CLEVELAND — Eagle-eyed Clevelanders may have seen a few familiar sights in James Gunn’s now-released teaser trailer for "Superman."
Clevelanders should be able to identify various locations even in this short, two-minute trailer whether it’s The Daily Planet newspaper’s entrance seemingly being at The Leader Building, the inside of The Arcade Cleveland and more.
The movie was partially filmed in downtown Cleveland, which had been temporarily transformed to mimic parts of Metropolis, the fictional city from the comics.
They filmed in the city for six weeks, leading to road closures and drawing in crowds excited to get a behind-scenes-look at the production happening in their city.
The character of Superman has a close tie to the City of Cleveland.
According to Case Western Reserve University’s encyclopedia of Cleveland history, the character was created in the 30s by Glenville High School students Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
After their time in Cleveland concluded, Gunn took to the social media platform Threads, where he thanked the city and residents.
"The wonderful background actors on the film were always so fun and funny and they clapped after takes, something that reminded us Hollywood cynics why we make movies in the first place," he wrote. "The pride you feel in being where Jerry and Joe first created Superman was invigorating. You exemplify his spirit. But just as much it’s the pride you have in your community, your hometown, your radio stations and restaurants and gathering places that touched me.
"Every city would be so lucky to have people that loved their city as much as you. You simply couldn’t have been more wonderful, kind, or accommodating to me and our performers and crew. Thank you a thousand times over for being our friends and partners on this film. Much love to you all."
The movie is set to release on July 11, 2025. It stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
Spectrum News 1 reporter Cassidy Wilson contributed to this report.