Director James Gunn revealed new details about the fate of key characters from the 2025 film Superman, including the Engineer’s survival and return in the follow-up, titled Man of Tomorrow. Announced during his director’s commentary, Gunn confirmed that María Gabriela de Faría’s character Angela Spica, known as the Engineer, remains alive after the film’s climactic battle at the Metropolis Meteors baseball stadium.
In the original film, Superman triumphs over Ultraman and the Engineer, defeating them in a tense confrontation. However, the Engineer’s exit was not permanent. Gunn explicitly stated,
“She’s out of the movie. Where does she go? Well, you’re going to find that out in the next movie.”
This sets the stage for the Engineer’s return and further development in the sequel.
Ultraman’s Complex Storyline and Possible Future
The movie also raised questions about Ultraman, another pivotal adversary. As co-CEO of DC Studios, Gunn explained that Ultraman is essentially a clone of Superman, reminiscent of the comics where Ultraman hails from Earth-3 as part of The Crime Syndicate, serving as an evil counterpart. Discussing Ultraman’s fate, Gunn noted,
“We discover that Ultraman is a clone of Superman. [In the comics], Ultraman is from Earth-3, where he’s a part of The Crime Syndicate and an evil version of Superman. There are some similarities here. Also, you might ask yourself, ‘Where does Ultraman go at the end of the movie?’”
After being defeated, Ultraman is sent into a black hole, an ambiguous ending that leaves fans questioning his return. Gunn added,
“He sends him up into the black hole. Is this the end of Ultraman? I don’t know.”
This suggests future films may explore whether Ultraman emerges again or evolves into a character like Bizarro, though the details remain unconfirmed.
Hints of Peacemaker’s Role and Broader DC Universe Connections
James Gunn also hinted at the inclusion of John Cena’s Peacemaker in Man of Tomorrow, building on Cena’s surprise cameo in Superman. Gunn highlighted the tension between Peacemaker and Superman, stating,
“Peacemaker is not a fan of Superman, obviously. That’s going to be important in the future, actually,”
suggesting that their dynamic will play a significant role going forward.
Moreover, Gunn pointed out that the meeting room scene from Superman, featuring characters like Lex Luthor and Rick Flag Sr. discussing global affairs, will appear in the finale of Peacemaker season 2. This crossover hints at deeper interconnected storytelling between DC Studios’ projects, although it remains unclear if Lex Luthor himself will be part of that gathering.
A New Chapter for Superman Under James Gunn’s Direction
Superman marks the first theatrical release from DC Studios under Gunn’s leadership, presenting a new version of the iconic hero that blends action with emotional depth. With David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, alongside Rachel Brosnahan playing Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film introduces a more compassionate and hopeful Man of Steel. The ensemble cast includes Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, and others contributing to the rich narrative fabric.
The film’s depiction of Superman’s relentless belief in humankind’s goodness has been noted as a fresh take, earning praise for its layered approach. A review praised the movie as
“A beautiful, moving thrill, David Corenswet is the perfect Man of Steel in a movie packed full of ideas. Fortunately, under James Gunn’s expert direction, all of those work, creating a rousing experience that flies higher than DC has in a very long time.”
Currently available on HBO Max, Digital, and physical formats such as 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD, Superman sets a new foundation for future installments like Man of Tomorrow.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Man of Tomorrow
With Gunn’s confirmation of returning characters like the Engineer and the unresolved fate of Ultraman, Man of Tomorrow promises to deepen the universe’s mythology and character arcs. The teasing of Peacemaker’s conflicted stance toward Superman also points to more complex relationships in upcoming DC productions.
This sequel will likely explore the consequences of the original film’s events, expanding the scope of heroes and villains woven into the evolving DC landscape. Fans eagerly awaiting more encounters with these characters can expect the new installment to challenge the boundaries of heroism and menace in this reimagined universe.
Get the #Superman gag reel, director's commentary, and extra features now on digital! pic.twitter.com/UrZdpt6mcU
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 23, 2025
