News Summary
The new Superman film has grossed over $400 million and highlights the talent of Columbia alumni Ed Tilden and Bonnie Discepolo. Their reunion on the project showcases local professionals’ skills and further establishes Columbia as a nurturing ground for aspiring artists. The film also features a rescue dog named Sparrow, raising awareness for animal adoption in the community.
Columbia – The new film “Superman,” based on the beloved DC superhero, has quickly soared to success, grossing over $400 million as of late July 2025. Featuring the talent of Columbia alumni, this blockbuster has not only captivated audiences but also showcased the impressive skills of local professionals.
This latest rendition of “Superman” marks a significant collaboration between two graduates of Dreher High School in Columbia: Ed Tilden, the film’s first assistant director, and Bonnie Discepolo, who plays Ali Jessop, an assistant to the film’s antagonist, Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Holt. Their reunion on this film comes after previously working together on Discepolo’s short film “Graceland” in 2020.
Ed Tilden’s journey to his prominent role in “Superman” began with education at the University of South Carolina and Trident Technical College. Driven by hands-on experiences, Tilden left college midway to dive into the film industry, where he started working on commercials. His career path took him to the production team for “Army Wives,” and he went on to contribute to major films, including “The Hunger Games,” Marvel’s “Captain America,” and the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series. Promoted to key set production assistant, Tilden eventually earned the title of first assistant director for “Superman,” which he considers a peak moment in his career.
Bonnie Discepolo, also from Columbia, received her training at Boston University and further pursued her craft through experiences in Moscow, New York City, and Los Angeles. She participated in Trustus Theatre’s apprentice program in Columbia, where her early acting skills began to flourish. Discepolo describes her work on “Superman” as a “dream come true,” celebrating the caliber of talent involved in the project.
In the film, Discepolo’s character, Ali Jessop, provides a humorous spin on Lex Luthor’s villainous nature, enhancing the storyline’s appeal as audiences enjoy this lighter take on a traditionally serious character.
The success of “Superman” extends beyond its financial achievements. The film also made headlines for featuring a rescue dog named Sparrow, who has connections to the Maury County Animal Shelter. Sparrow’s role in a dramatic scene, where Superman saves him, has brought increased attention to animal adoption efforts in the area, helping to raise awareness and encourage adoptions at the shelter. It is important to note that Sparrow is not a stand-in for Krypto, Superman’s dog, which is created through CGI.
Following the release of “Superman,” Tilden has already moved on to work on the second season of the popular series “Peacemaker,” while Discepolo continues to promote her latest project, titled “Neo-Dome,” and is also developing a script for a vampire movie. These ongoing endeavors highlight the dynamic and collaborative nature of Tilden and Discepolo’s professional relationship, as they both remain active within the creative community that continues to thrive in Columbia.
The success of “Superman” reflects the potential of local talent to make notable contributions to the film industry, further establishing Columbia as a nurturing ground for aspiring artists and filmmakers. The reunion of Tilden and Discepolo exemplifies how shared backgrounds and experiences can foster fruitful collaborations, ultimately leading to significant triumphs in the entertainment realm.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Google Search: Superman film 2025
- Columbia Daily Herald
- Wikipedia: Superman
- Hollywood Reporter
- Google News: Superman box office
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