James Gunn Shoots Fortress of Solitude in Norway, Atlanta
DCU director films, crafting Superman’s icy stronghold on vast Arctic ice and studio sets.
Image: Instagram
The Fortress In Two Worlds
James Gunn recently treated fans to a peek behind the curtain of his upcoming DC Universe project, sharing that the iconic Fortress of Solitude is being shot both on location and on stage. On Instagram, the director posted: “We shot the Fortress of Solitude both in Svalbard, Norway and on stage in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s the entrance in Atlanta as @thefaria and @sarasampaio wait to shoot.” The striking image shows a vast, icy-themed set entrance in Atlanta, with two cast members standing by the portal before filming begins.
Svalbard, the remote archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, has become a natural stand-in for Superman’s Antarctic retreat. Crews spent days battling frigid temperatures and shifting natural light to capture sweeping exterior shots. Back in Georgia, a purpose-built soundstage recreates the Fortress’s crystalline architecture. The dual approach allows Gunn to blend real landscapes with controlled studio artistry, giving the film a blend of authenticity and visual precision.
Gunn’s Dcu Grand Design
Known for injecting fresh energy into blockbuster franchises—like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad—Gunn is co-heading DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran. His Instagram update follows earlier production milestones, including the announcement of Tom Rhys Harries as Clayface. In March, Gunn shared how he and Matt Reeves “were just blown away” by Harries’s performance in the role. That casting news underscored the scope of Gunn’s DCU rollout, which will introduce classic characters through a carefully curated ensemble.
According to his Wikipedia profile, Gunn has long championed character-driven storytelling and bold visuals. His Superman film—officially titled Superman: Legacy—is set to star David Corenswet as Clark Kent and hit theaters July 11, 2025. Fans can expect the movie to explore Superman’s origins, relationships, and the mythos of his Arctic refuge, all stitched together by Gunn’s trademark blend of humor, heart, and spectacle.
Spirited Social Media Teasers
Beyond Fortress imagery, Gunn’s feed has offered a steady stream of production teases. In one post, he celebrated the first costume test featuring the nascent DCU heroes: Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Isabel Merced’s Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Metamorpho (Leah McNamara). Another update with Rolling Stone hinted at stories that helped shape Superman’s journey. By sharing these behind-the-scenes moments, Gunn keeps anticipation high while showcasing the film’s collaborative spirit.
His Instagram archives also include a Father’s Day tribute featuring classic Superman memorabilia, and a glimpse at Cat Grant’s costume fitting in a desert set. Each snapshot—whether of cast fittings, on-location shoots, or casting reveals—builds a mosaic of the production’s scale. It’s a strategy that underscores how Gunn balances blockbuster ambition with fan engagement.
With principal photography underway across polar wilderness and Southern stages, the Fortress of Solitude will soon stand tall on the big screen. Gunn’s global approach to the shoot highlights the DCU’s new creative era: one that’s unafraid to combine remote authenticity with cutting-edge stagecraft.
Fans can follow @jamesgunn on Instagram for more updates as Superman: Legacy continues shooting around the world and in studios, promising a fresh chapter for the Man of Steel.
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