Writer-director James Gunn has announced that the highly anticipated sequel to Superman will be titled Man of Tomorrow and is set for release on July 9, 2027. This update, referred to as the James Gunn Superman 2 update, also hints at a surprising dynamic between Superman and his infamous adversary Lex Luthor, suggesting a notable shift from their usual rivalry.
Unexpected Partnership Between Superman and Lex Luthor
The reveal came via a social media post featuring artwork by Jim Lee, which depicts Superman alongside Lex Luthor wearing a mech suit. Rather than appearing as adversaries, the image intriguingly shows Superman holding a screwdriver and leaning on Luthor’s shoulder, implying the two may be joining forces. This portrayal diverges from previous traditional depictions of their antagonistic relationship.
The mech suit draws inspiration from Luthor’s appearance in the 2019 DC Comics event DCeased, where a devastating Apokoliptian virus wipes out Metropolis. In that storyline, Luthor sets aside his enmity with Superman out of concern for the survivors, forming an uneasy alliance to save what remains. This concept may influence Gunn’s vision without fully committing to the dark themes of the comic event.
Possible Story Directions and Character Development
While some fans might expect a cataclysmic storyline given the DCeased reference, there is little indication Gunn intends to replicate such bleakness, especially at an early stage in this new DC Universe (DCU). Instead, the alliance could reflect a complex evolution in their relationship, where shared goals in protecting Metropolis bring Superman and Luthor into a temporary truce despite lingering distrust.
This development is particularly notable considering the antagonism shown by Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor in the recent Superman film, where Luthor expressed overt xenophobia toward Clark Kent. It is possible that Superman’s appeal to kindness and morality has had some influence on the character’s trajectory, though caution remains warranted.
Indeed, the dynamic might resemble that of Charles Xavier in Fox’s X-Men series, where trust is fragile, and alliances are often fraught with tension. The nature of the threat requiring this partnership remains unknown, but speculation includes a formidable villain potentially more egotistical or dangerous than Luthor himself.
Implications for the Future of the DC Universe Films
The decision to fast-track Man of Tomorrow just two years after the first Superman film and only a year after the upcoming Supergirl movie starring Milly Alcock indicates rapid developments in James Gunn’s vision for the DCU. The initial Superman film, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, has seen a reasonably positive reception, passing the $600 million mark globally—a milestone that DC films have struggled to reach in recent years.
This growing momentum suggests the franchise could be on an upward trajectory, avoiding the steep declines that plagued previous DC sequels and related films in the 2010s. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if this new approach mirrors the success progression seen in other iconic superhero franchises, such as Christopher Nolan’s Batman films.
Building Anticipation for Man of Tomorrow and Beyond
With the film’s release date set and hints of fresh storytelling approaches involving complex character alliances, Man of Tomorrow promises to expand the narrative scope of the Superman saga. James Gunn’s involvement signals a continued restructuring of the DC Universe’s cinematic landscape, aiming to blend established comic lore with new directions for beloved characters like Kal-El and Lex Luthor.
As audiences await July 2027, the evolving relationship between Superman and Luthor could redefine their roles within the DCU and open the door to compelling conflicts and collaborations in future installments.
