James Gunn Superman Features The Perfect Cameo Tribute To The Best Superman

By Douglas Helm | Published

Superman Logo

James Gunn already changed the title of Superman: Legacy to the more succinct Superman, calling to mind the beloved Christopher Reeve films. Now Gunn is reportedly paying homage to the late actor with a special cameo. Sources speculate that Christopher Reeve’s youngest son, Will Reeve, will make a cameo as a TV reporter in the first film of the DCU.

Will Reeve Spotted On Set

James Gunn Superman

Will Reeve is a journalist and ABC News correspondent in real life, so this is a perfect bit of casting and a great way for James Gunn’s Superman to acknowledge the long-lasting legacy of Christopher Reeve. Although DC Studios has yet to confirm the cameo, local reporters in Cleveland, Ohio saw Will Reeve on set and filming a scene. Meanwhile, David Corenswet is taking on the role of the Man of Steel himself after Reeve, Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill have played the superhero in previous big-screen iterations.

James Gunn’s Superman Channels Christopher Reeve Energy

Superman Christopher Reeve

James Gunn’s Superman has a lot on its shoulders, as it will not only properly kick off the film universe of the DCU, but it will also introduce one of the most important characters. Gunn seems like he definitely has a sense of history for the character, especially since Christopher Reeves’ portrayal is so revered by fans of the hero. After Zack Snyder took a decidedly more dour angle to Superman, fans are excited for Gunn’s more colorful, hopeful direction for the character.

James Gunn And DC Studios

james gunn dc

James Gunn is both the director and writer for the upcoming Superman, along with being the co-CEO and co-Chairmen of DC Studios. Along with Peter Safran, he’s laid out a multi-faceted roadmap for the future of the DCU, with the first phase of that plan titled Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. Gunn has made some moves that have pleased DC fans, such as casting Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner and introducing Mr. Terrific in the film, and this Christopher Reeve homage should only add to that goodwill. 

Course Correcting After The Flash Cameo

Superman The Flash Nicolas CAge

James Gunn’s Superman is also making a much more tasteful homage to Superman than the terrible cameo in the recent The Flash film, which attempted to bring the late actor back using CGI. The Reeve children have since admitted that they haven’t even seen the film and that they had no part in the cameo. So, it seems like Gunn is already ensuring the DCU is going in a better direction than the cinematic universe that came before it.

Reeve’s Legacy Lives On Through Super/Man

Super/Man The Christophe Reeve Story

While a cameo in James Gunn’s Superman is definitely exciting, Christopher Reeve’s children have been doing their own Superman project in the meantime. Will, Matthew, and Alexandra Reeve recently appeared in the Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui documentary Super/Man, which follows the life and career of Reeves. The documentary premiered at Sundance Film Festival and Warner Bros Discovery bought the film for $15 million, with a premiere date set for select theaters on September 21.

There will also be an encore presentation of the documentary on September 25, which is Christopher Reeves’ birthday. As for James Gunn’s Superman, you can check it out when it hits theaters on July 11, 2025. Stay tuned for more DCU news.

Source: Cleveland.com