St. Louis

Director James Gunn Honors Hometown St. Louis and Creator’s City Cleveland in New "Superman" Film Promotions

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Published on May 16, 2025
Director James Gunn Honors Hometown St. Louis and Creator’s City Cleveland in New "Superman" Film PromotionsSource: Unsplash/ Jon Tyson

Director James Gunn, hailing from the St. Louis area, has infused a bit of local pride into the promotional material for his new "Superman" film. A poster revealed by Gunn on X features an homage to his hometown with the St. Louis skyline prominently displayed. "Hey hometown - this one's for you. Look up, STL!" he wrote in a post shining a spotlight on the city where he grew up.

In a curious twist, reportedly behind the backdrop for the latest portrayal of the Man of Steel is Cleveland, a city receiving its share of limelight too in the film's cinematic universe. Representing a critical location to the "Superman" lore, the iconic superhero, along with his canine companion Krypto, appears in another movie poster above the Cleveland skyline with the winding Cuyahoga River below. "Superman" enthusiasts are reminded by the new poster that the character's creators hailed from this Ohio city, reinforcing a sense of homage that extends beyond the borders of Metropolis, as reported by the Spectrum News 1.

On Thursday, before the general audience catches a glimpse of the latest "Superman" movie in theaters, Gunn's dedication to representation continued with a special image release. Showcasing downtown St. Louis, the poster captures Superman sitting atop a building, gazing out over the cityscape. As shared by First Alert 4, Gunn's move is an embrace of his roots which equally serves to drum up excitement for the upcoming release of the film.

Cleveland, dressed at times to look like Hollywood during the "Superman" movie's production, witnessed its streets transformed, celebrating Superior Avenue's momentary rebrand to Concord Street in the heart of Metropolis. According to a statement obtained by Spectrum News 1, filming infused the local community with a certain Hollywood bustle, contributing not only to the economy but also to the cultural legacy of the city.

The anticipation built by these promotional efforts comes to fruition on July 11, when "Superman" premieres, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the visual tale crafted by Gunn. The film, which deals with Clark Kent's reconciliation of his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, was both written and directed by Gunn, as noted by KSDK. The first trailer was released yesterday, setting the stage for what is to come this summer.