James Gunn Sets the Record Straight on Kurt Russell's Role in Superman: Legacy

The Speculation Surrounding Kurt Russell in Superman: Legacy

One of the most highly anticipated upcoming DC Universe movies that is getting ready to start filming in a few months is Superman: Legacy, which will set the foundation for DC Studios' new superhero continuity. Starring David Corenswet as the titular hero, Superman: Legacy will focus on a young Clark Kent early in his career as the DC icon.

David Corenswet imagined as Clark in Superman: Legacy between Mister Terrific and Metamorpho from DC Comics

While the Superman: Legacy cast is getting rounded out, there have been rumors about Russell playing Superman's father, Jor-El, in the DC Universe reboot. However, as he has done in the past, Gunn took to social media to clear up some of the latest rumors.

James Gunn Talks Kurt Russell

When asked by TheDCOverlord on Threads if the IMDb listing of Russell in Superman: Legacy was true, Gunn stated that while he 'love[s] working with and directing Kurt,' it was never discussed. Gunn did stress that Russell is a 'hilarious and fun and talented guy,' as they worked together on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

James Gunn Debunks Kurt Russell In Superman Legacy Rumors

In a second response to the rumor, when DCVerso asked, Gunn added, 'although the mores of Krypton are certainly different than ours,' he was 'not sure I see him as the first-time father of a newborn!' This comes very shortly after Russell was asked recently about the Jor-El rumor himself, stating he would be open to the possibility of being cast in Superman: Legacy.

Will Superman's Father Appear In Superman: Legacy?

While there are several Superman and DC characters already lined up for Superman: Legacy, nothing has been stated yet about whether Jor-El will actually be part of the story. Since Gunn has already stated that it won't be an origin story, it wouldn't be shocking if they skip showing flashbacks to the day when Krypton was destroyed. If Superman: Legacy is taking place in the present with Clark already being the Man of Steel, it would probably mean he has already gone through his Kryptonian exploration with Jor-El and the Fortress of Solitude.

David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in Superman Legacy

Man of Steel is, to this point, the one Superman movie to have featured Jor-El the most, both through flashbacks on Krypton and as a holographic projection in the Fortress of Solitude. It wouldn't be shocking if Jor-El has a handful of scenes, just to establish where he and Clark are at in their relationship. But things could still change between now and the start of filming for Superman: Legacy in 2024.

Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner custom image

Time will also tell if characters like Martha and Jonathan Kent will be cast for Superman: Legacy and whether Gunn will tackle them differently from past Superman TV shows and movies. As 2023 gets closer to its end, there could always be another announcement or two before the holidays start. Hopefully, the full Superman: Legacy cast will be locked and set sooner rather than later as production gets ready to kick off in March 2024.

Superman Legacy's Isabela Merced and Hawkgirl custom News image

The Future of Superman: Legacy and its Cast

As 2023 gets closer to its end, there could always be another announcement or two before the holidays start. Hopefully, the full Superman: Legacy cast will be locked and set sooner rather than later as production gets ready to kick off in March 2024.

María Gabriela de Faría and The Engineer custom Superman Legacy news image