James Gunn‘s upcoming film, Man of Tomorrow, has sparked considerable excitement as fans speculate about its villains and place within the broader DC Universe (DCU). Gunn, the writer, director, and co-chairman of DC Studios, hinted at the movie’s ties to the Peacemaker television series during a recent interview. Despite Man of Tomorrow not being part of the initial slate of DC Studios projects when Gunn and Peter Safran assumed leadership, it is now clear the film will enrich the existing narrative and expand the interconnected universe.
In an interview with the Go Read Some Comics with Jenna YouTube channel, Gunn stated,
“I don’t know what people have guessed, but Man of Tomorrow is really — it’s very, very connected to Peacemaker — but it’s also its own thing. I mean, it has its own story that’s separate from this.”
This comment confirms that while Man of Tomorrow shares a universe and storyline elements with Peacemaker, the film will also stand alone with its own distinct plot. Gunn has further encouraged viewers to watch Peacemaker as a prequel to the movie, suggesting important narrative overlap.
Significant Roles of Lex Luthor and the Salvation Prison
Peacemaker’s second season featured a number of characters associated with Superman’s classic antagonist Lex Luthor, with Nicholas Hoult appearing as Luthor himself in a key scene. The series revealed a government plan, influenced by Luthor and executed by Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr., to relocate metahumans to a distant alien world called Salvation, effectively serving as an off-world prison. This concept plays a likely role in Man of Tomorrow, possibly focusing on the implications of such a metahuman containment plan.
The season finale of Peacemaker ends with John Cena’s character being the first prisoner sent to Salvation. This unresolved plot thread may serve as an important catalyst for the film’s story, setting up future developments for both Peacemaker and Man of Tomorrow. Given how much Luthor’s influence shaped events in Peacemaker’s climax, the potential intersection between these narratives offers a glimpse into the evolving DCU storyline under Gunn and Safran’s guidance.
Upcoming Projects and the Expanding DC Universe
Man of Tomorrow is expected to explore themes around alliance and conflict, particularly through the partnership between Superman and Lex Luthor. Promotional artwork released alongside the film’s announcement featured Superman alongside Luthor in a power suit, hinting at an unusual collaboration. This dynamic may be central to addressing the challenges posed by Salvation and furthering the metahuman narrative initiated in Peacemaker.
Additional DCU projects are scheduled to arrive before Man of Tomorrow, including Lanterns, Supergirl, and Clayface. Each of these could intersect in ways that deepen the story Gunn is building, offering potential connections that clarify why Superman and Lex Luthor join forces, and how the Salvation storyline fits into this larger universe. These projects collectively signal a phase of world-building that balances independent storytelling with cohesive, shared elements.
Leading Cast Members and Their Roles
David Corenswet will portray Superman in Man of Tomorrow, bringing fresh energy to the iconic character. Rachel Brosnahan has been cast as Lois Lane, adding a notable presence to the film’s core ensemble. Their performances are anticipated to anchor the film’s emotional and narrative depths, as the story navigates the complexities introduced by Lex Luthor and the Salvation prison concept.
