Feature Film Sqeuence
Superman
Industrial Light & Magic
This sequence showcases ILM's visual effects work on the climactic third-act battle of James Gunn's Superman, centered around an interdimensional rift tearing through Metropolis.
The fully digital rift environment was developed using the metallic surface qualities and crystalline growth patterns of bismuth as key visual references. Built as a highly detailed procedural asset, the effect combines large-scale geometric formations, fractured city infrastructure, and cascading rubble to create a phenomenon that feels both alien and physically grounded.
As David Corenswet portrays both Superman and Ultraman, select shots utilised ILM's face-swap workflow, combining traditional CG face replacements with machine-learning driven techniques to seamlessly place the actor into dual-performance shots.
Highly detailed Superman and Ultraman digital doubles were created for full-CG shots in the sequence where the scale of the action and camera movement exceeded the limitations of the plate photography. Other shots combined practical photography with CG enhancements, including digital costumes, capes, and hair simulations.
For Krypto, animation focused on capturing the energy and personality of James Gunn's dog, Ozu, whilst maintaining realistic canine motion. Detailed muscle and fur simulation, combined with photoreal fur rendering, helped ground the character and create a believable on-screen performance.
As the battle reaches its climax, a black hole emerges within the dimensional breach. Complex effects simulations drive the collapse of the rift as debris, a city bus, fragments of the bismuth structure, and ultimately Ultraman are drawn into its gravitational pull, bringing the sequence to its dramatic conclusion.
CREW
Stephane Ceretti - Production VFX Supervisor
David Dally – VFX Supervisor
Ben Snow – VFX Supervisor
Ilona Blyth – VFX Producer
Matt Middleton – CG Supervisor
Ben Tillmann – CG Supervisor
Stephen King – Animation Supervisor
Nicolas Caillier – Compositing Supervisor
Bryan Smeall – Compositing Supervisor
Murat Aysali – Paint and Roto Supervisor
Ian Dodman – Lighting Supervisor
Chris Ung – FX Supervisor
Matthieu Presti - FX Lead
Nick Van Diem – Creature Supervisor
KiKi Teo – Texture Supervisor
Cao Ye – Generalist Supervisor
Rens Heeren - Generalist Artist
Stanley Wong – Model Lead
Marcus Bain – Layout Lead
Gillian Howe – Executive Producer