James Gunn has revealed that the next entry in his Superman storyline, titled Superman: Man of Tomorrow, will premiere on July 9, 2027. This film is described as part of the overall Superman saga rather than a direct sequel, arriving shortly after the 2025 Superman movie that earned over $611 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing superhero film of that year.
Warner Bros. Discovery Accelerates DCU Expansion
The planned release of Man of Tomorrow just two years after the previous Superman film reflects Warner Bros. Discovery’s strong commitment to building the new DC Universe (DCU). After the blockbuster success of the 2025 film, Superman has become a flagship character for the franchise’s ambitious rollout.
Simu Liu’s Reaction Highlights Marvel’s Pause
Simu Liu responded to the announcement on the social media platform X with a blank stare emoji, which fans quickly interpreted as a subtle commentary. Many pointed out the irony that Superman’s franchise is advancing rapidly while Marvel’s Shang-Chi 2 remains without an official sequel announcement, turning Liu’s reaction into a humorous yet pointed observation about the differing paces of the two studios.
Performance and Uncertainty Surround Shang-Chi Sequel
Released in 2021, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings earned approximately $432 million worldwide. Although Marvel had initially indicated a sequel was forthcoming, no official progress has been made on Shang-Chi 2. This ongoing silence has led to speculation about what lies ahead for the character and the franchise.
Simu Liu’s Upcoming MCU Project
While fans await news of Shang-Chi’s future, Simu Liu is confirmed to return in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. Liu described filming the movie as like a dream, especially due to working alongside Robert Downey Jr., who will portray Doctor Doom in a surprising villainous role. Liu also teased that everyone will be blown away by Downey’s performance.
Director Change Adds to Shang-Chi Sequel Delay
Another factor affecting the Shang-Chi sequel is that Destin Daniel Cretton, who directed the original film, has moved on to helm Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set for July 31, 2026. This shift is part of Marvel and Sony’s ongoing collaboration to keep Spider-Man at the center of their upcoming projects, while certain other Marvel installments remain uncertain.
Fan Perspectives on Studio Momentum
Though Simu Liu’s response appeared lighthearted, it resonated deeply with fans who interpret the swift Superman sequel announcement as an indicator that DC is advancing its cinematic universe more aggressively, whereas Marvel appears to be taking a more measured approach with some franchises. This dynamic may influence fan expectations and studio strategies in the years ahead.
