James Gunn has hinted that Brainiac could be the looming threat in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow film that unites Superman (David Corenswet) and Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), though he has not confirmed this outright. Recently, Gunn shared the first page of the movie script, featuring the title alongside a medical X-ray image of a human brain, which sparked speculation about Brainiac’s involvement.
This hint has fans eager to learn more, but Gunn remains cautious about revealing specific plot details.
“Listen, of course I wasn’t unaware that when I posted the cover of the script that there was going to be discussion around that particular topic,”
Gunn told EW.
“But I think we’ll hold off from what exactly is happening.”
Strong Fan Theories About Brainiac’s Introduction
Even before Gunn’s subtle hint, fans speculated that the highly intelligent villain Brainiac might first appear in the Superman sequel. A recent documentary on Superman’s production briefly showed storyboard images containing the Man of Steel, Supergirl, Krypto, and what appeared to be Brainiac’s head. While it remains possible this was simply an unused concept, many believe this signals Brainiac’s arrival in the DC Universe (DCU) through Man of Tomorrow.
Lex Luthor’s New Path and Connections to Peacemaker
Gunn has also assured audiences they will witness a more heroic turn for Lex Luthor in the film. This development was foreshadowed in episode 6 of Peacemaker season 2, where Lex Luthor meets Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) and is offered a chance for redemption by transferring to a prison without metahumans. The deal involves Luthor providing alternate dimension energy tracking technology.
“Nick’s a big fan of the show,”
Gunn shared.
“Everything’s connected, so there is a story here that we’re telling throughout the DCU, and this is connected very much to Man of Tomorrow.”
Additionally, Gunn confirmed that the alternate dimension favored by character Chris is a Nazi-ruled reality known as Earth-X, but clarified that this specific storyline will not carry over into the feature film. He added,
“But there are other elements, and part of that is the relationship between Rick Flag and Lex Luthor, and that’s an important thing going forward in the DCU and Man of Tomorrow and so on.”
Man of Tomorrow’s Expanding Cast and Characters
Man of Tomorrow features a strong supporting cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. It is expected that these characters will return in the new movie. The film also introduces Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Ma and Pa Kent, respectively, alongside Milly Alcock making her DCU debut as Supergirl, who is set to star in her own upcoming Woman of Tomorrow movie.
James Gunn’s Vision and Reflections on the Project
After filming wrapped last year, Gunn expressed deep gratitude for the cast and crew’s dedication, calling the experience inspiring and transformative.
“God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work have brought this project to life,”
Gunn posted.
“I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much. And the goodness and kindness and love I’ve encountered on a daily basis on the set has inspired me and thrust me forward when I felt too spent to move on my own.”
He continued,
“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It has been an honor. The destination has been Superman, but the journey has been the toil and the laughter and the emotions and ideas and magic we’ve shared together on set – and for that I am forever grateful.”
James Gunn’s Take on Superman’s Character in the New DC Universe
Gunn aims to portray Superman as a hero driven by compassion and a belief in humanity’s inherent goodness.
“In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.”
This creative approach promises a fresh and hopeful perspective on the iconic character, establishing Man of Tomorrow as a significant chapter in the evolving DCU.
