James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios and director of the upcoming Superman installment, created a buzz on Monday when he posted a photo of a script page for Man of Tomorrow that featured an X-ray image of a person’s brain. This sparked widespread speculation among fans that the film might introduce the iconic comic book villain Brainiac into the DC Universe. The disclosure came amid growing anticipation for the sequel, emphasizing the importance of the James Gunn Man of Tomorrow project.
Hints at Brainiac Stir Fans’ Curiosity
Following the speculation, Entertainment Weekly reached out to Gunn for clarification. Although he acknowledged the conversation his post ignited, Gunn remained deliberately vague about confirming Brainiac’s appearance.
“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 said.
“But I think we’ll hold off from what exactly is happening.”
Returning Cast and Interconnected DC Universe
While Gunn withholds confirmation of the villain’s identity, what is certain is the return of David Corenswet as Superman, known as the Man of Steel, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, a character whose role has shifted from nemesis to reluctant ally. Hoult recently reprised this role in a recent episode of Peacemaker season 2, where his character appears in Belle Reve Penitentiary negotiating a deal involving his alternate-dimension energy tracking technology in exchange for a transfer to a better facility. This crossover highlights the intertwined storytelling approach that DC Studios is taking across its new universe.
Gunn commented on Hoult’s involvement, noting,
“Nick’s a big fan of the show. 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.”
Clarifying the Links Between Peacemaker and Man of Tomorrow
Despite the connections, Gunn made clear that the Earth-X storyline currently unfolding on Peacemaker will not continue into the theatrical films.
“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,”
he added, highlighting how character dynamics will carry weight beyond television.
Exploring Lex Luthor’s Complex Characterization
In interviews, Gunn has emphasized that the sequel will dive deeply into Lex Luthor’s humanity and motivations, presenting him as more than just a villain. On the Ringer-Verse podcast, Gunn described the film’s focus on the “incredibly heroic” side and “heart of Lex,” promising audiences a more nuanced look at the character. Likewise, on The Howard Stern Show, Gunn explained that the movie portrays
“a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat.”
Gunn further elaborated,
“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.”
Release Dates and What to Expect Next
Man of Tomorrow is scheduled for release on July 9, 2027, following the premiere of Supergirl on June 26, 2026, and the ongoing second season of Peacemaker, airing on HBO Max. These projects serve to build a cohesive and evolving DC Universe as envisioned by James Gunn and his team, blending both cinematic and television narratives.
The anticipation surrounding the James Gunn Man of Tomorrow movie is heightened due to its promise to redefine key characters like Lex Luthor and Superman, while potentially introducing formidable villains such as Brainiac. As the DC Studios co-head continues to carefully reveal plot elements, fans remain eager to see how these interconnected stories will unfold on both small and big screens.
