James Gunn has challenged traditional expectations about sequels while promoting Man of Tomorrow, a follow-up focusing on the evolving dynamic between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor. The new film, set to release on July 9, 2027, will spotlight their uneasy alliance as they confront a far more dangerous threat than before, highlighting James Gunn Man of Tomorrow’s intent to dive deeper into these iconic characters.
Lex Luthor’s Journey From Villainy to Possible Heroism
Previously, Lex Luthor was last seen being transported to Belle Reve, implicated for his part in the destruction of Metropolis and his attempt to kill Superman. Yet, in this film, Gambit creators and fans will recognize his iconic green and purple War Suit from the comics, signaling a possible shift in role. James Gunn is eager to explore a side of Lex that has often been overshadowed by villainy—his potential as a heroic figure.
In a recent chat with The Ringer-Verse, Gunn said,
“I think I’m just more interested in getting into the heart of Lex and seeing how he fits into all of this,”
emphasizing the human aspects of Lex beyond the usual evil persona. He added,
“I think getting to know more of Lex as a human being. We saw a lot about the evil part of Lex. He’s pretty evil. He, as a character, is really interesting. There’s something, despite everything, that is incredibly heroic about Lex.”
Understanding Lex’s Ambition and Tenacity
James Gunn highlighted the complexity of Lex’s character by separating him from typical moral labels. He explained,
“Take aside morality, which is hard to do, but here is this guy who is saying, ‘You can hold up a building. You can shoot down planes with your eyes. F*** you, I’m going to kick your ass because I’m better than you. I can’t help but admire his tenacity and his ego. His ambition is beyond compare. He’s the underdog.”
Despite Lex’s corporate influence and resources, Gunn noted that,
“Yeah, sure, he’s got a lot of corporate power that he can use to manipulate things, but he can’t fly into outer space, lift up a building, or punch something across three states,”
before emphatically stating,
“He’s a guy, and I f***ing love that.”
This grounded portrayal positions Lex as a uniquely human rival to a godlike Superman.
The Focus on Duality Between Superman and Lex Luthor
James Gunn described this installment as more “comic booky” in some respects, underlining that the story centers around the dual characters of Superman and Lex. Their complex relationship drives the plot and showcases themes of rivalry, power, and unexpected collaboration.
The film will also feature familiar supporting characters, including the Daily Planet staff and the Justice Gang, extending the shared universe’s richness. Peacemaker from the HBO Max series is also expected to make an appearance, further linking these stories.
Connection Between Peacemaker and Man of Tomorrow
James Gunn positioned the Peacemaker series as a kind of prequel to Man of Tomorrow, with the finale of its second season playing a significant role in setting the stage for the movie’s events. He stated,
“I want to make sure people can pick up and watch something without having to see something before it,”
clarifying the accessibility of Peacemaker season two, and added,
“That said, episode 8 is as important to Man of Tomorrow as anything.”
While the final episodes of Peacemaker are being kept under wraps to prevent spoilers, speculation suggests that A.R.G.U.S. will seek Lex Luthor’s assistance in decoding the Quantum Unfolding Chamber. This crucial plot point could lead to Lex’s release from Belle Reve, directly impacting the narrative of Man of Tomorrow.
Anticipation Builds for the July 2027 Release
With its intense focus on the layered characters of Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, Man of Tomorrow promises a tense and restless exploration of heroism, ambition, and rivalry. James Gunn’s approach sheds light on the ambiguity of Lex’s nature, challenging viewers to reconsider what makes a hero. As the film nears release, audiences can expect a complex story that deepens the Superman mythos, setting a new tone for future DC Studios projects.
