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.”

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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.

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“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.

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