James Gunn is offering early insights into his upcoming project, Man of Tomorrow, describing it as a film centered on Lex Luthor rather than Superman, even though the iconic hero remains integral to the story. While production has yet to begin, Gunn emphasizes the film’s focus on exploring Lex Luthor’s complex character within the DC Universe. The revelation underscores the significance of Gunn’s vision as he reshapes the DCU with fresh narratives.
A Closer Look at Lex Luthor’s Role in the New Superman Story
James Gunn has been forthcoming about his creative direction for Man of Tomorrow, openly engaging with fans and dispelling speculation on social media. During a recent interview with The Ringer-Verse, Gunn explained that the film aims to delve deeply into Lex Luthor’s persona, presenting him beyond his traditional villainous image.
“I think I’m just more interested in getting into the heart of Lex and seeing how he fits into all of this. 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.” – James Gunn, Director
Gunn highlights that while Lex Luthor is conventionally portrayed as a powerful antagonist, there is an underlying tenacity and boldness that positions him as an unlikely hero. This complexity invites audiences to see Lex through a more nuanced lens, emphasizing his ambition and drive rather than purely his villainy.
“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. 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. He’s a guy, and I f***ing love that.” – James Gunn, Director
According to Gunn, the story will explore Lex’s human qualities, underscoring the character’s multitiered nature, including his vulnerability and determination in a world filled with superhuman beings. This approach promises to offer DCU audiences a fresh perspective on one of the franchise’s most enduring figures.
The Expanding Superman-Focused Slate Within the DC Universe
Originally, James Gunn’s announced slate for the DC Universe included iconic heroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, alongside more unconventional choices such as The Authority and Swamp Thing. However, the schedule and projects have evolved, with some films delayed or canceled and others like Clayface emerging as new entries.
Despite these changes, the initial phase of Gunn’s DCU rollout has concentrated heavily on Superman-related stories. The lineup includes Superman, Supergirl, and now Man of Tomorrow, which collectively build the foundation of what Gunn refers to as his “Superman saga” — a saga he envisions spanning five films. This strategic emphasis aims to reintroduce and deepen the Man of Steel’s mythology within the revamped universe.
Fans remain eager to discover who will take on the role of Batman in this new continuity, but Gunn has confirmed that although a script for The Brave and the Bold exists, it is still in development and not ready for production. Meanwhile, the focus stays firmly on crafting a compelling Superman narrative that can appeal to a wide audience.
Implications for the DC Universe and Its Fans
The frequency of Superman-centered films marks a shift from previous DC adaptations, which were relatively sparse, with Richard Donner’s 1978 movie being a major starting point for many fans. This concentrated approach could be seen as an attempt to attract long-time Superman enthusiasts who were divided over Zack Snyder’s darker tone in earlier DC films. Gunn’s vision leans toward a brighter, more character-driven storytelling style, which may bring renewed energy to the franchise.
However, the transition also sparks divided opinions. Some observers question how this lighter approach will coexist with fans who preferred Snyder’s intense universe. The upcoming release of Supergirl next year will be a pivotal moment in assessing the new DCU’s direction and audience reception.
Overall, Man of Tomorrow stands as a promising chapter that could redefine Lex Luthor’s role within the DC narrative and expand the storytelling possibilities around Superman’s world. As James Gunn continues to develop the project, fans can anticipate a nuanced, character-centric exploration that balances heroism and complexity in a fresh way.
