James Gunn has officially revealed that in the upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, Lex Luthor and Clark Kent will join forces to confront a far greater menace. This confirmation emerged during Gunn’s recent interview on The Howard Stern Show, providing fans with important insights into the film’s direction and storyline. The collaboration between Superman and his longtime adversary signals a shift in the narrative, centered around combating a threat beyond their usual conflicts.
Details from the Howard Stern Interview and Fan Reactions
On The Howard Stern Show, Stern—who has a well-known passion for superheroes and even created his own character Fartman—asked Gunn about the movie’s plot, to which he responded,
“It’s a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat.”
This statement, shared through fan accounts on social media, has spurred speculation that the film’s villain could be the robotic and cosmic antagonist Brainiac, who has been rumored to make his cinematic debut here.
Previously, Brainiac was linked to Tim Burton’s 1990s unfinished Superman project starring Nicolas Cage, another devoted Superman fan. Gunn himself mentioned on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that Brainiac was briefly considered for inclusion in his first Superman film, making this new development intriguing for DC enthusiasts.
Cast Highlights: Milly Alcock’s Role as Supergirl
James Gunn also praised the casting of Milly Alcock as Clark Kent’s cousin, Supergirl, describing her addition as a major highlight of the project.
“Milly Alcock might be the best bit of casting I’ve done in my entire life. I think she’s absolutely stunning in the movie,”
Gunn declared during the interview. This casting choice signals significant importance for the character, who will star in the upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow slated for release next year. The film also features Jason Momoa as the alien bounty hunter Lobo, adding to the DC cosmic universe’s deepening narrative.
Potential Cameos and Universe Expansion
Jason Momoa’s Lobo is a powerful figure capable of taking on individuals from Krypton, hinting that his involvement could bring wider consequences in Man of Tomorrow. Lobo’s presence may necessitate the involvement of other heroes, possibly including The Justice Gang and Superman, given the character’s strength and cosmic threat level. Fans have also connected Lobo’s potential role to future projects such as Suicide Squad 3, where he could serve as a DC equivalent to Deadpool or Wolverine, offering a mix of irreverence and brutal power.
Release Timeline and Anticipation
Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to premiere on July 9, 2027, providing plenty of time for further plot details and promotional material to emerge. Given James Gunn’s reputation for blending character depth with blockbuster action, expectations run high for this Superman installment, especially with its fresh take on the Superman-Luthor dynamic and the possible introduction of new characters such as Brainiac and Lobo. Fans and critics alike are cautiously optimistic about how these elements will weave together in the upcoming release.
The Impact of Teaming Superman with Lex Luthor
The decision to have Superman and Lex Luthor cooperate reflects a notable narrative evolution within the DC cinematic universe, showcasing the requirement for collaboration against overwhelming threats. This approach allows for complex character interactions and challenges traditional villain-hero boundaries, which could enrich the franchise’s storytelling. Furthermore, the inclusion of Supergirl and cosmic characters like Lobo suggests a broader expansion of the interconnected DC universe, potentially setting the stage for future crossovers and new story arcs.
