Superman Filming to Shut Down Downtown Cleveland: My Personal Perspective

ronwoodson

Superman Filming to Shut Down Downtown Cleveland: My Personal Perspective

As someone who loves both superhero movies and the city of Cleveland, hearing that the new Superman film is taking over our downtown streets is nothing short of thrilling. The production, which starts this Thursday, is set to transform familiar locations into the iconic city of Metropolis. Seeing the Leader Building on Superior Avenue reimagined as The Daily Planet, with the bustling streets of Public Square turning into the backdrop for Clark Kent’s adventures, is like watching our city become part of the cinematic universe.

From Superior Avenue to Lakeside, the closures are extensive, stretching from East 6th Street to East 9th. While this might be an inconvenience for commuters, the excitement of seeing film crews and actors in action more than compensates. Detour signs will help navigate the rerouted traffic, but I can’t help but think about the behind-the-scenes magic unfolding in our everyday spaces.

The filming isn't confined to just downtown. Mentor Headlands Beach, about 30 miles east, has already seen action, with the state park closed for filming. This expansion to different parts of Ohio, including upcoming scenes in Cincinnati, underscores the scale and ambition of the project.

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission remains tight-lipped due to non-disclosure agreements, but the Ohio Department of Development’s $11 million motion tax credit awarded to "Genesis" – the project codename for this Superman reboot, titled “Superman: Legacy” – speaks volumes about the investment and expectation surrounding this film.

Directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, this movie promises to be a significant event, not just for fans but for our city’s profile as a filming location.

In summary, while the road closures might pose some challenges, the transformation of downtown Cleveland into Metropolis brings a unique blend of excitement and pride. It’s a reminder of how our city can adapt and shine on the silver screen, blending the everyday with the extraordinary in a way only Superman can inspire.