As anticipation builds for James Gunn’s Superman film hitting theaters this July, DC fans will have a chance to explore the Man of Steel’s world a little earlier. Penguin Random House has announced the upcoming release of a prequel novel titled Superman: Welcome to Metropolis, set to hit bookstores on June 3.
Aimed at younger readers, the 144-page novel offers an early glimpse into the DC Universe’s iteration of Metropolis. While brief in length, the book may include meaningful narrative details and character interactions—particularly involving Superman and his iconic adversary, Lex Luthor.
According to the publisher, the story follows a young Clark Kent as he settles into life in Metropolis, juggling his dual identity as a rookie reporter at the Daily Planet and as Superman. The narrative centers on Clark’s efforts to navigate his new environment while confronting a mysterious threat that may be tied to Lex Luthor.
The official synopsis reads:
“Take to the skies with Superman in this original prequel novel based on the new film, in theaters July 11, 2025!
Clark Kent is a fresh face to Metropolis, trying to balance his new job at The Daily Planet, and his secret identity as Superman, a powerful metahuman, while uncovering a dangerous mystery that seems to tie back to the infamous Lex Luthor. Discover how the world’s first super hero found his place in his new home in this original prequel novel based on the film.”
The book will also feature an eight-page, full-color insert with character profiles, providing fans an additional window into the film’s cast of characters.
The release is expected to be the first of several tie-in materials as Warner Bros. ramps up promotion ahead of the July 11 theatrical debut of Superman—the first film under DC Studios’ reimagined cinematic universe.
Director James Gunn recently shared a behind-the-scenes image of Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, giving fans a look inside the Daily Planet newsroom and offering a taste of the film’s aesthetic and tone.
Meanwhile, renowned comic book writer Mark Waid reflected on Superman’s cultural relevance in a recent interview, saying, “Superman is always the symbol of hope. Superman is always the symbol of what we can accomplish if we pull together, what we can do if we have empathy… if we make kindness a virtue rather than a weakness.”
Starring David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film’s ensemble also includes 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, and Milly Alcock.
Superman opens in theaters on July 11, 2025.
