Cleveland, OH
Superman director thanks Cleveland as filming downtown wraps up: ‘You exemplify his spirit’
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…” a heartfelt love letter addressed as a thank you note to Cleveland penned by Superman director James Gunn as filming wraps up downtown.
“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,” Gunn stated. “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.”
Downtown Cleveland was dressed up as Metropolis for six weeks as Superman took over The Land to shoot the next film, which is fittingly the birthplace of the super hero.
Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood residents Jerry Seigel and Joe Shuster created the Man of Steel during the Great Depression.
The first Superman comic book hit shelves in 1938.
“The pride you feel in being where Jerry and Joe first created Superman was invigorating,” Gunn shared. “You exemplify his spirit.”
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Here’s the comic book hero’s connection to Cleveland
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Superman statue may finally be coming to Cleveland
Fast forward 86 years later to Superman coming to life on the streets of Cleveland.
When the cameras weren’t rolling, locals spotted Clark Kent – portrayed by David Corenswet – among other cast and crew members visiting restaurants like Slyman’s and Marble Room Steakhouse and Raw Bar.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Superman’ cast visits Northeast Ohio restaurant
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Clevelanders react to Superman movie being filmed downtown
“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,” said Gunn. “Every city would be so lucky to have people that loved their city as much as you.”
Not only did Clevelanders catch a glimpse of the filming, some were even casted as extras in the production!
“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,” Gunn reminisced.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission released this statement in April on the job and acting opportunities this brought to the city:
“This year, GCFC has attracted more motion picture production business than ever before to choose NE Ohio as its filming destination. In combination with motion picture production applicants from recent previous rounds, GCFC has secured a total combined production budgets of $152,385,587.65 to spend and create jobs in NE Ohio in 2024. But GCFC is a not for profit that does not receive any commission or revenue from the production spending and job creation it drives to NE Ohio.
The Ohio motion picture tax credit program expands by 50% in the next round, which accepts applicants from April 15th to June 1st, with applications approved in July. This expansion arms GCFC with an essential tool to transform NE Ohio into a leader in motion picture production investment and job creation.”
“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,” Gunn expressed on July 17 as production left the city.
Gunn announced last November that “Superman” will fly into theaters on July 11, 2025.
Thanks to the efforts of our talented crew, who never lost faith during the longest strikes in Hollywood history, and who never let their foot off the pedal, continuing to barrel forward, creating the most amazing character and set designs I’ve seen in my entire career,… pic.twitter.com/ntnEbA2fC0
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 11, 2023
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Stan Son provides the latest injury update for Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres on Monday, June 15.
In the top of the second inning of Monday’s game against the Houston Astros, Gleyber Torres was replaced by Hao-Yu Lee. Torres suffered an injury after swinging at the first pitch he saw. While no official designation has been given yet for the injury, Torres did grab at his oblique.
Earlier in the season, Torres missed a month due to an oblique injury.
Before exiting, Torres went 0-for-1 with a strikeout.
Since Torres exited prior to the completion of his second at-bat, he is eligible for DraftKings Early Exit.
Stay tuned to DK Network for live updates on his injury status.
CLEVELAND — Hemp-derived THC products are back at companies in Ohio after a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of Ohio’s new hemp licensing law.
“It’s been a long, hard-fought battle,” said Saucy Brew Works, Saucy Seltzer and Saucy Vibes CEO and co-founder Brent Zimmerman.
Starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Zimmerman said hemp-derived THC drinks will be back at Saucy Brew Works in Cleveland’s Ohio City.
“We bring jobs back here, people’s choice back here. It was the fastest-growing product I’d ever seen in beverage since we’ve been open, so it’s pretty exciting,” said Zimmerman.
Back in March, News 5 told you Ohioans for Cannabis Choice didn’t collect enough signatures to repeal Republican-created marijuana restrictions and a total ban on intoxicating hemp products.
Effort to repeal marijuana restrictions, THC ban fails to make Ohio ballot
Effort to repeal marijuana restrictions, THC ban fails to make Ohio ballot
As a result, Senate Bill 56 went into effect across Ohio and hurt Zimmerman and dozens of business owners.
“Good-paying jobs all left, taxes all left, consumer choice all left,” said Zimmerman.
News 5 asked Zimmerman how his customers reacted to the adjustment.
“Some of them were very upset. Some of them didn’t think it was real,” said Zimmerman.
Even with these challenges, Zimmerman said his company and nine others refused to give up, so they filed a lawsuit against 96 county and municipal prosecutors’ offices.
Then on Monday, Zimmerman texted News 5’s Remi Murrey after a federal judge found Senate Bill 56 likely violates the Constitution because it requires products to be sourced, made and distributed only in Ohio, which blocks out-of-state sellers.
“There are 10 companies that were named as plaintiffs in this suit, so right now, those 10 are the only companies that can sell in the state,” said Zimmerman.
That means businesses like Verbena Free Spirited in Cleveland will have to wait unless she buys from one of 10 companies that sued the state.
According to Zimmerman, those 10 companies can make THC products and sell them to retailers.
“I’m a much smaller retail seller of THC beverages, but because I’m smaller, it impacted me really hard, and it’s something I would love to be able to start doing again,” said Cheraso.
Despite the judge’s ruling, Ohio lawmakers have argued that hemp products are unregulated and have no age requirement to buy.
“The products that are the edibles, primarily the stuff that’s unregulated, we don’t know where it came from. It’s also actually targeting children,” said Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) in February.
As the court reviews the case, the temporary restraining order will last for 14 days unless it is extended.
“We’ve been working with our representatives at the state and House of Representatives, and we’ve got a good rapport with them. We hope we get further along with them as well,” said Zimmerman.
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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, Ohio — A heavy law enforcement presence was in Brooklyn Heights on Monday for what authorities are calling a federal investigation.
The Department of Homeland Security said the Federal Protective Service was conducting a sweep of a lobby inside the Brooklyn Heights ICE office in the 900 block of Keynote Circle when a K-9 alerted to a “suspicious package” in a UPS drop box.
FPS contacted local law enforcement and initiated a full evacuation of the building, which Brooklyn Heights Mayor Mike Procuk told News 5 is home to several offices, including the Department of Homeland Security, the National Weather Service and the Visiting Nurse Association.
“I was on the phone walking down the street, and they got me and pulled me over this way, got me away from the blast zone,” said Mike Gallagher, who was on his way to interview candidates for apprenticeships just before noon.
An office building across the street was also evacuated.
“We got a knock on the door. Everyone has to evacuate,” said Cru Leavitt, who owns EcoShield Pest Solutions. “Not much was said, just get out of the building.”
DHS said the situation has been resolved, and an all-clear was given to reoccupy the building.
“It’s scary; it’s a little eerie feeling,” said Leavitt.
A DHS spokesperson has not responded to questions about whether an explosive device was found or whether any crime was committed.
“It’s a scary world we live in, and this is a little close to home,” said Gallagher.
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