Carl Roberts 
*** FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE *** Superman soars above London in a spectacular display at the highest point of The Shard, as Daily Planet helicopters circle the skyscraper at first light. The 11ft sculpture of the iconic superhero based on star David Corenswet is suspended within the 1,000ft high exposed spire of the UK's tallest building for an entire day to celebrate the release of DC Studios' 'Superman', releasing in cinemas Friday 11th July.
Superman soars above London in the first-ever skyline sculpture at The Shard ahead of the film’s premiere in London’s Leicester Square.
This morning, Londoners spotted Superman 300 meters above the city, inside the spire of The Shard. This sighting celebrates the release of DC Studios’ new film, Superman, directed by James Gunn, in cinemas on July 11th. The striking sight marks an unprecedented stunt for the iconic skyscraper. And the highest-ever public sculpture display in the UK.
With early risers spotting the unmistakable figure majestically floating at the peak of London’s tallest building from 5 am, crowds soon gathered in the London Bridge area to get a glimpse of Superman himself. With the new film’s tagline, ‘Look Up’, London was invited to do exactly that. The figure was visible from 40 miles away for an entire day, often circled by two Daily Planet-branded helicopters. Stars David Corenswet (Clark Kent/Superman). Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) appeared on the spire’s highest platform beneath the sculpture.
‘Superman’ stars David Corenswet (Clark Kent/Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) appear on the UK’s highest platform at the very top of The Shard, as a spectacular 11ft sculpture of Superhero hovers above them and a Daily Planet helicopter circles the iconic building. The sculpture of Superman, four months in the making, is suspended within the 1,000ft-high exposed spire of the UK’s tallest building for an entire day to celebrate the release of DC Studios’ Superman, releasing in cinemas on Friday, 11th July.
ABOUT THE STATUE
A new sculpture of Superman was recently unveiled, soaring over 300 meters above London.
The iconic sculpture installation transforms London and Western Europe’s tallest building, delivering a cinematic superhero moment for the first time.
The sculpture stands prominently in the spire of The Shard, the tallest building in the UK and Western Europe.
Cast members joined the 11-foot figure for the launch, including an aerial fly-by from a Daily Planet helicopter
Sculpture is based on David Corenswet as ‘Superman’, releasing in cinemas Friday, 11th July
Londoners encouraged to ‘Look Up’ – the film’s official tagline – with the figure visible from 40 miles away
The statue is 11ft/3.5m tall and weighs over 120kg
Consists of welded steel framework and a fibreglass body created from ECO resin mould
Actor David Corenswet was 3D scanned during production and pose translated to a physical figure, supported by extensive references for the costume and cape
Pose depicts character with one leg dynamically bent and head looking down, as if hovering protectively over London
The statue took four months to create and 2,000 man-hours to create by a team of over 20
Statue displayed at over 300 metres height, making it the highest ever display of a public sculpture
At 310 metres high, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe
The Shard’s spire is visible over 40 miles away, but fans are being encouraged to visit the locations below for the best, unobstructed views of the statue:
○ Borough Market – various vantage points on Cathedral St, SE1 9DE
○ Corner of Stoney St and Southwark St, SE1 9AF
○ Maiden Lane, SE1 9HG
○ Sumner Street, SE1 9HZ
○ Southwark Bridge (south side), SE1 9HS
Superman soars above London in a spectacular display at the highest point of The Shard, as Daily Planet helicopters circle the skyscraper at first light. The 11ft sculpture of the iconic superhero, based on actor David Corenswet, is suspended within the 1,000ft-high exposed spire of the UK’s tallest building for an entire day to celebrate the release of DC Studios’ Superman, releasing in cinemas on Friday, 11th July.
JAMES GUNN
James Gunn, writer and director of Superman and Co-Chairman of DC Studios, said of the stunt:
“To see such a realistic depiction of our Superman displayed on the top of The Shard is mind-blowing!”
DANIEL FULBROOK
Daniel Fulbrook, Head of Marketing for REM, asset manager of The Shard, said:
“Superman has stood as a symbol of hope and heroism for generations — so it feels only fitting that he now watches over London from the top of one of its most iconic landmarks.
“To see him suspended within The Shard’s spire is truly surreal. We’re incredibly proud to help bring this legendary figure to life in such a bold and breathtaking way.”
Based on 3D scans and extensive reference of the actor and costume, and in close consultation with filmmakers. The sculpture consists of a welded steel framework, appropriate for the hero known as the ‘Man of Steel’. With a fibreglass body moulded in ECO resin, supported by galvanised steel cables attaching it to the iconic building.
Four months in the making and over 2,000 man-hours with a team of over 20 working around the clock. The 120kg sculpture even had to be constructed from its nine complex sections yesterday at the very top platform of the Shard. Before being hoisted into position in the early hours of this morning by a team of over twenty.
Superman stars David Corenswet (Clark Kent/Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) appear on the UK’s highest platform at the very top of The Shard, as a spectacular 11ft sculpture of Superhero hovers above them and a Daily Planet helicopter circles the iconic building.
THE FILM
David Corenswet finally takes to the skies as the Man Of Steel, Clark Kent / Superman. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane, while Nicholas Hoult brings Lex Luthor to life.
Wendell Pierce portrays Perry White, and Pruitt Taylor Vince takes on the role of Jonathan Kent. Neva Howell plays Martha Kent, Isabela Merced appears as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi portrays Michael Holt/Mister Terrific. Nathan Fillion embodies Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, and Anthony Carrigan plays Rex Mason/Metamorpho. Together, they create a dynamic cast that enhances the story.
Also appearing in the film are María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica / The Engineer, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Terence Rosemore as Otis, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, and Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl.
PREMISE
“Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into cinemas worldwide on July 11th from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humour and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.
CREDITS
Directed By: James Gunn
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell
DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
The film stars David Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry,” “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza,” “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”).
“Superman” is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther. Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with composer David Fleming (“The Last of Us”) and editors William Hoy (“The Batman”) and Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “Blue Beetle”).
DC Studios Presents a Troll Court Entertainment/The Safran Company Production, A James Gunn Film,“Superman.”
SELECTED IMAGES
James Gunn will have us believing a man can fly again when Superman opens on July 11, 2025.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
