James Gunn is hard at work on Superman, and the first movie in the DC Universe makes an exciting choice that helps the film beat Henry Cavill’s Superman a year before premiering. Cavill did the best he could with the material he was given; however, his time as Superman was shrouded in controversies, as were the majority of the movies in the DCEU. Now, the franchise hopes to shift towards a new chapter with the star of the new DCU, spearheaded by Gunn and Peter Safran, DC Studios co-CEOs.

Despite playing Superman for nearly a decade, Cavill only led one solo movie as the hero, appearing in a couple of crossover projects after that. When he was onscreen, Cavill showed glimpses of the perfect Superman within, though the DCEU made some confusing creative decisions with the hero, which included changes to his core cast of characters and beloved city. Now, the new DC Universe is reworking those decisions, and after recent reveals, it is clear that Gunn’s Superman reboot is already beating Cavill’s Superman based on a key change.

The DCU Metropolis Feels Unique & Henry Cavill’s Did Not

Set Photos Reveal The DCU Metropolis’ Look

Gunn has managed to keep a tight lid on Superman‘s production. Aside from officially released set photos, not much has been revealed about the upcoming Superman movie. However, now that the DCU project is getting ready to film outdoors in Cleveland, Ohio, Superman set photos have started to come out, including a new look at Corenswet as Superman in action. With DC preparing the movie’s set to start filming, the first look at the DCU’s Metropolis has been revealed through set photos, and it will be very different from the DCEU’s.

In the DCEU, Metropolis and The Daily Planet looked just like any other city, which was a boring choice. Thankfully, the DCU will correct that, presenting a stylized look for its Metropolis as shown in the Superman reboot set photos. As revealed by the set photos shared by @DCUSuperNews/Twitter, the DCU’s Metropolis will have a retro style that comes straight from the comics, with storefronts showing a bright design that screams the City of Tomorrow. Instead of being dull like the DCEU’s the Superman reboot’s Metropolis will feel unique.

How The DCU Can Make The Most Of DC’s Iconic Cities

World-Building is Key

The DCU needs to take some cues from its Metropolis design for the rest of DC’s iconic cities. Since Gunn has shown that he understands DC’s iconic settings, it should be expected that each location will feel unique. Gotham City could have a noir inspiration, Themyscira needs to be a lush island, Central City can be a technologically advanced city, and so on. Having each city stand with a singular design allows the DCU to establish a rich and diverse world from the get-go, which would be key in making the franchise feel fresh, starting with Superman‘s Metropolis.