James Gunn's Superman promises to be the spiritual successor to the classic Christopher Reeve Superman movies — a legacy Bryan Singer's Superman Returns was meant to carry forward. As the first chapter of the DCU, James Gunn's Superman lays the groundwork for some of the franchise’s most iconic characters and locations, beginning with its most essential figure: the Man of Steel himself. Every new Superman project faces high expectations due to the character’s legendary status and the enduring popularity of past live-action Superman portrayals, including the beloved Christopher Reeve and the controversial but highly popular Henry Cavill.