From Fortress to Newsroom: Production Designer Beth Mickle Crafts the World of Superman

Posted on August 04, 2025 by Neil Cole

In James Gunn's visually stunning "Superman", production designer Beth Mickle brought a tangible authenticity and emotional depth to the Man of Steel's universe through masterful practical set design. Drawing from a rich heritage of comic book lore and previous cinematic iterations, Mickle crafted immersive environments that anchor the film's story in spaces both fantastical and relatable.

Central to her work is the majestic Fortress of Solitude, a sprawling 40,000-square-foot set constructed on a Georgia soundstage. Inspired by crystalline formations, natural rock growth, and the shimmering beauty of the Aurora Borealis, the Fortress was built from 242 enormous resin crystals, some reaching 40 feet in height. These painstakingly crafted structures were suspended with precision to achieve a weightless, otherworldly aesthetic, blending art and engineering in a feat that proved more cost-effective than computer-generated alternatives. The decision to film exterior Fortress scenes in the remote, icy landscapes of Svalbard, Norway, further enhanced the fortress's isolation and grandeur.

"We actually hung aircraft cable from the ceiling and put a little pick point on the top of each of the crystals... so it would lock it to that exact space," said Mickle. "Literally, I cry every single time that fortress emerges from the snow. I cry every single time we go through the doors and we go inside."

Mickle also reimagined the bustling Daily Planet newsroom with a timeless quality, selecting a retrofitted Art Deco train station near Atlanta to create an environment that feels analog and lived-in - complete with stacks of paper, corkboards, and vintage office equipment. This careful attention to detail evokes a newsroom both familiar and fresh, supporting the story's grounded tone.

In stark contrast, Lex Luthor's pocket universe prison embodies an oppressive geometric order. Drawing on the complex crystal geometry of bismuth, the production team built a physical grid of cube-shaped cells, which were digitally expanded to evoke a labyrinthine prison realm. This creative vision earned it the nickname "Hollywood Squares" set for its similarities to the classic television gameshow.

Meanwhile, the Justice Gang's headquarters reflect a hopeful, bright energy inspired by mid-century art deco architecture. Drawing from Cincinnati's Union Terminal and other classic American design elements, the set's vibrant colors, clean lines, and open spaces embody Superman's optimism and the team's camaraderie. Vintage furniture was reupholstered in bright tones, set pieces evoked mid-century design, and the overall feel was warm, spacious, and futuristic yet familiar.

"My art director, Dave Scott, came across an article about the station saying it was the inspiration for the Hall of Justice in the D.C. Comics [cartoon] 'Super Friends'," stated Mickle. "I called James and Peter [Safran], and we all hopped on a plane to scout this staggering piece of architecture."

Beyond the artistry, the production's collaborative spirit extended to the local community. Skilled artisans, carpenters, painters, and vendors in Georgia played an essential role in realizing these environments, exemplifying how large-scale productions can fuel regional creative economies.

Mickle's work on "Superman" continues her legacy of creating immersive, emotionally resonant worlds through practical design, emphasizing that tangible spaces enrich both the actors' performances and the audience’s experience. Her visionary approach helps ground James Gunn's ambitious new take on the DC Universe, offering fans and newcomers alike a world worth believing in.

"Superman", starring David Corenswet alongside Rachel Brosnahan and Milly Alcock, opened July 11th, 2025, and has since become a global box office success. Its production design remains a cornerstone of its storytelling power.

Source: MotionPictures.org