Superman's Legacy: A Potential Prelude to the Next Generation of DCU's Justice League

The Justice League of the rebooted DC Universe may make their debut as early as Superman: Legacy in 2025, with new information hinting at the introduction of a significant DC Comics location. The plans to revamp the DCEU into the new DC Universe have been progressing since James Gunn and Peter Safran took on the roles of co-CEOs of DC Studios in November 2022. In January 2023, Gunn unveiled ten projects in the DCU's Chapter 1, titled "Gods and Monsters", one of which includes Superman: Legacy, featuring David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel after Henry Cavill's exit.

Superman: Legacy is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, marking the DCU's inaugural feature film. The new franchise will kick off in 2024 with Creature Commandos and Waller. Superman: Legacy will introduce a multitude of heroes to the DCU, such as Mister Terrific, Metamorpho, Hawkgirl, and Guy Gardner's Green Lantern, implying that David Corenswet's Superman will be connected to various influential figures in the DCU. As production progresses on Superman: Legacy, recent revelations have provided insight into potential storylines and character additions in DC Studios' highly anticipated Superman reboot.

Cleveland & Cincinnati Are Important Locations In DC Comics History

Superman flying towards the reader in DC Comics - Cleveland & Cincinnati Are Important Locations In DC Comics History

According to the Ohio Department of Development (via Comicbook.com), Superman: Legacy is set to film scenes in Cleveland and Cincinnati, which are two very important Superman-related locations in DC Comics. DC Comics' Superman was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, both of whom grew up in Cleveland, with the city also being the place where they first envisioned the idea of the Man of Steel. It's possible that the Cleveland skyline could be used for the DC Universe's Metropolis, but die-hard DC Comics fans would surely appreciate a trip to the birthplace of Superman: Jerry Siegel's home.

Since Superman: Legacy is filming in Cleveland and Cincinnati, the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program provided $11 million in tax credits to the project, which will provide a boost. While Cleveland has a great deal of emotional significance, though, Cincinnati is another crucial location in DC Comics, and the fact that Superman: Legacy, under the working title "Genesis", will be filming there has spurred theories concerning the introduction of one major superhero team. This is because Al Gmuer, background supervisor on the animated Super Friends series, based a very important DC site on one of Cincinnati's most famous landmarks.

Superman: Legacy May Include The Hall Of Justice

Cincinnati Union Terminal - Superman: Legacy May Include The Hall Of Justice

Al Gmuer drew inspiration from the art deco Union Terminal building in Cincinnati for the design of the Hall of Justice, the headquarters of the Justice League of America in the Super Friends series. This iconic design has since been used in DC Comics and other DC-related media. With the filming of Superman: Legacy in Cincinnati, there is speculation that the Hall of Justice may make an appearance in the upcoming DCU project, as the Union Terminal building's grand appearance could hint at the debut of a new Justice League.

James Gunn's announcement in January 2023 regarding the DCU reboot did not mention the Justice League, leaving the fate of heroes such as Wonder Woman, the Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg uncertain. It remains unclear if the Justice League will be a part of the new DCU, as Gunn and Safran may wish to distance their franchise from the DCEU. However, the potential inclusion of the Hall of Justice in Superman: Legacy suggests a different outcome. It is possible that Superman: Legacy will introduce a new iteration of the Justice League, albeit one that differs significantly from the familiar team.

Which Version Of The Justice League Could Appear In Superman: Legacy?

Cyborg, the Flash, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman after their battle in Justice League - Which Version Of The Justice League Could Appear In Superman: Legacy?

The potential debut of the Hall of Justice in Superman: Legacy suggests that the Justice League may already be active in the rebooted DC Universe. While the team's appearance has not been confirmed, it is possible that David Corenswet's Superman is a member, as the film will not delve into his origin story. Although Batman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman will not be part of the team, other heroes in the cast have been members of various Justice League teams in DC Comics.

The original founding members of the Justice League in DC Comics' The Brave and the Bold #28 from the 1960s included Superman (Clark Kent), Batman (Bruce Wayne), Wonder Woman (Diana Prince), Flash (Barry Allen), Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Aquaman (Arthur Curry), and Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz).

While Clark Kent's Superman was a founding member of DC Comics' Justice League, Rex Mason's Metamorpho joined in 1966, Hawkgirl joined in 1977, Guy Gardner's Green Lantern formed the Justice League International in 1987's Legends #6, and Michael Holt's Mister Terrific was a part of the Justice Arcana in 2008's Trinity #31. Anthony Carrigan, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and Edi Gathegi are set to debut as these heroes in Superman: Legacy, potentially forming the DCU's first Justice League team. This project could pave the way for a more traditional Justice League line-up in the DCU's future.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides exciting insights into the upcoming "Superman: Legacy" film and its potential connection to the Justice League. The filming locations of Cleveland and Cincinnati, significant cities in Superman's history, hint at the inclusion of the iconic Hall of Justice. This suggests that a new iteration of the Justice League could debut in the film, potentially featuring a different roster from the DCEU. The appearance of heroes like Metamorpho, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and Mister Terrific adds to the intrigue, as they have been members of various Justice League teams in the comics. Overall, the article raises anticipation for "Superman: Legacy" as a pivotal moment in the rebooted DC Universe and the possible return of the Justice League.

As a fan of both Superman and the Justice League, I am thrilled by the prospect of their cinematic reunion. The inclusion of the Hall of Justice and the possibility of a new Justice League team evoke memories of the classic animated series "Super Friends." I am curious to see how Gunn and Safran will adapt the Justice League for the big screen, especially considering their intention to distance themselves from the DCEU. The potential for a fresh take on the iconic team, with a diverse roster of heroes, is truly exciting and could pave the way for a new era of DC cinematic adventures.