Superman | July 11, 2025 | James Gunn writing and directing | David Corenswet is Clark, Rachel Brosnahan is Lois

[excel1]

5 minutes ago, keysersoze123 said:

https://forums.superherohype.com/threads/the-jj-abrams-superman-script.334439/

 

That looks familiar...

 

*sees post #18 in that thread*

 

I. Am. Old.

Edited March 11, 2023 by excel1

[excel1]

For the record, they had already moved on from draft 1 before the internet freaked out over Aint It Cool News review of draft 1. WB loved the premise and tone of the film, not the dumb "LUTHOR IS AN ALIEN!" Shymalan-style twist. 

Edited March 11, 2023 by excel1

[excel1]

Some excerpts dug up from old SHH posts of draft 2. Imagine young Josh Hartnett as Superman, young ScaraJo as Lois, and a Joel Edgerton as Ty-Zor.

 

Spoiler

OPENING SCENE

F L Y B Y

INT. TV MONITOR - NIGHT

TIGHT ON a SMALL, 4:3 RATIO, FRAMED-IN-BLACK VIDEO IMAGE of a news telecast.  Except there’s no one there -- just the empty newsdesk.  Odd.

 

Suddenly a NEWSCASTER appears behind the desk -- forty-five, rushed and unkempt.  Fumbles with his clip mic, hands trembling.  It’s unsettling as he tries desperately to sound confident.  But his voice shakes -- the SOUND TINNY, as if from a TV:

 

NEWSCASTER  

Ladies and gentlemen if you’re watching this and nottaking shelter underground, we urge you 

 to do so immediately -- anywhere --  anywhere you can find. (then, trembling) Just a month ago this report would’ve seemed ludicrous.  Aliens... using Earth as a  battleground...(wants to cry, but he’s a pro)... but that was before Superman.  

 

Something urgent is YELLED from behind the camera -- our Newscaster looks off, terrified -- he yells something  back, but it’s masked by a SHATTERING -- FLYING GLASS -- the video camera SHAKES -- A TERRIBLE WHISTLE, then an EXPLOSION -- everything is WHIPPED OUT OF FRAME in the same horrible instant the screen goes to STATIC --

 

EXT. METROPOLIS - NIGHT

-- the SCREEN EXPANDS to 2.35:1 -- ANAMORPHIC RATIO -- and the SOUND EXPLODES in POWERHOUSE DOLBY as SOMETHING EXPLODES through the TV NETWORK building -- a BLUR of RED AND BLUE and it SLAMS INTO THE STREET like a meteor -- KKRABOOOOOOOM!  A CRATER is blown into a street already 

 littered with pieces of concrete and steel -- the  confetti of PAPERWORK flitters everywhere.

 

And then, with a WOOOOSH and thunderous THUD, a FIGURE LANDS.  Human form, but this being is far from human.  

 

Dressed in dark, unearthly clothing, he’s a gorgeous specimen; his black eyes dramatic contrast to his pale skin.  Powerful.  Well-trained.  This is TY-ZOR.  Confident and controlling as he reaches down and grabs his nemesis -- someone we do not yet see -- and in a blur Ty-Zor HURLS HIM --

 

Another BLUE/RED STREAK in the sky as the figure Ty-Zor has thrown SLAMS INTO A ROW OF PARKED CARS -- the cars EXPLODE, tossed into the air like kicked dominos -- a hundred-yard divot RIPPED into the pavement.

 

Momentary silence, save for some distant SIRENS.  Then, in the rubble, something stirs.  The CAMERA LOW, looking back at Ty-Zor, a block away, as the thrown figure struggles to rise in the FOREGROUND.  We don’t really see him yet -- he’s obscured by a shock of RED.  A cape.  Uneasily, PAINFULLY, he gets to his feet as the CAMERA 

 

STARTS TO MOVE AROUND to the FRONT of the boots -- SLOWLY RISING, DRAMATICALLY REVEALING the body of a twenty-nineyear-old warrior in brilliant red and blue.  But the iconic suit is SHREDDED in areas -- his cape billowing but SLASHED -- an icon on his muscular chest resembling an “S”.  He’s bloody, winded, beaten.  He’s as exhausted as Ty-Zor is strong, confident,      cocky.

 

TY-ZOR

I’m disappointed.  I expected a better fight.

 

Then Superman HEARS SOMETHING in the far-off distance -- something no mortal could hear: a MUFFLED FEMALE VOICE.

 

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)

... SUPERMAN!!!  HELLLL--!!!

 

-- a voice SUDDENLY, inexplicably SILENCED.  We’re TIGHT ON SUPERMAN’S FACE as he reacts to this -- the voice FAMILIAR to him -- deeply concerning him -- and he suddenly LEAPS INTO THE SKY, FLYING OFF.  Ty-Zor watches him go.  Smiles.

 

EXT. SKY - NIGHT

 

CAMERA SHAKES MADLY, keeping up with Superman, who flies vigorously -- his heart pounding as he speeds through the sky, EXCEEDING THE SPEED OF SOUND: SONIC BOOMS SHAKE THE  WORLD -- it’s DEAFENING -- and we CUT TO the SILENCE OF:

 

EXT. KELVIN OBSERVATORY - NIGHT

An old observatory, miles from the city.  Giant domed building, tall security fences.  From nowhere, a growing 

WOOOOOOSH and SUPERMAN LANDS MIGHTILY.  Alone.  He BULLETS to the observatory building entrance --

 

INT. KELVIN OBSERVATORY CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Superman FLIES down the corridor -- WHIP PAN as he passes us and arrives at the main door, which he RIPS AWAY --

 

INT. KELVIN OBSERVATORY - NIGHT

TIGHT ON SUPERMAN’S FACE -- his eyes wide with terror at what he sees -- although we don’t see what it is, we can guess.  And Superman almost GASPS:

 

SUPERMAN

-- no--

His skin begins to BLISTER -- he falls to his knees, shattering the marble floor as if it were sand -- and he GASPS -- opening his eyes -- ROLLED BACK, WHITE -- a SHOCKING MOMENT AND WE SMASH CUT TO:

 

A FLOWER.

Unlike any we’ve ever seen.  Then a CLOSE-UP OF A FIVEYEAR-OLD GIRL.  The picture of innocence, she sits on the ground, gathering flowers.  Her hair moves in a soft breeze.  PULL BACK TO REVEAL:

 

EXT. KRYPTONIAN FIELD - DAY

 

 

HERO MONTAGE

 

MARTHA(CONT'D)

(then) Maybe you’re the answer to ... everyone’s prayers.

 

Clark’s eyes dart off as he considers the implications -- frightened of them.

 

EXT. ANDES – DAWN

 

From Superman’s POV – we RACE THROUGH THE CLOUDS as the SUN RISES – Superman whisks around the soaring ANDES MOUNTAINS – push in as he plants himself a top one of the tallest mountains, standing mightily –

 

Push in on he focuses – closing his eyes, LISTENING. Screams, sirens, shouts. He has done this before, but never with quite this much conviction. The chaotic noises reach a FEVER PITCH when suddenly it all stops – his eyes OPEN – and Superman EXPLODES INTO THE SKY -  

 

EXT. BOND STREET - LONDON, ENGLAND – NIGHT

 

AN EXPLOSION: a team of professional THIEVES -- MILITARY-CLAD, masked and fearless -- have just BLOWN UP the facade of the highest-priced JEWELRY STORE in London.  

 

People run, screaming as a BLACK FORD EXCURSION makes a LOUD, SCREECHING, 90-DEGREE FISHTAIL and quickly BACKS INTO THE JEWELRY STORE --

 

INT. JEWELRY STORE - NIGHT

 

The terrifying Thieves JUMP out of the back, FIRING at random -- PEOPLE inside SCREAMING, DUCKING, RUNNING as the Thieves move to displays of DIAMONDS and SHATTER the glass with ICE PICKS -- KRASH!  KRASH!  KRASH!  

 

They gather the goods as one of the Thieves yells to the cowering people here: 

 

THIEF #1 

DOWN ON THE GROUND!  DON’T MOVE!

 

But one of the people here tries to make a run for it -- the Thief FIRES AT HIM just as we CUT TO:  

 

EXT. BOND STREET - NIGHT

 

SIRENS BLARE as four POLICE CARS ARRIVE -- two of the Thieves FIRES THEIR SUB-MACHINE GUNS, taking even the police by surprise -- they SHATTER WINDSHIELDS, POCK-MARK the cars -- one of the cars EXPLODES -- and we see in the sky:

 

A HELICOPTER IS ARRIVING -- at first we think it’s a police chopper -- but we soon realize: THIS IS THE THIEVES’ GETAWAY!  Another Thief SHOOTS DOWN ON THE POLICE AS WELL -- the Cops, helpless, run for cover as –

 

INT. JEWELRY STORE - NIGHT

The Thieves continue to grab the goods -- Thief #2 at the stairwell with a bag of stolen stuff:

 

THIEF #2

WE’RE GOOD, LET’S GO, LET’S GO!

 

Like a SWAT team, the Thieves run out -- but the last one pulls a pin on a GRENADE and tosses it -- the People here run out of the building as KA-BOOOOOOOM!  The ground floor EXPLODES -- the place is filled with FIRE NOW -- people TRAPPED here, SCREAMING.

 

The trapped People try to find a way out -- but the fire surrounds them -- there’s no escape.  A Woman starts to cry.  A Man begins to pray.  Others don’t give up, but they’re dead.  THEN...

 

A figure walks through the flames.  IT’S SUPERMAN.  He sees the helpless people, then turns to the fire and BLOWS -- PUTTING OUT THE FIRE with a sudden, remarkable breath. 

 

A Woman, terrified, impossibly relieved and suddenly wildly in love, says: 

 

WOMAN

... who... who are you?

 

SUPERMAN

I’m Superman.

 

And that smile -- that confidence -- almost destroys her.

 

EXT. JEWELRY STORE BUILDING ROOF - NIGHT 

 

The Thieves rush into the chopper which LIFTS OFF –

 

INT. HELICOPTER - NIGHT

 

Flying into the night, the Thieves CHEER in wild celebration: HAHA!  They did it!  They POP champagne, drink from the bottles, spraying each other -- and then KA-CHUNK!  

 

They LUNGE FORWARD as a giant KRASH! SOUND is HEARD -- AND AS THE ROTOR SOUND VANISHES.  Suddenly -- SILENTLY -- the chopper’s going BACKWARDS --

 

THIEVES

- HEY!  WHAT THE HELL?!  WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!?!

 

EXT. SKY - NIGHT

 

SUPERMAN HOLDS THE CHOPPER -- BLADES GONE NOW -- FROM THE MOTOR -- FLYING IT DOWN TO:

 

EXT. BOND STREET - NIGHT

 

The police look up, dumbstruck, as Superman descends with the chopper.  Instead of setting it down, though, he ANGLES THE CHOPPER so the Thieves fall out the open door and drop fifteen feet to the street, in a worthless pile. 

 

Holding the chopper airborne with one hand, a swift wave  with the other.  The Police wave back, amazed...

 

Pedestrians GO NUTS -- our MUSIC SOARS and we CUT TO:

 

EXT. SKY – NIGHT 

 

WE FLY WITH SUPERMAN – through night, across an OCEAN, into DAY LIGHT –

 

EXT. SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – DAY

 

A crowd – pedestrians, police, medical personnel – are gathered on the street in front of a DOWNTOWN APARTMENT BUILDING – scan up to see a middle-aged MAN, alone, stranded on a dangling WINDOW WASHING unit, rocking in the window 35 stories up- 

 

The man clings to the frame as it is TOSSES into the wind like paper, rocking outward over the street before swinging back into the building – CRASH! The window CRACKS, the mans grip LOOSENS – he tries to hang on but his grip GIVES OUT – he PLUMMETS –

 

The crowd screams – GASPS – when a red blue appears – catching the men halfway down – 

 

SUPERMAN

Ola.

 

The man stares at him, SHOCKED – a loud SNAP from above – the washing platform breaks free, careening towards them – the man FLINCHES as Superman dodges the platform and effortlessly GRABS IT WITH HIS FREE HAND – the crowd below goes absolutely nuts as Superman descends, setting the man – and the window washing platform – down on the streets below.

 

MAN

…Americano?

 

Superman smiles, nods, and WAVES as he shoots away - 

 

EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. - NIGHT

 

A rainy night. Lois sits in her car, watching through the wind and windshield wipers – the front of a brownstone.

 

After a long beat, Lex Luthor exits the building, followed quickly by several others. The pile into a side alley. Moments later, a black SUV pulls out – drives off. 

 

Lois looks a touch nervous – but she lives for this. She starts her car up and drives off -

 

EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN – NIGHT

 

A WILD STORM – sixty foot WAVES – one particular Japanese FISHING BOAT tossed in this insanity. The CREW shout commands at each other, their urgent tone a reflection of their impending doom - 

 

This is a LOSING BATTLE – they look forward as a GIANT WAVE loom above them. The wave blocks out the moonlight, causing the entire ship to go dark as it tilts UPWARDS dramatically – the men all FALL BACK – they SCREAM in terror –

 

INT. BOAT - NIGHT

 

FROM THEIR POV: They stare STRAIGHT at the SKY as the wave is about to topple them – suddenly they SHOOT UPWARDS – The nose of the boat coming over the top of the wave!

 

The boat suddenly LEVELS – the men, astonished, clamber to the side to see they are gliding TWENTY FEET OVER THE WAVE TOPS! One of the seaman spots a RED CAPE, flapping wildly in the wind, from ABOVE boat – 

 

EXT. DOCKS – JAPAN – NIGHT

 

Though it rains hard, and the wind howls, this is much more mild. Police and rescue personnel are already at the docks, concerned about the state of the missing ship. Suddenly, the dock workers and rescue teams LOOK UP – 

 

The boat descends from above – SHOCKED expressions from everyone as Superman LOWERS THE BOAT directly into the dock opening – the seaman rushing out, thanking him as the LEAP onto the dock – Superman gives them a quick salute and flies off -  

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 11, 2023 by excel1

[Spidey Freak]

On 3/10/2023 at 10:45 PM, ChipDerby said:

Tom King claims that Gunn is the Director for this.

 

 

Tom King getting his Tom Holland on to give us the deets

 

Whoever they cast, I'd prefer if Lois were a few years older than Clark again. The chemistry is 🔥 

 

 

[jking123]

cranky lois and loveable goof clark dynamic is solid. Just needs to have him be  earnest and serious too. Not  Chris Pratt goofball level  though ideally.

[belblazer]

 

[robertman2]

nvm someone beat me to the punch lol

Edited March 15, 2023 by RobrtmanAStarWarsReference

[JWR]

Good. 

[grim22]

This was always going to the case. It's too important a movie to leave to someone else. It pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the universe. It's like a showrunner directing the pilot.

[WittyUsername]

Not at all surprising. When was the last time Gunn wrote something that he wasn’t also directing? 

[cax16]

Good idea to get some “positive” DC vibes out before the weekend cause I don’t expect much of that come Monday. I’m just happy he’s directing, this is basically like a dream come true for me. 

[Menor the Destroyer]

This is by far my most anticipated movie from DC's slate, especially after this news. 

[grim22]

9 minutes ago, WittyUsername said:

Not at all surprising. When was the last time Gunn wrote something that he wasn’t also directing? 

Belko Experiment I guess. That movie would have been so much better with Gunn directing, the actual director didn't translate Gunn's ideas well.

[Eric S'ennui]

Now I know who to @ incessantly to get my Timothee to play my beloved. Let's make it happen people!

[keysersoze123]

Next big news is who is going to play Supes and who is the Villian. I hope its more than just Luthor and definitely not Zod. Based on rumors Lobo might be there. IFFF Mamoa is playing the character they wont announce until Aquabro 2 is out. 

[ChipDerby]

Curious what happens first, Director announcements for the other films, or Cast announcements for Superman.

[filmnerdjamie]

Why James Gunn's Superman Is More Likely to Be Played By an Actor in His 30s Than His 20s

[excel1]

Hartnett still looks like he is in his early 30s....could be a good comeback vehicle. Just saying...free PR...worth money...

Edited March 22, 2023 by excel1

[cax16]

2 hours ago, filmnerdjamie said:

Why James Gunn's Superman Is More Likely to Be Played By an Actor in His 30s Than His 20s

Interesting read, if they cast someone close to Cavills age twitter is gonna be an even bigger shithole then it is now lol. I’m fine with whoever he picks as it should be his choice who his Superman is but holy hell is it gonna be awful online if that happens.

 

[dudalb]

I would bet that Gunn casts somebody nobody is talking about.

And from that drawing in Gunn's post, I suspect that the All Star Superman Seires will be a major source for his script.