Updated as of June 6, 2025
Comic book movies remain a must-see aspect of the Hollywood landscape, even in 2025. The genre of films dominated the 2010s and, with plenty more to come in the years ahead, they are continuing to make their presence felt on the silver screen throughout the 2020s.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been evolving its release strategy over the past few years as it figured out how to expand its Multiverse Saga without oversaturating the market at the same time, ensuring that it can continue moving forward to develop content for many years to come. Sony Marvel movies have also been supplementing the genre with sporadic releases, however limited financial success may prevent Sony from continuing with their separate Marvel universe - especially after the failure of Kraven the Hunter in 2024. On the contrary, DC is restarting its Justice League-based franchise, with big promises from studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran and their new DC Universe.
We are here to help you keep track of superhero movie mania. What is the next big release? Will it be a part of a shared movie universe that you know and love? What cast members are set to return in the sequel?
The live-action movies that follow have confirmed theatrical opening dates. Here are the latest updates to the release date schedule.
Superman
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Director: James Gunn
Writer: James Gunn
Cast:
• David Corenswet – Superman/Clark Kent
• Rachel Brosnahan – Lois Lane
• Nicholas Hoult – Lex Luthor
• Maria Gabriela de Faria – Engineer/Angela Spica
• Nathan Fillion – Green Lantern/Guy Gardner
• Isabela Merced – Hawkgirl/Kendra Saunders
• Anthony Carrigan – Metamorpho/Rex Mason
• Edi Gathegi – Mister Terrific/Michael Holt
• Milly Alcock – Supergirl/Kara Zor-El
• Sean Gunn – Maxwell Lord
• Frank Grillo - Rick Flag Sr.
• Sara Sampaio – Eve Teschmacher
• Skyler Gisondo – Jimmy Olsen
• Wendell Pierce – Perry White
Although this will not be James Gunn’s first involvement with the DC Universe (changed from DC Extended Universe), Superman will make a grand entrance for the revamped film series that Gunn is overseeing, similar to how Kevin Feige runs the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gunn has previously developed The Suicide Squad and its Peacemaker spin-off show, and now will be heavily involved in Superman, again serving as both writer and director.
With Henry Cavill officially grounded, David Corenswet will now fly high as the last son of Krypton. The other big parts filling in the story are Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, and Nathan Fillion as the Guy Gardner edition of Green Lantern. Fillion is a notable James Gunn regular, most recently applying his straight-faced humor in Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Similar to previous Superman iterations, such as Richard Donner’s original Superman, Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, the titular hero will be played by a lesser-known actor. Corenswet’s career will likely benefit from his super-role, the way it did for Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill.
It is the juicy villainous part where highly regarded actors are brought in. Gene Hackman had already won his first Oscar (for The French Connection) before playing Lex Luthor. Kevin Spacey claimed two statues (The Usual Suspects and American Beauty) before taking on the same role. The antagonist switched to Zod for Man of Steel, portrayed by Oscar nominee Michael Shannon. Now, James Gunn has found his Luthor in Nicholas Hoult – not yet a major award winner, but one could prognosticate a comparison to the other thespians, based on his performances in A Single Man, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Favourite. Not to mention, he just had a killer few months, with the release of Juror #2, The Order, and Nosferatu in late 2024.