Superman’s big screen return brings iconic hero back home to northeast Ohio
Nearly a century later, the story of a soaring superhero dreamed up by two Ohio teenagers returns to the city that started it all in one of the summer’s biggest movie premiers.
Superman holds a special place in the hearts of Ohioans and local film enthusiasts, lining up to see the new movie which was filmed in Cleveland.
The new Superman opened in theaters across the U.S. on July 11, and Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and TourismOhio are celebrating the hero’s return home to the Heart of it All.
“This is a proud moment for Cleveland, for Ohio and for all of us who still believe in the power of imagination,” Gov. DeWine said.
Several northeast Ohio landmarks are featured in the new film, including Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, PNC Plaza, Progressive Field and The Cleveland Arcade.
“The story of Superman has captivated generations of families from all over the world — from grandparents who grew up reading the original comics to kids who’ll be heading to the theaters to enjoy the newest iteration of this classic adventure,” Gov. DeWine said.
The ‘Man of Steel’ was first created by Cleveland residents Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in the 1930’s.
“While most recognize the fictional world of Krypton as Superman’s birthplace, his origin story really begins right here in Ohio,” Lt. Governor Tressel said. “This summer is a great time to plan your own heroic adventure in Cleveland to explore the sites that brought this character and film to life - no cape required.”
On July 12, Cleveland and TourismOhio are celebrating the movie’s release at Tower City Center with a free, family-friendly Superman Movie Party.
The event includes cape decorating, Superman and Supergirl character meet and greets as well as a performance by the Cinematic Symphony Orchestra from noon - 6 p.m.
Lydia Mihalik is the director of the Ohio Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio.
“Superman’s return to Cleveland is a powerful celebration of Ohio’s unmatched creativity, culture, and economic opportunity,” she said. “This film brings our past and future together on the big screen, and invites the whole world to be part of something iconic — something truly made in Ohio.”
Superman director James Gunn and crew transformed many Cleveland landmarks for the film’s portrayal of Metropolis city during production, like making The Leader Building into the Daily Planet.
The Leader Building is Cleveland’s last remaining historic newspaper building, which was used as the exterior shot for the Daily Planet, the newsroom of Metropolis city.
Gov. DeWine visited Headlands Beach State Park while cast and crew filmed scenes on a production set, which was depicted as a vintage U.S. Army base.
The Cleveland Guardians’ field was transformed into Metropolis Meteors’ baseball stadium for the movie, and Cleveland City Hall was used as a fitting stand-in for Metropolis’ own city hall.
The Superman crew also filmed in Cincinnati at the Lytle Tunnel on Interstate 71 and the Cincinnati Museum Center.
This story was originally published July 12, 2025 at 5:03 AM.
