‘Superman’ Movie Hits Theaters: Cleveland Shines As Metropolis In 2025 Blockbuster
CLEVELAND — The much-anticipated 2025 Superman movie has finally landed in theaters — and Northeast Ohio takes center stage as the heart of Metropolis. With sweeping skyline shots and familiar landmarks, Cleveland isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a major character in this summer’s biggest superhero film.
Cleveland Transforms Into Metropolis
Last summer, director James Gunn and his production crew brought Superman to life across the city, filming scenes with star David Corenswet as Clark Kent at several downtown locations.
Some of the most iconic Cleveland spots featured in the film include:
- Public Square, including the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, reimagined as the core of bustling Metropolis
- The Leader Building, standing in for the exterior of the Daily Planet
- Progressive Field, transformed into the fictional Metropolis Meteors’ stadium
- The Cleveland Arcade, which became the romantic setting for a Superman–Lois Lane airborne kiss
- City Hall, Terminal Tower, PNC Plaza, and even Ontario Street all had starring roles
- Mentor Headlands Beach State Park, used to represent a vintage U.S. Army base
These and other spots were confirmed by Governor Mike DeWine’s office, celebrating the city’s involvement and the $11 million Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit awarded to the film.
Director James Gunn: “Cleveland Was Perfect”
In an interview with Cleveland.com, Gunn praised the city, calling Cleveland “the best fit” to portray Metropolis due to its rich Art Deco architecture and welcoming local spirit.
“The Cleveland people were great,” Gunn said. “I’ve got a billion Cleveland T-shirts that I wear to this day.”
He emphasized that casting cities is just like casting actors, and Cleveland simply “worked best for all of the basic architecture we’re using up close.”
A Tribute to Superman’s Real Hometown
This cinematic spotlight is more than a location decision — it’s a heartfelt return to Superman’s origins. The superhero was originally created in the 1930s by Cleveland high school students Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, making this reboot a homecoming of sorts.
“Ohio isn’t just in the background, it’s part of the story,” said Sarah Wickham, Ohio’s Tourism Director, in her comments.
The film was shot under the code name Genesis and featured numerous Northeast Ohio locations before wrapping up in Cincinnati.
Cleveland’s Moment on the Big Screen
To celebrate, the Greater Cleveland Film Commission hosted a special screening, giving fans a first look at the city’s cinematic glow-up. From romantic moments to explosive action, Cleveland’s identity as Metropolis will be hard to miss — especially for local moviegoers who know every corner of their city.
The full cast includes big names like David Corenswet (Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Milly Alcock, Nathan Fillion, and more. Even Christopher Reeve’s son was spotted on set during filming, adding to the film’s emotional significance.
Watch The Trailer & Spot Cleveland Yourself
Want to see how many Cleveland landmarks you can spot? Watch the trailer and keep your eyes peeled — you might recognize more than you expect.
What’s your favorite superhero movie setting?
Share your thoughts and tag your Cleveland friends who made it to the big screen in Superman!
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