There’s the Silas Deli and Carisle Bakery in the Leader Building, across the way from loudly-chic Jitters Coffee Company. At 75 Public Square, there’s a Quitely & Sons Electronics that popped up next to Swans Books, seller of “rare books & first editions.”
Well, not really.
All the aforementioned storefronts, reminiscent of Downtown Cleveland’s heyday as a shopping hub, are mere props and sets for the upcoming production of Superman, the latest installment of the D.C. Comics franchise with (proud) roots here in Cleveland.
Earlier this week, the city confirmed that the movie, written and directed by James Gunn, will be sourcing Downtown and the Mentor Headlands as set locations, from June 16 to July 16.
From June 20 to June 22, crews will be filming in front of and around the Leader building off East 6th and Superior; and up and down Lakeside Avenue this weekend. (Expect road closures.)
Here’s what downtown looks like right now.
75 Public Square gets a new appliance store for the time being. Credit: Mark OpreaFlowers? Vespa? Superman? Credit: Mark OpreaThe Leader Building was converted this week into The Daily Planet and surrounding retail. Credit: Mark OpreaThe film set makeover solved the soiled overhang problem—for now. Credit: Mark OpreaThe Leader Building entrance will be Clark Kent’s Daily Planet. Credit: Mark OpreaIt’s unclear how exactly the sets will be used in the production. Credit: Mark OpreaCleveland—the new Metropolis? Credit: Mark OpreaBanners in front of the Cleveland Public Library. Credit: Mark OpreaBanners up on the Leader Building on Wednesday. Credit: Mark OpreaOn-street parking in some parts downtown will be removed while crews work on production. Credit: Mark OpreaInside of “Quitely & Sons Electronics” on Wednesday. Credit: Mark Oprea75 Public Square’s ground floor, vacant since it reopened in 2016, is “full” for now. Credit: Mark OpreaCredit: Mark OpreaSuperman fans perusing the film sets on Wednesday. Credit: Mark OpreaMore banners. Credit: Mark Oprea
Mark Oprea is a staff writer at Scene. He's covered Cleveland for the past decade, and has contributed to TIME, NPR, Narratively, the Pacific Standard and the Cleveland Magazine. He's the winner of two Press Club awards.