James Gunn’s next Superman film, Man of Tomorrow, is set to introduce a powerful lineup of villains, including the addition of Brainiac, played by German actor Lars Eidinger. The film will debut in theaters on July 9, 2027, marking Brainiac’s first live-action appearance on the big screen and expanding the list of James Gunn Superman villains.
Lars Eidinger will become the third actor to portray Brainiac in live-action, following James Marsters from Smallville and Blake Ritson from Krypton. A previous plan to cast Nikolai Witschl as Brainiac in The CW’s Superman and Lois series was ultimately abandoned. This marks a significant milestone, as Brainiac’s role in cinema has been delayed by multiple cancellations and changes, including the halted projects Superman Reborn with Christopher Reeve, the 1990s Tim Burton Superman Lives, and a scrapped Zack Snyder sequel to Man of Steel. Gunn had initially intended Brainiac as the primary villain in his Superman film before deciding to focus on Lex Luthor.
The introduction of Brainiac is expected to raise the stakes in Man of Tomorrow by forcing Superman and Lex Luthor into an uneasy alliance, blending intergalactic threats with grounded conflicts. This combination creates a unique dynamic and a complex showdown between human and cosmic forces within the DC Universe (DCU).
Overview of Villains Assembled in Man of Tomorrow
The Role and Threat of Brainiac
Brainiac ranks among Superman’s most dangerous enemies due to his immense intelligence, technological dominance, and ruthless tactics. Originating from the planet Colu in the comic books, Brainiac is a genius android or cyborg who obsessively collects and preserves knowledge, often miniaturizing entire cities as trophies. This characterization distinguishes him from other adversaries.
With Lars Eidinger’s casting, James Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran aim to fully realize Brainiac’s vast capabilities on the big screen. This portrayal may set Brainiac apart from previous television versions and help build audience trust in the revitalized DCU, especially if the upcoming Supergirl film in 2026 performs well.
Rick Flag, Sr.: The Military Strategist
Besides the cosmic threat of Brainiac, Man of Tomorrow will feature Rick Flag, Sr., a grounded and tactical villain portrayed by Frank Grillo, known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Flag, Sr. is a high-ranking A.R.G.U.S. general renowned for his military acumen and leadership skills.
Originating as a decorated army general in DC comics, Rick Flag, Sr. has appeared across various DCU properties such as Creature Commandos, Superman, and Peacemaker. In Man of Tomorrow, his motivations and allegiances may be ambiguous, reflecting the political turmoil expected to arise following Brainiac’s imminent arrival.
Lex Luthor: The Relentless Rival
No Superman story is complete without Lex Luthor, whose intense ideological opposition to Superman extends beyond personal vendettas. Luthor views Superman as a direct threat to humanity’s independence and his legacy. His ability to manipulate governments, control huge resources, and execute complex schemes makes him a formidable opponent on multiple levels.
Fans last encountered Lex Luthor in the second season of Peacemaker, where he served a lengthy sentence at Belle Reve Correctional Center. During this time, Rick Flag, Sr. approached Luthor seeking his assistance to stop Peacemaker, who was traveling between dimensions using a Quantum Unfolding Chamber. Luthor agreed only under conditions that elevated his status within A.R.G.U.S. and secured a transfer to Van Kull. This uneasy partnership is likely to deepen in Man of Tomorrow, especially with Brainiac’s looming threat.
Anticipated Impact and Future Narrative Directions
The assembly of such diverse and powerful villains signals an intense and multifaceted conflict in Man of Tomorrow, blending political intrigue, cosmic danger, and personal rivalry. James Gunn’s vision to intertwine these antagonists suggests a storytelling approach that balances grounded human drama with science fiction elements, potentially setting a new tone for the DCU.
The inclusion of Brainiac not only introduces a new type of adversary but also challenges traditional alliances through the forced cooperation of Superman and Lex Luthor. This complex dynamic promises a layered narrative, likely influencing future DCU storylines and character developments. The film’s success on July 9, 2027, will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of James Gunn’s DC Universe projects.
“Brainiac is the perfect cosmic threat to force Superman and Lex Luthor into a tenuous alliance.”
? James Gunn, DCU Architect
“If done correctly, Eidinger’s Brainiac could help solidify audience confidence in the fledgling DCU, especially if 2026’s Supergirl meets or exceeds expectations.”
? Peter Safran, DC Studios Co-CEO
“Lex refuses to help unless he gets something substantial in return, eventually agreeing to work with A.R.G.U.S. only if he’s treated as a partner and transferred to Van Kull.”
? Source on Peacemaker Season 2
