In the comic book original, Jonathan and Martha Kent are a childless couple from Smallville, Kansas, who find an escape pod with little Kal-El inside. They name the boy Clark and take him in. It is from them that he learns the values that he will follow as Superman.
The comic book history of the superhero (and the entire DC universe to which he belongs) has been frequently rebooted. Depending on the period, the Kents were present in Clark's life or his adventures took place after their death. Their most famous versions were featured in John Byrne's 1986 miniseries Man of Steel. Jonathan and Martha are an older couple, still present in the life of their adoptive son.
Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince will play Martha and Jonathan in James Gunn's Superman. It is unknown whether the Kents will only appear in scenes set during Superman's youth or whether they will be present throughout his superhero career.
In previous film adaptations, Clark's adoptive parents were played by, among others, Glenn Ford and Phyllis Thaxter (in Richard Donner in 1978), Eva Marie Saint (with Bryan Singer in 2006) and Kevin Costner and Diane Lane (with Zack Snyder in 2013 year).
“Superman” (the project was previously known as “Superman: Legacy”) will be the first installment of the new DC cinematic universe. Plot details are not known yet. Gunn has revealed in the past that one of his main inspirations was the comic book “All-Star Superman” by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. He also added that it will not be the origin story of a superhero. He's more interested in reconciling the planet Krypton's heritage with Kal-El's earthly upbringing. “(Superman) is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way of life. He represents goodness in a world where it is considered obsolete,” Gunn said in January 2023.
The film stars David Corenswet (Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Sara Sampaio (Eve Teschmacher), Terence Rosemore (Otis), María Gabriela de Faría (The Engineer ), Edi Gathegi (Mr. Terrific), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner) and Sean Gunn (Maxwell Lord).
The film's premiere is scheduled for July 11, 2025.