Superman: Legacy is ‘not a workplace origin’ claims DC Studios boss James Gunn

The dawn of a new era: James Gunn talks about the rebooting of the DC Universe and Superman: Legacy.

When it comes to superhero universes, change is the only constant. For fans of DC Comics’ legendary roster of caped crusaders and masked vigilantes, the winds of change are blowing once again. This time, they’re guided by the visionary hands of DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, who face the monumental task of reinvigorating the DC Universe (DCU). But as anyone familiar with the process knows, rebooting isn’t just about dusting off old narratives—it’s about weaving together threads of familiarity with fresh elements to create an engaging tapestry of superheroic adventures.

The new DCU journey is akin to navigating a multiverse: do you start anew or lean on the rich history and fan love of existing characters? Does the old lore go out of the window, or does it shape the contours of the new world? These are the tricky questions that Gunn and Safran must have wrestled with as they began the herculean task of reshaping the DCU.

Superman : Legacy might reshape the DCU but it won’t be a workplace origin story

In true Gunn fashion, he recently took to Reddit to shed some light on this process, particularly to clarify the confusion surrounding Nathan Fillion’s character in the upcoming film, Superman: Legacy. Fans familiar with Fillion’s role as Cory Pitzner, a.k.a. T.D.K., in The Suicide Squad, were perplexed by his casting as a Green Lantern in the Superman reboot. To this, Gunn replied: “DC Studios movies (and canon) start with [Superman:] Legacy.” Thus, much of what we’ve seen before in the DCEU won’t carry over.

One other thing that won’t happen is Superman: Legacy being a workplace origin as initially reported. Gunn clarified by taking to Threads and adding in response to a fan question about that:

"“I didn’t say it was a workplace origin story (it’s not). I said it takes place during Clark’s earlier years at the Daily Planet.”"

That points out that while Legacy is set to be an origin story for Superman, it may not prioritize Clark Kent’s career as a journalist like fans initially thought and lean more so on him becoming Superman. Though details are scarce, Gunn has been actively talking and responding to fans on Threads regarding the DCU and its future – we can only hope more details will sprout of out these interactions.

While the DCU is getting a major overhaul under Gunn’s leadership, familiar faces aren’t entirely vanishing. Some actors are returning to reprise their roles but with a twist, as Gunn infuses the characters with his distinctive flair, setting the stage for a new tonal shift in the DCU. Notable returnees include Peacemaker cast members John Cena as Christopher Smith, a.k.a. Peacemaker, Freddie Stroma as Adrian Chase, a.k.a. Vigilante, and Steve Agee as John Economos and more as the show will return for a second season. The indomitable Viola Davis will continue to command the screen as Amanda Waller in the upcoming Waller series for Max, and Xolo Maridueña will keep the scarab attached to his spine as Jaime Reyes, a.k.a. Blue Beetle.

The future of Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, and Jason Momoa within the rebooted DCU, however, remains up in the air. Their involvement or lack thereof is yet another fascinating thread in the intricate tapestry that Gunn and Safran are weaving.

One thing’s for sure: DC fans are in for a wild ride. With Gunn and Safran at the helm, the DCU is being reinvented from the ground up.

It’s a fresh start, a new day, and as Gunn put it best, a… Legacy.