Superman: Legacy's Costume Update Hints James Gunn's DCU Could Continue One Smart DCEU Ploy

James Gunn has provided an update about Superman’s new costume in the DC Universe, which continues one brilliant trend from DC’s previous projects.

SUMMARY

DC Studios is keeping Superman’s new costume in Superman: Legacy a secret to build hype and excitement for the new DC Universe, following disappointing releases in the franchise.
James Gunn’s update suggests that DC Studios will be actively trying to prevent information from being revealed too soon, following the DCEU’s tradition of keeping details hidden until closer to release.
By keeping major reveals like costume designs secret, DC Studios can generate anticipation and ensure audiences are eager to see the new franchise unfold, potentially making Superman: Legacy one of DC’s most successful films.

James Gunn has provided an update about the new costume for Clark Kent in Superman: Legacy, proving that DC Studios is following one smart trend from the DCEU’s projects. Director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran were hired as co-CEOs of DC Studios in November 2022, and immediately set plans in motion to shake-up Warner Bros.’ live-action DC franchise. This came following several projects performing poorly at the box office, and after a bombardment of criticism aimed at Warner Bros. and DC Films, with much of this aimed at the franchise’s depiction of one of its most iconic heroes: Superman.

Gunn quickly announced that Henry Cavill would not be reprising the legendary role of Superman in his new DC Universe, and in June 2023, Affairs of State and Hollywood’s David Corenswet was confirmed to be assuming the role. While several others actors have since been cast in Superman: Legacy, and a brief synopsis has been released, Gunn recently provided an update on Superman’s new costume in Superman: Legacy, suggesting that DC Studios are “not even close” to revealing Superman’s new image. While this may disappoint many, the fact that the new costume will stay hidden for the time being is actually perfect to build hype for the new DC Universe.

The development of Gunn and Safran’s new rebooted DC Universe has created a burst of excitement in DC’s live-action franchise, which was much-needed after several disappointing releases including Wonder Woman 1984, Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and The Flash. By keeping Superman’s new costume in Superman: Legacy a secret, DC Studios is capitalizing on this excitement, solidifying the idea that Gunn will be actively avoiding giving away big details in the lead-up to the DCU’s upcoming projects. This continues one of the DCEU’s best traits, as Warner Bros. and DC Films have largely avoiding revealing too much information before a project released.

Evidently, information can often slip through the cracks, as there are regularly set photos being leaked and actors sometimes reveal too much in interviews. However, James Gunn’s update seems to suggest that DC Studios will be taking a more active approach to stopping information being revealed too soon, instead keeping details such as what Superman’s new costume looks like hidden until its reveal would benefit the studio and the project. The DCEU was well-known for keeping details a secret – except for the infamous early cameo reveals for The Flash – and this helped to build hype for most of the DCEU’s live-action projects, perhaps helping the franchise to survive a little longer.

Why Keeping DCU Reveals Secret Best Helps Build Its Hype

Keeping something like Superman’s new costume a secret helps to keep audiences in anticipation for as long as DC Studios wants, retaining interest in news for the upcoming franchise. Many are wondering how Gunn and Safran’s new DC Universe will be different to the DCEU, so are waiting for major reveals such as casting decisions, plot points, and costume designs. This anticipation will hopefully ensure that audiences flood to theaters to see the new franchise unfold, especially if these details aren’t leaked at all beforehand. If James Gunn keeps more details about Superman: Legacy secret for as long as possible, the 2025 film could be one of DC’s most successful.