Superman: Legacy starts filming and becomes simply Superman

On 29 February 2024, the cameras finally rolled on James Gunn’s Superman film, and the project picked up a new, simpler name. Superman: Legacy was now just Superman.

What we know

Gunn shared the news on the first day of principal photography. He explained that Superman: Legacy had been the title on his early drafts, but by the time the final script was locked, the right title had become obvious. The film was still dated for July 2025.

The start date carried a bit of comic-book magic. In the comics, Superman’s birthday is often given as 29 February, a leap day, and Gunn said the timing had not been planned. A few weeks earlier, Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav had told investors that shooting was imminent, describing the film as a source of optimism for the studio.

Why it matters

A straightforward title suited the film’s spirit: an unashamedly classic, hopeful take on the character. Filming, including a long stint in Cleveland, wrapped that summer. For the finished film, see our Superman (2025) guide, and for the Man of Steel’s long history on screen, our Superman films in order.

From the archive: written in November 2026 from the original reporting linked below.