Where was Superman shot? Revisiting key filming locations of the James Gunn film

With James Gunn's Superman re-establishing the universe of DC, we're looking back at all the locations that helped in grounding an alien story in real human places. They’re emotional anchors and what brings the story of the Kryptonian hero to life.

From exciting outdoor locations to studios that brought back the legacy of the Man of Steel, here are all the places where Superman was filmed.

Superman filming locations

Svalbard, Norway- Fortress of Solitude

Filming for James Gunn’s Superman officially began on February 29, 2024, in Adventdalen Valley, located deep in the frozen wilderness of Svalbard, Norway. But more than being a scenic choice, there was a bigger reason behind the city being chosen. Gunn told Norwegian outlet VG that he specifically picked Svalbard because it felt truly Arctic, offering a harsh, isolated beauty no soundstage could replicate.

The crew braved sub-zero temperatures, shooting key Fortress of Solitude scenes with David Corenswet lying in the snow and stunt teams performing sled-pulled sequences.

LaGrange & Macon, Georgia- Smallville

Filming for Superman’s Smallville scenes happened in LaGrange and Macon, Georgia, from late May to mid‑June 2024. In LaGrange’s Troup County, the production transformed a farmhouse on Stovall Road into the Kent family home, capturing the rural warmth and nostalgia James Gunn wanted for Clark’s upbringing.

In Macon, the historic Terminal Station and parts of downtown doubled as Smallville’s civic center and even stood in for a few Metropolis shots. These Georgian towns offered scenery, and they gave the story texture, grounding Superman in a version of America that still feels personal and real.

Cincinnati, Ohio

From mid‑July 2024, Cincinnati briefly stole the spotlight as Superman’s “Hall of Justice” in James Gunn’s film, centered around the iconic Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. The Art Deco Terminal, famously inspiring the Justice League’s HQ in the 1970s Super Friends cartoon, was decked out with a Metropolis flag and new signage for its big-screen debut. Filming included intense action in the Lytle Tunnel, where southbound I‑71 was halted for up to 15 minutes during peak hours, a bold move that thrilled locals.

With over $11 million in Ohio tax credits supporting the shoot, the city’s architecture and enthusiasm offered the production not just practicality but serious cinematic gravitas.

Cleveland, Ohio

From 14 June to 16 July 2024, Cleveland, Ohio, transformed into Metropolis for James Gunn’s Superman, blending symbolic roots with practical filmmaking. As the birthplace of creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Cleveland brought emotional weight to the shoot. Some contributing factors in Gunn's choice of the location were also Ohio’s tax credit and $11 million in incentives. This financial support helped Warner Bros. spend nearly $80 million locally, hiring over 3,000 crew members and 2,500 extras throughout the six-week shoot.

Cleveland’s downtown was extensively reworked to reflect the energy and architecture of Metropolis. Streets were closed, storefronts were redesigned, and the production team built elaborate period-accurate props from vintage bus stops to retro benches and Metropolis-branded signage. Some of these redressed locations reportedly cost over $20,000 each.

Key scenes were shot in some of Cleveland’s most recognizable spots. The Leader Building on Superior Avenue became the Daily Planet’s front entrance. The historic Cleveland Arcade hosted an intimate scene between Clark and Lois, described by insiders as one of the most romantic in the film.

The production team also shot at Public Square, Detroit–Superior Bridge, Key Tower, PNC Plaza, the Greyhound station, Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, and even inside Progressive Field. Terminal Tower, already iconic in the Cleveland skyline, featured prominently and was lit up in Superman’s signature red and blue during several night shoots.

Beyond the aesthetics and tax credits, it was the community that made this shoot feel different. Gunn publicly praised the city, as he stated,

“From the moment we first came here on a scout a tad less than a year ago and Terminal Tower was lit up with the colors of Superman, I knew you were a special place. I would walk down your streets and someone would stop me and tell me how grateful they were we were shooting in their city - not once, not twice, but dozens of times.”

According to Cleveland 19 News, residents gathered to watch scenes unfold, waved to the cast and crew, and even applauded between takes. For Gunn, those moments were more than fanfare; they were reminders of why Superman endures.

This filming location gave the film emotional authenticity, production value, and historical resonance. For a character born on the pages of a Cleveland bedroom nearly a century ago, the return was long overdue. And thanks to the city’s spirit, generosity, and architectural charm, Superman’s legacy now has one more home grounded firmly in the real world.

More details about Superman

James Gunn’s Superman heralds a full reboot of the DC Universe's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, starring David Corenswet as a mid-career hero already three years into his mission. This isn’t an origin story. The film sees Clark Kent already a reporter and already in his Superman era. He is joined by Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, who is aware of his identity.

Nicholas Hoult brings a modern, calculating Lex Luthor to life as a tech magnate waging psychological warfare, not just physical battles. Gunn’s hopeful tone counters hero fatigue: Superman is portrayed as vulnerable, morally steadfast, and optimistic in an increasingly cynical world. He confronts themes of war, misinformation, and billionaire influence through ethical dilemmas and civic responsibility.

The film blends blockbuster spectacle with emotional story arcs and vibrant production design by Beth Mickle, with bright, nostalgic visuals under cinematographer Henry Braham. Practical effects, innovative drone-filmed action, and John Murphy’s orchestral score featuring nods to John Williams’s iconic theme create a rich sensory experience.

Supporting characters include Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific, Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, laying groundwork for an expanded DCU. The visuals and all the elements have presented fans with some high-octane energy for DC's newest project, and one that will hopefully kickstart James Gunn's successful reign in DC.

Superman will be in theaters on July 11, 2025.