Londoners looked skyward as Superman appeared, suspended over 300 metres above the capital within the exposed spire of The Shard.
Created to celebrate the release of DC Studios ‘Superman’, the new film from director James Gunn, in cinemas from 11th July, the striking sight marks an unprecedented stunt for the iconic skyscraper and the highest-ever public sculpture display in the UK.
With early risers spotting the unmistakable figure majestically floating at the peak of London’s tallest building from 5am, crowds soon gathered in the London Bridge area to get a glimpse of Superman himself.
With the new film’s tagline ‘Look Up’, London was invited to do exactly that, with the figure visible from up to 40 miles away for an entire day, at times circled by two Daily Planet branded helicopters, a nod to the iconic newspaper in the film. Meanwhile, three of the film’s stars – David Corenswet (Clarke Kent / Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) – made an appearance on the spire’s highest platform beneath the sculpture.
James Gunn, writer and director of Superman and Co-Chairman of DC Studios, said of the stunt: “To see such a realistic depiction of our Superman displayed on the top of The Shard is mind-blowing!”
Daniel Fulbrook, Head of Marketing for REM, asset manager of The Shard, said: “Superman has stood as a symbol of hope and heroism for generations — so it feels only fitting that he now watches over London from the top of one of its most iconic landmarks.
“To see him suspended within The Shard’s spire is truly surreal. We’re incredibly proud to help bring this legendary figure to life in such a bold and breathtaking way.”
Based on 3D scans and extensive reference of the actor and costume and in close consultation of filmmakers, the sculpture consists of a welded steel framework – appropriate for the hero known as the ‘Man of Steel’ – with a fibreglass body moulded in ECO resin, supported by galvanised steel cables attaching it to the iconic building.
Four months in the making and over 2,000 man hours with a team of over 20 working around the clock, the 120kg sculpture even had to be constructed from its 9 complex sections yesterday at the very top platform of the Shard, before being hoisted into position in the early hours of this morning by a team of over twenty.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ and DC Studios’ ‘Superman’ is released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Friday 11th July.
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT THE STUNT
● Statue is 11ft/3.5m tall and weighs over 120kg
● Consists of welded steel framework and a fibreglass body created from ECO resin mould
● Actor David Corenswet was 3D scanned during production and pose translated to physical figure, supported by extensive references for the costume and cape
● Pose depicts character with one leg dynamically bent and head looking down, as if hovering protectively over London
● Statue took four months to create and 2,000 man hours to create by a team of over 20
● Statue displayed at over 300 metre height, making it the highest ever display of a public sculpture
● At 310 metres high, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe
● The Shard’s spire is visible over 40 miles away, but fans are being encouraged to visit the locations below for the best, unobstructed views of the statue:
○ Borough Market – various vantage points on Cathedral St, SE1 9DE
○ Corner of Stoney St and Southwark St, SE1 9AF
○ Maiden Lane, SE1 9HG
○ Sumner Street, SE1 9HZ
○ Southwark Bridge (south side), SE1 9HS
