James Gunn’s upcoming DC Comics project, Man of Tomorrow, is slated to premiere in theaters on July 9, 2027. This film will follow the events of this summer’s Superman movie, yet it is not a direct sequel, as Gunn explained that Man of Tomorrow centers on both Superman and Lex Luthor, providing a dual narrative that differentiates it from the previous installment. The focus on Lex Luthor offers a deeper exploration of the character, especially following his unexpected cameo in this week’s episode of the DC series Peacemaker.
The Dual Focus on Superman and Lex Luthor
Gunn clarified that Man of Tomorrow will diverge from the tone and style of the earlier Superman film, similar to how Guardians of the Galaxy installments vary across the series. He stated,
“I like my movies to be different. Guardians 1 is not the same as Guardians 3. They’re different. And Man of Tomorrow will not be the same as Superman. And it is Lex’s story too, so it’s the two of them. That colors it in a totally different way.”
This indicates a fresh approach, emphasizing the evolving relationship and conflict between Superman and Luthor.
Currently, plot specifics remain under tight wraps. The initial reveal came with a Jim Lee illustration depicting Lex Luthor in his battle armor, hinting at his significant role. Gunn has suggested a collaboration between Superman and Luthor to confront a larger menace. An image released of the film’s script featuring a human brain diagram hints that Brainiac, a classic Superman adversary who has yet to appear on the big screen, might be the main antagonist of Man of Tomorrow.
Lex Luthor’s Origins and Portrayals Over Time
Lex Luthor was introduced in 1940’s Action Comics #23, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster as Superman’s most relentless enemy. Initially depicted as a mad scientist and criminal mastermind, Luthor’s character was transformed in the 1980s by writer-artist John Byrne into a corrupt business magnate obsessed with defeating Superman. This reinvention added layers of complexity to his persona, making him a fixture in all major Superman adaptations.
Over the years, Luthor has been portrayed by a variety of actors, including Gene Hackman, Clancy Brown, Michael Rosenbaum, Kevin Spacey, Jesse Eisenberg, and most recently, Nicholas Hoult in the current Superman film. Hoult’s version of Luthor engaged Superman on physical and public fronts but was ultimately unmasked and arrested following his criminal actions.
Lex Luthor’s Role Extends to the Peacemaker Series
This week’s Peacemaker episode, titled Ignorance is Chris, features Lex Luthor serving a 265-year sentence at Belle Reve Prison after causing near destruction in Metropolis. In the episode, Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, approaches Luthor with a request to assist in finding Peacemaker, portrayed by John Cena, who has vanished into an alternate dimension. As an incentive, Luthor is offered a transfer to a prison facility without metahuman inmates, setting up intriguing possibilities for his character’s trajectory in the broader DC universe.
Anticipation Builds for Man of Tomorrow’s Release
With its scheduled release in 2027, Man of Tomorrow promises to expand the narrative scope of James Gunn’s DC films by delving into Lex Luthor’s complex motivations and his evolving relationship with Superman. This movie is expected to reshape audience expectations by blending superhero action with a detailed character study. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as more details emerge, especially regarding the hinted presence of Brainiac and the dynamics between the film’s protagonists and antagonists.
