Superman: Legacy’s Production Designer Praises James Gunn’s Specific Vision For The DC Movie

Superman in front of Daily Planet building on Action Comics #1000 cover
(Image credit: DC Comics)

The DC Universe is known for its twists and turns, both in front and behind the camera. This trend continued once James Gunn and Peter Safran were named co-CEOs, and began crafting their vision for the new DCU. This new chapter will begin with Superman: Legacy, which will be both written and directed by Gunn. And that upcoming DC movie’s production designer recently praised Gunn’s specific vision for the highly anticipated blockbuster.

The pressure will be on for Superman: Legacy to deliver, especially since Henry Cavill isn’t returning to the role. Filmmaker James Gunn has been assembling a killer cast, which includes a number of superheroes from DC lore. He’s collaborating with production designer Beth Mickle, who recently spoke to ScreenRant about working with the Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker. She shared her perspective, saying:

That does mean I am doing the new Superman film, and it couldn't be more of an honor. I'm very happy. We're all very excited to be a part of the team. We're very lucky that he comes with a crystal clear vision of what he wants his movies to be. And that's not often the case.

Well, that’s intriguing. It sounds like James Gunn knows exactly what type of movie he’s hoping to bring to life with Superman: Legacy. This will no doubt help to make everyone’s job easier, as various designers and department heads will have specific guidance. Mickle seems to be enjoying her time on the DC movie thus far.

Fans have been eagerly anticipating any updates about what’s coming James Gunn’s next DC flick, especially news about who might be playing the lead. The cast of Superman: Legacy is super strong, and fans are curious to see how the various other heroes factor into the story. Later in that same interview Beth Mickle spoke about the joy of working with a director with such a specific vision for his movie, saying:

A lot of times you're really finding it, or a lot of times a production designer and the costume designer find it for the director. But he comes always with a brilliant first draft of the script, which is also very rare, and a really clear idea of how the movie's going to be shot, what he wants it to feel like. He has strong references. He has fantastical musical references, and he's really articulate about it. He really lays out this wonderful roadmap for my team and me and the other creative departments to follow.

Honestly, sign me up. Those of who have watched Gunn’s other superhero projects like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad know all too well how his taste in music and other sensibilities make their way into each movie. And this specificity also includes the script, camera angles, and likely the design elements of each movie. And I personally can’t wait to see Gunn’s take on a Superman movie

The next DC movie hitting theaters is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom on December 10th. Superman: Legacy is currently expected to be released on July 11th, 2025. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

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Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.