universe, it is only logical for someone new and specifically, younger, to play the all-important character. Many names are up in the air but as of now, nothing hasn't been formally announced.
4) Inspired from All-Star Superman
It has been confirmed that Gunn is penning the script. Not only that, he will also be directing the film. He shared that Superman: Legacy will take inspiration from the comic book All-Star Superman (2005–2008) written by Grant Morrison, and drawn by Frank Quitely.
Often referred to as one of the greatest Superman stories ever told, All-Star Superman received positive reviews from both fans and critics for its emotional story, characterization, writing, and artwork.
5) 2025 release
Although the new Superman movie is a big part of the new DC Universe, fans will have to wait till 2025 to watch the character on the big screen once again. According to multiple reports, Superman: Legacy is scheduled to release on July 11, 2025. Filming will most likely begin in February 2024.
James Gunn recently tweeted a photo of the script and shared with fans that early pre-production of Superman: Legacy has started.
When it comes to superhero movies, Marvel has continued to surpass expectations for many years. DC fans are hoping that Superman: Legacy and the other plans in motion under the new DC Universe will be able to make a similar mark in the industry and at the box office. Only time will tell if its DC's time to shine.