For us here at Set Scouter, watching James Gunn’s Superman soar into theaters on July 11, 2025, was nothing short of thrilling. More than just a bold new chapter for the Man of Steel, the film is a masterclass in how real-world environments are transformed into iconic superhero settings. To celebrate its release, we’ve done our research and compiled the key filming locations to give you the scoop on where Superman’s latest adventure truly took flight.
Forget relying solely on green screens! James Gunn and his visionary team grounded this Superman story in tangible, breathtaking locations, from icy Nordic landscapes to bustling Midwestern cities. It’s a testament to their commitment to authenticity, and it’s what makes our work at Set Scouter so exciting, seeing the magic of cinema merge with the real world around us.
So let’s dive in! Join us for a virtual tour of the key filming locations that helped shape the bold, hopeful world of Superman (2025). SPOILERS AHEAD!
Ohio Takes Flight: Cleveland and Cincinnati as Metropolis & Beyond
A major portion of Superman was filmed across Ohio—a fitting tribute, considering Cleveland is the birthplace of Superman’s creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. With its architectural variety and urban charm, Ohio doubled for Metropolis and more.
Cleveland
This vibrant city served as the primary stand-in for Metropolis. Here’s where you can spot it in the film:
Leader Building: Transformed into the Daily Planet, where Clark Kent enters through its art deco doors early in the film.
Cleveland Arcade: Featured in a romantic flying sequence between Superman and Lois Lane – a super romantic moment, truly made magical by the film location.
Terminal Tower & Public Square: Appears in skyline shots and street-level scenes during key Metropolis sequences.
Progressive Field: Rebranded as the home stadium of the “Metropolis Meteors,” it becomes the epicenter of a major third-act battle.
Cleveland City Hall: Used as the exterior for Metropolis City Hall, where protest scenes unfold.
Detroit–Superior Bridge: Featured in a dramatic evacuation scene as civilians flee from the rift caused by Lex Luthor.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati played an important role in filming, including one of the movie’s most iconic set pieces:
Cincinnati Union Terminal: Believed to be the Hall of Justice, this art deco landmark is featured in scenes involving the broader DC Universe and Superman’s interactions with other heroes.
Lytle Tunnel: Used for an intense vehicular chase sequence midway through the film, showcasing the city’s infrastructure.
Atlanta: The Production Hub of a Hero
While Ohio was the face of Metropolis, the heart of production took place in Georgia, specifically at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville (formerly Pinewood Atlanta Studios).
Trilith Studios
Many of the interior scenes were constructed and filmed here, including:
Fortress of Solitude (Interiors)
Lex Luthor’s Pocket Dimension
The Fictional Countries of Borovia and Jarhanpur
They also shot several practical stunt stages, including flight rigs and crash landings
LaGrange & Macon, GA
LaGrange served as the location for the Kent family farm, where we see Clark’s childhood and emotional moments with Jonathan and Martha Kent.
Check out film locations in Georgia similar to the Kent Farm on Set Scouter!
Macon’s Terminal Station doubled as the interiors of The Daily Planet newsroom
Here’s a few more Georgia film locations on Set Scouter that you might find interesting.
Svalbard, Norway: The Fortress of Solitude
One of the film’s most visually striking locations is the Fortress of Solitude, and yes—it was filmed on location.
Adventdalen Valley, Svalbard
Director James Gunn confirmed that they shot scenes in Svalbard, Norway for the Fortress. This remote Arctic location provides the stunning frozen backdrop for scenes where Clark Kent isolates himself in self-reflection and ultimately receives a crucial revelation from Krypton.
Gunn stated: “We have filmed the first scenes… Superman fleeing to the Fortress of Solitude.”
No CGI glacier can quite replicate the haunting beauty of Svalbard’s icy peaks, and it shows. These sequences are some of the most awe-inspiring visuals in the film.
Why These Locations Matter
James Gunn’s Superman is a fresh take not just because of its storytelling and tone, but because of how it grounds larger-than-life moments in real places.
Using real-world locations:
- Honors the history of Superman (like filming in Cleveland)
- Enhances the emotional resonance of familiar settings (like the Kent farm)
- Adds spectacle through practical scale (like Svalbard and Union Terminal)
- Supports world-building for a larger DC Universe through location-driven storytelling
For filmmakers and fans alike, these choices make the film feel tangible, grounded, and—most importantly—believable.
Get Ready to Explore
Superman (2025) brings hope, heart, and heritage to the big screen—and its locations play a starring role in that success. From the snowy expanse of Norway to the heartland charm of Smallville in Georgia, and the urban pulse of Cleveland-as-Metropolis, this film is a reminder of how great storytelling is rooted in real places.
So the next time you find yourself in Ohio, Atlanta, or even dreaming of the Arctic North, remember—you’re walking in the footsteps of Superman.
What filming location are you most excited to visit from the movie? Let us know in the comments below!
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