James Gunn has officially locked the first major chapter of his DC Universe reboot. On June 5, 2025, the director confirmed via social media that ‘Superman’ is 100% finished, with all post-production—including visual effects—fully completed.
Gunn celebrated the milestone with a message of appreciation for the cast, crew, and VFX teams who helped bring the highly anticipated film to life.
The announcement comes just weeks ahead of the film’s July 11, 2025 theatrical release, setting the stage for a new era of DC storytelling under the “Gods and Monsters” banner. This film marks the first full-length feature in DC Studios’ revamped cinematic universe, co-led by Gunn and producer Peter Safran.
Our last visual effect shot has been finished and dropped into #Superman. We are now 100% done. Thanks to all my collaborators! It has been a joy. And for the rest of you – I can’t wait for you to see the movie July 11.
– James Gunn on X
A New Man of Steel for a New DC
Leading the charge is David Corenswet, stepping into the iconic role of Superman. Known for his performances in ‘Pearl’ and ‘The Politician,’ Corenswet is set to bring a younger, more earnest Clark Kent to the big screen. He stars opposite Rachel Brosnahan (‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’) as a sharp and career-driven Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as a reimagined, tech-savvy Lex Luthor. Early reports suggest this Luthor may wield more media power than military might.
Gunn’s Superman is not an origin story, but rather a character study of a man caught between two worlds—his Kryptonian legacy and his Earthly morals. This duality drives the emotional weight of the film, exploring Superman’s attempt to be a symbol of hope in a cynical modern world.
Runtime, Tone, and Giant Kaiju?
Clocking in at 2 hours and 9 minutes, Gunn emphasized that the film’s pacing and length were deliberate creative choices, with no studio pressure to extend or cut material. In true Gunn fashion, the movie promises both heart and spectacle. He previously teased elements like robots, “monster babies,” and even a giant kaiju during a CinemaCon presentation—hinting that this Superman will blend grounded storytelling with high-concept comic book chaos.
According to Gunn, his biggest inspiration for the film came from an unexpected source: a Japanese movie he hasn’t publicly named but describes as a story about identity and honor—further suggesting that ‘Superman’ may carry more introspective, global themes than previous iterations.
A Soft Reboot With Big Expectations
While not fully erasing the past DCEU, Gunn’s Superman acts as a tonal and narrative reset. Characters like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific are set to appear, subtly seeding future stories while focusing the core of the film on Superman’s personal and philosophical journey.
There’s no doubt expectations are high. DC Studios needs a win after the critical and commercial misfires of recent years. With Marvel Studios in a period of transition and superhero fatigue a growing concern, ‘Superman’ could set the standard for a more thoughtful and character-driven era of comic book movies.
Now that it’s locked and loaded, all eyes are on July 11. Will James Gunn’s Superman truly soar? We’ll find out soon.
Another Great Superhero Movie: Aquaman 2
DC’s underwater saga continued with “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” which premiered in theaters on December 22, 2023. This film served as the final entry in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Directed by James Wan and starring Jason Momoa in his last appearance as Arthur Curry, the movie promised high stakes and stunning visuals, though its journey was as turbulent as the ocean itself.
The film was released digitally on January 23, 2024, and later became available on DVD on March 12, 2024. While its box office performance was disappointing compared to its 2018 predecessor, it saw a resurgence on streaming platforms, climbing into the Top 3 globally on Netflix by May 2025. Originally scheduled for a 2022 release, the sequel faced numerous delays due to COVID-19 complications and strategic reshuffles within DC Studios. By the time it hit theaters, it not only served as a blockbuster sequel but also marked the end of a decade-long cinematic universe.
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” may not have matched the commercial success of the first film, but it offered a conclusive and visually compelling experience. With its mythic storytelling, themes of brotherly redemption, and a timely reminder of environmental issues, it bids farewell to a cinematic era while leaving fans eager to see what awaits beneath the surface of the DC Universe.
Key Takeaways
- Released in theaters on December 22, 2023, with a digital release on January 23, 2024, and physical release on March 12, 2024.
- Final installment of the DC Extended Universe, preceding the DCU reboot by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
- Found success on Netflix in 2025, despite lukewarm box office performance.
- Jason Momoa’s last turn as Aquaman; he will next appear as Lobo in DC’s revamped universe.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Overview
As Arthur Curry embraces his role as King of Atlantis, a new threat emerges: Black Manta, now wielding an ancient black trident infused with dark magic. To stop him, Arthur must forge an unlikely alliance with his estranged half-brother Orm, the former Ocean Master. Together, they dive into the secrets of a long-lost Atlantean civilization with devastating potential.
The film explores fatherhood, duty, and environmental reckoning—all wrapped in high-octane underwater action and ancient mythos. The titular Lost Kingdom, a forgotten realm of Atlantean splendor and tragedy, plays a central role as both mystery and warning.
Cast and Characters
- Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman
- Patrick Wilson as Orm / Ocean Master
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane / Black Manta
- Amber Heard as Mera (limited role)
- Nicole Kidman as Atlanna
- Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus
- Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin
- Indya Moore as Karshon
- Pilou Asbæk in an undisclosed role
Jason Momoa closes out his Aquaman era with a performance balancing regal command and personal vulnerability. Patrick Wilson delivers a nuanced portrayal of Orm, shifting from rival to reluctant brother-in-arms. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Black Manta evolves into a darker, more mystical villain, driven by grief and vengeance.
Behind the Scenes & Production Challenges
Filmed across the UK and Australia, the production of Aquaman 2 utilized cutting-edge tech to simulate underwater movement without requiring full aquatic filming. James Wan once again infused the film with horror-inspired visuals and ambitious world-building, especially in crafting the eerie landscapes of the Lost Kingdom.
Despite public speculation over reshoots, producer Peter Safran clarified that while changes were made, the film remained faithful to the intended narrative. Wan’s commitment to blending spectacle with personal stakes remained a hallmark of the sequel.
Box Office & Streaming Reception
Globally, the film earned around $439 million—a far cry from the $1.1 billion of the original. Analysts attributed the dip to franchise fatigue, pandemic-impacted viewing habits, and uncertainty surrounding DC’s transition period. However, the film’s revival on Netflix in mid-2025, where it ranked among the top-streamed titles, highlights its staying power among global audiences.
With a production budget reportedly exceeding $200 million, the movie was not a financial knockout but succeeded in closing out the DCEU with an emotionally grounded epic that found renewed appreciation through home viewing platforms.
Future of Aquaman in the DC Universe
With the DCEU officially sunset, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom concludes Jason Momoa’s journey as Arthur Curry. However, fans of the actor won’t have to wait long—Momoa is confirmed to play the alien antihero Lobo in the upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, part of the new DC Universe launching in 2026 under James Gunn’s leadership.
As DC resets its continuity, characters and storylines from the DCEU are being left behind in favor of fresh starts and reimaginings. Whether Aquaman resurfaces in the new timeline remains to be seen—but for now, this sequel stands as a farewell to one of the DCEU’s most visually ambitious franchises.
