Director James Gunn has been actively sharing behind-the-scenes looks at his highly anticipated film, ‘Superman,’ providing fans with an intimate view of the production process and the vision guiding the new DC Universe. These glimpses have offered exciting insights into the movie’s tone, scale, and dedicated craftsmanship, particularly highlighting the groundbreaking use of virtual production.
Filming and Production: A Meticulous Journey Powered by Virtual Production
Principal photography for ‘Superman’ officially commenced on February 29, 2024, and concluded on July 30, 2024. The production spanned various locations, bringing to life iconic settings from the Superman mythos. Cleveland, Ohio, the hometown of Superman’s creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, served as a primary location for Metropolis scenes, with landmarks like Public Square and the Detroit-Superior Bridge being transformed into the hero’s urban playground. The serene towns of LaGrange and Macon, Georgia, also doubled for Smallville, providing authentic backdrops for Clark Kent’s formative years.
A significant leap in the production process was the extensive use of virtual production at Trilith Studios. Director James Gunn leveraged the cutting-edge LED volume to bring key moments to life with unprecedented realism. This included breathtaking sequences of Superman soaring through the clouds, the intense alien battle outside Clark Kent’s apartment, and the visually stunning anti-proton river. All of these dynamic scenes were captured on the Lux Stage Atlanta, powered by Sweetwater Film and Entertainment.
Utilizing an LED volume provided the creative team with immense freedom. It allowed for greater camera movement, the creation of highly immersive and realistic lighting that reacted dynamically to the on-screen action, and, crucially, gave actors genuine environments to react to, eliminating the need for green screen guesswork. This innovative approach to filmmaking allowed for storytelling on a whole new level, with Trilith’s state-of-the-art sound stages and advanced technology playing a pivotal role in bringing Gunn’s grand vision to life.
Cinematographer Henry Braham, a frequent collaborator with Gunn, employed Panavised Red V-Raptor [X] cameras, aiming for a grounded yet visually expansive style. He emphasized the intense preparation, storyboarding, and pre-visualization involved in bringing Gunn’s vision to life, particularly for complex action sequences that greatly benefited from the virtual production environment. Gunn has consistently highlighted his commitment to “over-prepare” and ensure a finished script before filming commences, a disciplined approach that underscores the deliberate and thoughtful creation of this foundational film for the new DCU.
Throughout filming and post-production, Gunn has periodically shared updates, including a significant behind-the-scenes look released on April 18, 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of Superman’s debut in Action Comics #1 (1938). This footage, along with extended sequences shown at Warner Bros.’s CinemaCon panel in April 2025, showcased elaborate sets, costumes, and a clear emphasis on Superman’s inherent hopefulness and his bond with Krypto, all enhanced by the immersive virtual sets.
Project Success: Flying High at the Box Office
‘Superman’ officially soared into theaters on July 11, 2025, marking the cinematic launch of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe, following the animated series ‘Creature Commandos’. Early indicators suggest a strong performance for the film.
While the exact budget is not publicly disclosed, ‘Superman’ is on track to become one of the highest-grossing superhero movies of 2025 so far, having surpassed the global gross of films like Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts*’ and ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. The film has garnered “near-universal praise from critics and fans,” with many commending its fresh take on the iconic hero.
Domestically, ‘Superman’ has demonstrated a strong showing, though some reports indicate softer international numbers than anticipated. Gunn has attributed this in part to varying levels of brand recognition for Superman outside the U.S. and potential geopolitical factors. However, despite these nuances, ‘Superman’ has held its position as the number one film globally for its initial weeks, indicating significant widespread appeal.
The critical and audience reception has largely been positive, with many highlighting the film’s focus on themes of “hope” and “kindness.” Former Superman actor Brandon Routh even expressed his admiration for the 2025 reboot, stating he “cried no less than three times” while watching it, underscoring the emotional impact Gunn’s vision has had on those who have seen it.
As the first live-action feature film in the new DCU, ‘Superman’ carries the weight of establishing the tone and direction for future installments. The current box office trajectory and widespread positive reception suggest that James Gunn’s meticulous approach, powered by cutting-edge virtual production, and hopeful vision have indeed resonated, setting a promising precedent for the cinematic universe to come.
