Written by Kianna Best on Jan 10, 2025. Posted in Production News

A super slate swoops in for 2025

This year is gearing up for an super return,  as DC and Marvel unveil their slate of projects. From the continuation of favourite franchises such as Spiderman: Beyond the Spiderverse and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, to new iterations of classics such as Superman and Fantastic Four, the Summer superhero flick extends to the whole year.

 

 

Justice as DC enters a new league

 

DC Studios is making bold moves for a game changing year, as James Gunn’s new DC Universe takes centre stage. Leading the charge is Superman: Legacy, directed by Gunn himself, starring David Corenswet as the leading man. The film is shot in several iconic locations, Cleveland, Ohio, and rural Georgia. Gunn has emphasised his vision for Superman: Legacy as a heartfelt exploration of the character’s humanity, balancing massive set-piece action scenes with emotional depth.

 

The Brave and the Bold, introduces a new Batman and Robin dynamic, to the DC slate. Director Andy Muschietti (The Flash) has teased a darker, more grounded tone for the film, with Gotham City brought to life using a combination of practical sets and CGI-enhanced skylines. Meanwhile, the sci-fi spectacle Green Lantern, starring Mufasa’s Aaron Pierre  is in production, pushing the boundaries of visual effects with its depiction of alien worlds and intergalactic battles.

 

DC’s filming strategy in 2025 reflects their attempt to build a coherent, interconnected universe, with extensive crossovers teased between films, a missed mark with the cinematic universe’s flicks of the past year. The studio is reportedly using state-of-the-art virtual production technology, akin to the groundbreaking work seen in The Mandalorian.

 

 

Marvel’s Expanding Multiverse

 

Whilst the production delays as a result of the strikes out a speed bump in the Marvel output, and Disney CEO Bob Iger’s promise of no more than three feature films and two live action series a year, anticipation for what is next shows no signs of slowing. Director Matt Shakman brings the first family of Marvel back to the spotlight with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Pedro Pacal takes on the role of Mister Fantastic with Vanessa Kirby by his side as Susan Storm. Joseph Quinn plays firesome brother Joseph Storm and Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Thing.

 

This year also welcomes a sequel to the Anthony Mackie starring Captain America, with Harrison Ford, directed by Julius Onah. Florence Pugh enters the multiverse once again in anti-hero team up movie Thunderbolts whilst Matt Murdock makes a reappearance as the elusive lawyer and complex character in Daredevil: Born Again.

 

 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever spinoff Ironheart is set to make its arrival with Dominique Thorne and Anthony Ramos in the leading roles, whilst former Aquaman actor Yahya Abul-Mateen shifts to the other side of the super universe for the titular role in Wonder Man. The animated Marvel world is also alive this year, with the franchise focusing on the stories of Spider-Man, Wakanda and zombies.

 

Both studios are making heavy use of cutting-edge technology, such as motion-capture and real-time rendering, to create visually stunning spectacles, reaching out to the leading production houses for innovative new techniques. Beyond the conventional screen, Marvel have reached out to the immersive space with a tailored What If…? experience for Apple Vision Pro in the past year, with more ventures on the horizon.

 

 

It can often post a challenge, balancing the intimate moments of the beloved characters with the larger-than-life spectacle fans expect from superhero films. But as both DC and Marvel gear up for their massive 2025 releases, the industry and fans alike are bracing for an unforgettable year of capes, heroes, and multiversal mayhem.