James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, reignited debate among DC fans by celebrating Lex Luthor’s birthday with a message portraying him not as a villain, but as a protector of Earth and humanity. This statement, connected to the upcoming film Man of Tomorrow, sparked widespread discussion about the character’s complex role within the DC Universe.
Gunn highlighted Luthor’s legacy while hinting at his evolving relationship with Superman, a dynamic that will play out in the new film set for release in mid-2027.
James Gunn Highlights Lex Luthor’s Protective Role on His Birthday
<pTo mark Lex Luthor’s anniversary, James Gunn acknowledged the character’s long-standing history in DC Comics and teased his multifaceted role in Man of Tomorrow. Gunn wrote:
“Happy Birthday to the ambitious and unstoppable CEO and scientist Lex Luthor, who most definitely is NOT a villain, but instead of protector of earth and humanity (he swears on a stack of Bibles). We’ll see how he does working with arch-nemesis Superman in MAN OF TOMORROW, in theaters summer of 27. He first appeared in SUPERMAN #4, written by Jerry Siegel, with pencils by Joe Shuster and inks by Paul Cassidy.” — James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Head
Man of Tomorrow is scheduled for release in United States theaters on July 9, 2027. Directed by Gunn, the movie will continue the story following 2025’s Superman and stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman alongside Nicholas Hoult portraying Lex Luthor. Supporting roles include Lars Eidinger as Brainiac. Filming is expected to begin later this year. Hoult’s version of Luthor has appeared previously in the 2025 film and had a cameo in the second season of Peacemaker.
Strong Fan Backlash Questions Luthor’s Hero Status
James Gunn’s portrayal of Lex Luthor as a protector received mixed reactions from fans on the social media platform X. Many users pointed out Luthor’s past actions in the films as evidence of a villainous nature rather than heroism.
One user commented:
“Even though in Superman, he was willing to allow People to die in the rift but he’s still the ‘protector’.” — Cyril Gittens, User
Others focused on more direct violent behaviors from Luthor’s past. Another fan wrote:
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around how he is not a villain because he literally killed an innocent man in the previous movie.” — Raghav Aggarwal, User
Adding to this, a third person joked about Luthor’s crimes:
“Didn’t he execute an innocent falafel cart vendor? Bro should be in prison for that alone, falafels are great.” — J, User
Anticipation Builds for Luthor and Superman’s Unlikely Alliance
Despite controversy, some fans expressed curiosity and excitement over the storyline teasing an alliance between Luthor and Superman. One user expressed surprise and eagerness, stating:
“Lex Luthor as hero? That’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming! Can’t wait to see the dynamic with Superman in MAN OF TOMORROW.” — CODE, User
James Gunn confirmed that the two characters will indeed work together in the new film but withheld further plot specifics, leaving audiences eager to discover how this partnership will unfold.
What This Means for the Future of the DC Universe
James Gunn Lex Luthor’s championing of the character as a protector signals a potential shift in how villains and heroes are portrayed within the DC Universe. By redefining Luthor’s motivations, DC Studios may explore more nuanced character arcs that challenge traditional roles. The upcoming release of Man of Tomorrow promises to delve deeper into this complex dynamic between iconic adversaries Clark Kent and Lex Luthor.
Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as filming commences and more information is revealed, setting the stage for an intriguing new chapter in DC storytelling that could reshape audience perceptions of both heroism and villainy.
Happy Birthday to the ambitious and unstoppable CEO and scientist Lex Luthor, who most definitely is NOT a villain, but instead of protector of earth and humanity (he swears on a stack of Bibles). We'll see how he does working with arch-nemesis Superman in MAN OF TOMORROW, in… pic.twitter.com/9D7m6bvbUO
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 23, 2026
Even though in Superman, he was willing to allow People to die in the rift 🤣 but he’s still the “protector” pic.twitter.com/U766QIHvdy
— Cyril Gittens (@PistolaPedro22) February 23, 2026
I'm still trying to wrap my head around how he is not a villain because he literally killed an innocent man in the previous movie.
— Raghav Aggarwal 👨💻 🚀 (@avidRaghav) February 23, 2026
Didn’t he execute an innocent falafel cart vendor?
Bro should be in prison for that alone, falafels are great— J (@Luckydragon84) February 23, 2026
Lex Luthor as hero? That’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming! Can’t wait to see the dynamic with Superman in MAN OF TOMORROW.
— CODE (@_CODEwalker) February 23, 2026
