Key Takeaways:
- “Superman” filmed in Georgia generated over $82.7 million in local spend and created nearly 4,000 jobs.
- DC Studios executives publicly support filming in Georgia, citing world-class crews and infrastructure.
- Overseas competition and production budget cuts threaten Georgia’s film economy.
- DC’s continued presence could help stabilize Georgia’s production landscape as Marvel shifts abroad.
The Return of Superhero Cinema to Georgia
DC Studios’ latest release, Superman, is more than a box-office success—it’s a strategic milestone for Georgia’s film industry. Raking in nearly $220 million globally during its opening weekend and another $12.9 million the following Monday, Superman has emerged as a flagship example of high-profile productions choosing Georgia.
To celebrate the film’s release and recognize its economic footprint, DC Studios and the Motion Picture Association hosted a special screening at Atlanta’s Plaza Theatre, inviting local officials and emphasizing the film’s local economic contributions. DC Studios’ senior vice president of physical production, Lars Winther, referred to Trilith Studios in Fayetteville as their “home away from home.”
“Last year was a busy year, so we hope to do it again, and we hope to be back very, very, very soon,” said Winther.
Georgia’s Film Industry: At a Crossroads
Once a rising star in global production, Georgia has faced increasing competition in recent years. Studios are scaling back their budgets, and many have opted to shoot overseas where labor is cheaper and incentives are more generous.
Although Georgia’s film tax credit remains one of the most attractive in the U.S., critics argue the benefits are uneven—claiming many of the jobs created are temporary and easily relocated if incentives shrink. Additionally, other regions continue to outbid Georgia with better financial packages and tax breaks.
DC Studios Doubles Down on Georgia
James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios and the director of Superman, has consistently praised Georgia’s film environment. In a pre-recorded message played during the Plaza screening, Gunn described the local crews and facilities as “world class.” In a recent interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he went further:
“It’s hard to compete with England. I’ve had to convince people to shoot in Georgia even if it cost more. It’s worth it for the quality of the crews I get here… I’ve seen people rise through the ranks.”
Gunn has deep ties to the region, having directed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in Atlanta back in 2016. He even purchased a $1.3 million home in Fayette County in 2018, just minutes from Trilith Studios.
Strategic Importance of Superman’s Georgia Production
Superman marks the beginning of DC Studios’ 10-year content strategy led by Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran. It was filmed across several Georgia locations, including Fayetteville, Macon, Roberta, and LaGrange.
The impact? Massive.
- $82.7 million spent in Georgia
- 3,861 local cast and crew hired
- $43.6 million in wages paid
- $10.5 million spent on lighting and electrical
- $3.5 million on vehicles and transportation
- $2.8 million on hotels and catering
- $1.5 million on location fees
Can DC Fill the Marvel Void?
Marvel Studios, once a dominant force in Georgia, has significantly reduced its production volume. Now, with only a few titles being produced each year—many filmed abroad—there’s a clear opening in the local market.
According to Georgia State University professor Kate Fortmueller, this presents an opportunity for DC:
“If you have James Gunn already saying ‘I want to film here, I have a house here, this movie was very successful,’ I think that there are going to be a lot of people in the state who are interested in trying to play to that.”
DC already filmed both Superman and the second season of Peacemaker in Georgia, occupying as many as eight or nine soundstages at Trilith.
Georgia’s Competitive Edge—and Its Challenges
Despite the success of Superman, DC’s next few films, including Supergirl (2026) and Clayface, are being filmed in Europe. The reason? Cost savings.
Even with Georgia’s competitive incentives, countries like the UK offer better tax rebates and fewer payroll obligations. Gunn acknowledged that “it’s hard to compete with England,” especially when budget-conscious executives make the final call.
However, the strength of Georgia’s crews, studios, and overall infrastructure may offer enough value to outweigh those cost differences—especially if advocates like Gunn continue to push for local production.
Looking Ahead
The success of Superman is a beacon of possibility for Georgia’s film community. Its economic impact, combined with vocal support from DC executives, could influence more productions to return to the state. Georgia lawmakers and industry leaders appear eager to capitalize on this momentum.
Georgia Rep. Kim Schofield summarized the optimism well:
“We know the value of making sure that we keep our film community alive… We want to keep these film studios packed. We want to keep quality films like Superman being made here.”
