DC Studios introduced out the capes, cameras, and tradition in Atlanta for a non-public screening of Superman, the primary movie in James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe. Held at Regal Atlantic Station, the occasion featured an unique pink carpet and a primary have a look at the movie’s opening 10 minutes. BOSSIP’s very personal, Lauryn Bass, was on-site to talk one-on-one with forged members Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, and Anthony Carrigan earlier than heading to an intimate rooftop afterparty at RETREAT by The Gathering Spot, the place stars and native creatives gathered to rejoice what’s subsequent for the DC franchise.
Supply: Nykieria Chaney / Getty
Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl Speaks to a Drained Era
Isabela Merced moving into the position of Hawkgirl is a full-circle Gen Z second. Born in 2001, Merced is a part of the identical technology that grew up watching Dora the Explorer, which premiered in 2000—the 12 months Lauryn Bass was born. Years later, Merced portrayed Dora within the live-action movie, and now she’s leveling up once more as a DC superhero in Superman. When requested about that evolution from childhood icon to cinematic powerhouse, she stored it trustworthy—and deeply relatable.
“She kinda has that power of a Gen Zer,” Merced defined. “That form of, I suppose, indifference—however I feel that truly comes from cynicism. Within the comics, she has all these reminiscences from her previous lives as a result of she’s been reincarnated so many instances. It sort of feels like a illustration of this technology… as a result of we’re drained. Ya know? We’re simply drained.”
Edi Gathegi Brings STEM to the Superhero Desk
Whereas Merced brings the grit, Edi Gathegi leads with brilliance. The Tougher They Fall star portrays Mister Terrific, one of many smartest characters within the DC universe—and an important image of Black excellence in STEM.
Supply: Nykieria Chaney / Getty
“Illustration issues, and it’s all the time essential,” Gathegi instructed BOSSIP. “We’ve had characters that represented us very properly up to now as Black males via others. However it’s an honor to proceed that legacy—and possibly create one thing new. A brand new sort of superhero for teenagers to aspire to. His superpower is his mind, and I hope youngsters can watch this character and possibly dream to be one thing within the sciences, within the arts and STEM.”
Anthony Carrigan Flips the Script as Metamorpho
Anthony Carrigan, greatest identified for his roles in Barry and Fatherhood, isn’t any stranger to the DC universe.
Supply: Nykieria Chaney / Getty
He beforehand performed Victor Zsasz on Gotham, and now returns in a brand new gentle as Metamorpho, a shape-shifting elemental hero. His tackle the ethical nuance of this new DC world reveals simply how layered Gunn’s universe is changing into.
“If I’ve realized something, it’s mainly like—something that DC needs to incorporate me on, I’m so recreation,” Carrigan mentioned. “Taking part in villains is absolutely enjoyable. However it’s additionally enjoyable to play the great man too. What’s nice about this film is, it’s not essentially as clear-cut as that. Every character has loads of dynamic to them. Nobody character is easy. That’s one of many good issues James [Gunn] did. And simply as an actor—it’s a present.”
Early Reactions Trace at a New Type of Superman
With three distinct performances representing intelligence, reincarnation, and emotional complexity, Superman is already exhibiting indicators of breaking new floor for the franchise—and for a technology hungry for heroes who really feel human.
Supply: Carol Lee Rose / Getty Photos for Warner Bros. And DC Studios
Submit-screening reactions solely confirmed the power within the room.
Supply: Carol Lee Rose / Getty Photos for Warner Bros. And DC Studios
Three Atlanta-based viewers shared their take with BOSSIP:
Viewers member Laiya Bass mentioned:
“This film may be very properly casted. Lois and Clark have nice chemistry! It’s actually attention-grabbing seeing the attitude Gunn took with Superman, humanizing him extra and making the film form of an earlier model of Superman earlier than he was really established because the protector of Earth. I’m excited to see it in IMAX with my household.”
Supply: Carol Lee Rose / Getty Photos for Warner Bros. And DC StudiosSupply: Carol Lee Rose / Getty Photos for Warner Bros. And DC Studios
Atlanta-based actor Jaylin Randolph (@yungjig15) echoed the joy:
“The film was superb! James Gunn’s spin on the Superman story is refreshing, hilarious, and lives as much as its potential.”
Paris Jackson, Head of Operations Supervisor at Shootworks Pictures, supplied a extra reflective take:
Supply: Carol Lee Rose / Getty Photos for Warner Bros. And DC Studios
“This new Superman offers a extra human facet—exhibiting his struggles that all of us face. I discover this path to be distinctive, however I additionally really feel prefer it takes the ‘tremendous’ out of Superman and makes him only a man. I hope this film builds the muse for him to change into tremendous, not simply in powers.”
Supply: Carol Lee Rose / Getty Photos for Warner Bros. And DC Studios
A New Period Begins for the DC Universe
This model of Superman takes on a youthful, extra grounded strategy—and that’s mirrored not solely within the storytelling, however within the forged itself. With recent faces like Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, and Anthony Carrigan main the cost, the movie delivers a fascinating and refreshing spin on the on a regular basis superhero audiences thought they knew.
Supply: Carol Lee Rose / Getty Photos for Warner Bros. And DC Studios
As James Gunn takes over the inventive path of DC’s cinematic universe, this reboot marks a possible turning level—an opportunity to revitalize iconic characters with new depth and power. From Clark Kent to Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and past, Superman maintains consideration from begin to end and reintroduces the story with a tone that feels youthful, human, and undeniably present.
Supply: Carol Lee Rose / Getty Photos for Warner Bros. And DC Studios
DC Studios presents a Troll Court docket Leisure / The Safran Firm Manufacturing, directed by James Gunn and distributed by Warner Bros. Footage. Superman formally hits theaters and IMAX nationwide on July 11, 2025, and can debut internationally starting July 9. As the primary movie within the newly imagined DC Universe, it’s not only a comeback—it’s the muse for what’s subsequent.