James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has confirmed that a universe-changing villain, on a scale comparable to Marvel’s Thanos, is set to enter the DC Universe (DCU). This announcement arrives amid growing anticipation for the Superman Saga and the upcoming large-scale crossover event scheduled for 2027. Although details about a Justice League film remain unconfirmed, Gunn’s statement signals an expanded threat that will demand new alliances within the DCU.
Gunn recently revealed his next project, Man of Tomorrow, which he will write and direct. The film is intended as a continuation of the Superman story but distinct from a traditional sequel labeled Superman 2. Alongside actors David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult, Gunn shared concept art featuring Superman and Lex Luthor, hinting at an unusual collaboration between these classic adversaries.
Superman and Lex Luthor’s Unlikely Alliance
Speaking on The Howard Stern Show, James Gunn confirmed that Man of Tomorrow will explore a plot where Superman and Lex Luthor must cooperate, facing a threat far greater than either could confront alone. Gunn described it as:
“It’s a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat.” —James Gunn, DC Studios co-head
Lex Luthor, while a formidable intellectual and strategic foe, lacks the supernatural powers or cosmic scale possessed by some other DC villains. His role in the story sets up a scenario akin to moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), where enemies like Loki, or even rivals like Steve Rogers and Tony Stark, temporarily united against Thanos.
Several current DCU projects, including Peacemaker Season 2, HBO’s Lanterns, and the upcoming Supergirl series starring Milly Alcock, may provide narrative threads leading to this greater menace that forces the uneasy alliance between Superman and Lex.
Potential Identities of the DCU’s Formidable Villain
The collaboration of Superman and Lex Luthor points to an enemy of extraordinary power and influence. Darkseid is often considered the most obvious choice due to his iconic status as a cosmic tyrant wielding the Anti-Life Equation, which could threaten the entire Multiverse. His presence would justify the rare team-up of longtime foes. Additionally, characters such as Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl and Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart could play critical roles in assembling Earth‘s defense.
However, Darkseid’s recent prominent appearance in the DCEU, especially in Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), makes his immediate return less likely in this new storyline.
Other possible antagonists include Parallax, a menacing figure tied to the Green Lantern lore, capable of generating cosmic-scale havoc relevant to several intersecting storylines within the DCU. His involvement would naturally broaden the scope of the conflict across space and dimensions.
Brainiac remains the fan-favorite theory for the big threat. Often portrayed as a genius-level collector of worlds and an intellectual equal, if not superior, to Lex Luthor, Brainiac’s technological prowess and cold calculation make him a perfect nemesis for Superman. This character’s potential release from the Belle Reve Correctional Center and surprising alliance with Superman fits with the build-up James Gunn may be orchestrating, similar to how Marvel teased Thanos over multiple phases.
Future Implications for the DC Universe
The arrival of this new villain marks a critical turning point for the DCU, signaling a move towards interconnected story arcs and shared cinematic stakes similar to those seen in the MCU. By positioning Superman and Lex Luthor as reluctant allies facing an overwhelming threat, the DCU aims to deepen its narrative complexity and expand its character relationships.
The crossover event planned for 2027 is expected to be a defining moment, potentially uniting various characters from HBO’s Lanterns, Peacemaker, Supergirl, and the Superman Saga itself. Fans are eagerly speculating on the villain’s identity, but James Gunn’s reputation for surprises suggests that the full story will unfold with unexpected twists, setting the stage for a new era in DC storytelling.
