Director James Gunn recently confirmed that the sequel to Man of Tomorrow is currently in development and scheduled for release on July 9, 2027. Fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter featuring Superman, also known as Clark Kent, especially after Gunn’s recent social media reveal hinting that Brainiac will serve as the primary villain in this new installment.
Understanding Brainiac’s Role and Threat in the DC Universe
Brainiac is a well-known adversary within the DC Universe, portrayed as a hyper-intelligent android or cyborg originating from the planet Colu. His obsession lies in amassing all knowledge throughout the universe, which he achieves by shrinking entire cities to preserve them aboard his distinctive skull-shaped spaceship. Among these captured cities is Kandor, the capital of Krypton, Superman’s home planet. Known as one of the most formidable enemies that Superman and the Justice League face, Brainiac’s cycle of destruction and resurrection has made him a persistent and evolving menace.
Superman and Lex Luthor’s Unlikely Alliance Against a Greater Danger
In a recent interview with Howard Stern, James Gunn described the upcoming film’s storyline as one where Superman and Lex Luthor must collaborate to confront an even more significant threat. Gunn stated,
“It’s a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat. It’s more complicated than that but that’s a big part of it. It’s as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie. I loved working with Nicholas Hoult. I relate to the character of Lex, sadly. I really wanted to create something extraordinary with the two of them. I just love the script so much.”
– James Gunn, Director
This reveals that the sequel will explore the complex dynamics between Superman and one of his greatest foes, Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, emphasizing the dual focus of the narrative.

Connections Between Man of Tomorrow and Other Projects in the DC Universe
Gunn further explained on social media that while each project in the DC universe can be followed independently, there are intentional links between Man of Tomorrow and Peacemaker’s second season. He said,
“As I’ve said countless times, you can watch every project by itself, of course (just like you can watch Peacemaker by itself or watch Superman without seeing Creature Commandos). But Man of Tomorrow and [Peacemaker season 2] are very, very connected.”
– James Gunn, Director
This highlights a deeper narrative interconnection, creating anticipation for fans who follow multiple DC stories.
The Impact of Brainiac’s Introduction on Superman’s Story
Introducing Brainiac as the main antagonist in the Man of Tomorrow sequel signals a darker and more intense challenge for Superman. Brainiac’s persistent attempts to dominate and destroy planets elevate the stakes significantly for Clark Kent and his allies. The alliance between Superman and Lex Luthor against this formidable enemy also promises to add layers of tension and complexity, enriching the story beyond typical hero-versus-villain conflicts.
With James Gunn’s proven track record and his passion for the characters, the 2027 release of Man of Tomorrow’s sequel is positioned to be a pivotal moment for the DC universe, potentially setting new directions for future films and interconnected series. Fans will be closely watching for more updates as production progresses and eagerly awaiting the inevitable confrontation between Superman, Lex Luthor, and Brainiac.
