Superman/Peacemaker: James Gunn Shares His Method for Minimizing Reshoots

When he’s not using social media to share news, debunk rumors, and share awesome puppy photos and music choices, DC Studios co-CEO and writer/director James Gunn offers fascinating insights into the filmmaking process. When you find yourself working on David Corenswet (Superman/Clark Kent) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane)-with Superman and the second season of John Cena-with Peacemaker having overlapping moments, minimizing the amount of additional shots required is key. Earlier today, Gunn was asked about his method for reducing the amount of additional shots. The filmmaker shared a six-point plan he uses to minimize additional shooting time, if not eliminate it altogether — noting that he only had to do one day of additional shooting on his previous two films combined.

Image: DC Studios

“1) I overprepare; 2) I don’t start shooting until I have a finished script that my entire crew is happy with; 3) I hire actors and department heads that I know can do their jobs; 4) I surround myself with people who will challenge me and not always tell me yes or no; 5) I ask myself every day, are there small imperfections in the script or in what we’re shooting that could end up looking like huge imperfections when we put the film together?; 6) 1 and 2 again!” Gunn shared his answer – here’s a sneak peek:

Image: Screenshot from Threads

Superman: A look back at the journey so far…

“I am thrilled to announce that production on SUPERMAN begins today, February 29th, which coincidentally and unexpectedly falls on Superman’s birthday,” Gunn captioned his post featuring the iconic “S” on his Superman costume, before confirming the film’s title change. “When I completed the first draft of the script, I called the film Superman: Legacy. By the time I finalized the final version, it was clear that the title was SUPERMAN. Coming to you in July 2025.”

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Here’s a look back at a screenshot of Gunn’s Threads’ post sharing a group photo of the cast (and with Nicolas Hoult (probably in Lex Luthor mode) according to the table, we can read:

Image: Screenshot from Threads

“After the roundtable read-through with the cast of #Superman. Eve, Mr. Terrific, Superman/Clark, Otis, Lex, producer Peter Safran, Jimmy, Metamorpho, Lois, Hawkgirl, me, Guy, Engineer, all together for the first time! What an amazing day,” Gunn captioned his Instagram post introducing the cast:

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“#Cleveland – today we leave you after six incredible weeks of filming,” Gunn wrote, leading into the caption of a gallery of images he shared in mid-July about the crew’s experiences filming in the city. “From the moment we first arrived here on location a little under a year ago and Terminal Tower was lit up in Superman colors, I knew you were a special place. I would walk down your streets and someone would stop me to tell me how grateful they were that we were filming in their city – not once, not twice, but dozens of times. The wonderful actors in the background of the film were always so entertaining and funny and would clap after takes, reminding us Hollywood cynics why we make movies in the first place.”

Gunn continued, “The pride you feel in being where Jerry and Joe first created Superman was invigorating. You embody his spirit. But it’s the pride you feel for your community, your hometown, your radio stations, your restaurants, and your gathering places that touched me just as much. Every city would be so lucky to have people who love their city as much as you do. You simply could not have been more wonderful, kind, or accommodating to me, our artists, and our crew. Thank you so much for being our friends and partners on this film. Much love to you all.🙏🧜‍♂️❤️” Here’s a preview of Gunn’s original message:

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The announcement…

Here’s a look back at Gunn’s tweet from March 2023 announcing that he would be writing And direction Superman: Legacyfollowed by the full and sincere text of the message he shared while confirming what has been circulating on social networks since the previous week:

Yeah, I’m directing Superman: Legacy, which is coming out on July 11, 2025. My brother Matt told me that when he saw the release date, he started crying. I asked him why. He said, “Dude, it’s Dad’s birthday.” I didn’t notice. pic.twitter.com/ohQNV8nI4g

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 15, 2023

“Yes, I am directing Superman: Legacy, which will be released on July 11, 2025. My brother Matt told me that when he saw the release date, he started crying. I asked him why. He said, ‘Dude, it’s Dad’s birthday.’ I didn’t realize it,” Gunn wrote in the introduction to his series of tweets announcing the news. “I lost my dad almost three years ago. He was my best friend. He didn’t understand me as a kid, but he supported my love of comics and movies, and I wouldn’t be making this movie today without him. It’s been a long road to get to this point. I was offered Superman years ago. I initially said no because I didn’t have a unique, funny, and emotional way to give Superman the dignity he deserved.” Then, a little less than a year ago, I saw a way to do that, in many ways, centered on Superman’s legacy: how his aristocratic Kryptonian parents and his Kansas farmer parents shape who he is and the choices he makes.

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That brings us to July 2024 — and Gunn’s big filming news. “And it’s over,” Gunn wrote to kick off his social media post earlier today. “God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work brought this project to life. I set out to make a film about a good man in a world that isn’t always so good. And the goodness, kindness, and love I encountered on set every day inspired me and pushed me forward when I felt too exhausted to go it alone. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It’s been an honor. The destination was Superman, but the journey was the toil, laughter, emotions, ideas, and magic we shared together on set — and for that, I am eternally grateful. ❤️”

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DC Studios Superman stars David Corenswet (Hollywood) like Superman/Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) like Lois Lane. In addition, the Superman: Legacy the cast includes Skyler Gisondo like Jimmy Olsen, Nicolas Hoult (The Great) like Lex Luthor, Wendell Pierce (HBO The thread) like Perry White, Isabelle Merced (Sicario: Day of the Soldier) like Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi (X-Men: First Class) like Mr. Terrific, Nathan Fillion (The Recruit) as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan (Barry) like Metamorpho, Sara Sampaio like Eve Teschmacher, Maria Gabriela de Fia like Angela Spica/The Engineer, Sean Gunn like Maxwell Lord, Pruitt Taylor Vince (Murder #1, The Lady of the Lake) as Jonathan Kent/”Pa Kent,” Neva Howell (Ghosts of the Ozarks) like Martha Kent/”Ma Kent,” Beck Bennett (Saturday night live) as Daily Planet Steve Lombard, sports editor, Mikaela Hoover (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad) as Daily Planet gossip columnist Cat Grant, and Christopher McDonald as qualified Daily Planet journalist Ron Troupe – with Frank GrilloRick Flag Sr. (from Creature Commandos And Peacemaker Season 2) should appear. Composer John Murphy (28 Days Later, Sunshine, Kick-Ass, The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3) will compose the music for the film.