James Gunn Starts Filming ‘Superman’ In Norway & Teases Scene With Hero Fleeing To The Fortress Of Solitude

Filming for James Gunn‘s Superman has commenced in Norway, and the DC Studios co-head is teasing the first scene.

The director opened up to a Norwegian outlet about the first scene he filmed of Superman, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, and why he chose Svalbard as the filming location.

“We have filmed the first scenes [in Svalbard], which show Superman fleeing to the Fortress of Solitude,” Gunn told Svalbardposten (via VG). “We wanted a place that was beautiful and felt like being in the middle of the Arctic, so we looked at several places in the world. But there were many things that sold Svalbard for us over the other places.”

He continued, “First, there is the natural beauty. But there’s also the fact that you’ll find a varied landscape here that you won’t find anywhere else. Nature gives a special feeling.”

Superman, previously known as Superman Legacy, is set to open in theaters on July 11, 2025. Gunn didn’t reveal how many scenes would take place in Svalbard but did say production for the film would also take place in Ohio at some point.

Gunn has assured in the past that Superman is not an origin story and will pick up Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. The character is described as the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.

Superman also stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer. The ensemble includes Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Sean Gunn, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Isabel Merced and Nathan Fillion.