James Gunn Reveals First Look at Superman 2025's Jimmy Olsen to Celebrate Anniversary of Superman's Pal

DC Studios co-CEO and Superman director James Gunn has revealed a first look at Skyler Gisondo as The Daily Planet’s Jimmy Olsen.

Two images of the actor were shared on X/Twitter and Instagram over the weekend to help celebrate the character’s 83rd anniversary. Gunn notes that, while Jimmy Olsen had appeared as a nameless Daily Planet employee in Action Comics 6, his full debut finally arrived on August 25, 1941. The picture of Gisondo reveals next to nothing about the importance of his role in next year’s Superman and DCU reboot, but it’s still an early look at a character fans have hoped to see on the big screen again.

Happy Anniversary to Superman’s pal, Jimmy Olsen, who debuted on this day in 1941 (although he did appear earlier as “office boy” in Action Comics 6). Created by Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster & Bob Maxwell. I can’t wait for you to see @SkylerGisondo’s portrayal in #Superman on July… pic.twitter.com/PG7DdF7QSL— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 25, 2024

While Jimmy Olsen’s debut in Superman will give Superman’s pal another reason to celebrate, it won’t exactly be his first time appearing in a live-action film. He notoriously made a brief cameo in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. His time on screen was short-lived in the Zack Snyder-directed crossover movie, as he only has a few lines before being killed in its opening moments.

Gisondo will appear alongside a list of other notable names when Superman swoops into theaters July 11, 2025. Its cast includes David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. with Nathan Fillion also tapped to play Green Lantern Guy Gardner. The film will kick off Gunn’s new DCU, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some cameos show up, too. Some fans are anticipating an appearance from Martian Manhunter, while others are just excited to see Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell play Jonathan and Martha Kent.

Although Superman’s release still has about a year before it releases, we’ve still managed to see quite a bit of the film thanks to some set photos that found their way online. Gunn did clarify that the images circulating on social media wouldn’t spoil anything about the movie’s plot. It’s been a string of positive updates that concluded with the news that filming wrapped in July, a full year before the premiere. The director says the speedy schedule would help ensure VFX artists have all the time they need to get the job done.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

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