Could Cleveland once again transform into the iconic Metropolis for the highly anticipated Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow? The answer might be closer than you think. Recent developments suggest that director James Gunn and leading man David Corenswet could be packing their bags for the Buckeye State, but here’s where it gets intriguing: the production team has quietly applied for Ohio’s Motion Picture Tax Credit under the working title Exodus. While there’s no official confirmation that Exodus is the Superman sequel, the clues are hard to ignore—the naming pattern mirrors the first film’s working title, Genesis, and the contact details match. But here’s the part most people miss: even if the application is approved, it doesn’t guarantee filming will happen in Ohio. Production is slated to begin later this year, with Trilith Studios near Atlanta likely serving as the primary hub again, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Let’s rewind for a moment: during the summer of 2024, Cleveland doubled as Metropolis for the first film, with iconic locations like Public Square, Progressive Field, and the Detroit-Superior Bridge stealing the spotlight. The city’s role wasn’t just cinematic—it was economic. The Superman production, alongside other projects, injected a staggering $77.8 million into the local economy and created nearly 5,000 jobs, according to the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. The film itself soared to become the third-highest-grossing movie of 2025, raking in $354 million domestically.
Now, Man of Tomorrow is set to hit theaters on July 9, 2027, with a plot that promises to shake up the DC universe: Superman and Lex Luthor teaming up against the menacing Brainiac, played by Lars Eidinger. But here’s the controversial question: Is this unexpected alliance a bold narrative move or a risky departure from the source material? Fans are already divided, and the debate is only heating up.
As we await more details, one thing is clear: Cleveland’s potential return as Metropolis isn’t just about filming locations—it’s about the city’s ability to step into the spotlight and prove itself as a cinematic powerhouse. What do you think? Is Cleveland the perfect stand-in for Metropolis, or should the sequel explore new horizons? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
