With comic book legend Jim Lee confirming through artwork that Lex Luthor—played by Nicholas Hoult—will have a major role in this new chapter, anticipation is soaring. But Gunn himself has made it clear: this isn’t a traditional sequel. Instead, Man of Tomorrow will follow a unique path, carving out a story that could define the future of the DCU in bold and unexpected ways.
In this article, we’ll break down everything we know so far, analyze how Man of Tomorrow fits into the broader DC roadmap, and explore why Gunn’s approach both excites fans and raises questions about Superman’s cinematic journey.
A New Era for Superman and the DCU
James Gunn’s Superman reboot in 2025 was more than just a fresh start—it was the foundation for the DCU’s future. After years of Henry Cavill’s Superman being sidelined in favor of ensemble films like Batman v Superman and Justice League, Gunn chose to bring the Last Son of Krypton back to the forefront.
Corenswet’s Superman was portrayed with a mix of humility, hope, and strength—qualities that echo Christopher Reeve’s iconic performance while still offering something modern. The film teased larger conflicts ahead, with Lex Luthor emerging as a pivotal character.
But Gunn resisted rushing into franchise announcements. Unlike Marvel Studios, which often confirms sequels before films even hit theaters, DC Studios waited weeks after Superman’s release to unveil Man of Tomorrow. This deliberate approach reflects Gunn’s long-term storytelling vision for the DCU.
Man of Tomorrow: Not Your Typical Sequel
While most fans naturally assumed Man of Tomorrow would be Superman 2, Gunn quickly pushed back on that idea.
He hinted that while it’s still part of the broader Superman Saga, it won’t function as a direct sequel. Instead, the title itself suggests a thematic exploration, leaving room for speculation. Could it be a Superman-Lex two-hander? A team-up against Brainiac? Or even a film that redefines who the true “Man of Tomorrow” really is?
This distinction matters because Superman hasn’t had a traditional sequel since the 1980s. Gunn appears intent on breaking that pattern, but in doing so, he’s also carrying forward the unusual legacy of Superman movies that refuse to follow the typical sequel formula.
The Legacy of Superman’s Missing Sequels
Unlike Batman, Spider-Man, or Iron Man—heroes who’ve enjoyed robust sequel series—Superman’s cinematic track record is far less straightforward.
- 1987: Superman IV: The Quest for Peace was the last true sequel in the franchise, starring Christopher Reeve.
- 2006: Superman Returns acted as both a reboot and a soft sequel to Superman II, yet it never spawned a continuation despite its positive reception.
- 2013: Man of Steel, helmed by Zack Snyder, rebooted Superman yet again, but instead of receiving Man of Steel 2, Cavill’s Superman was thrown into ensemble projects like Batman v Superman and Justice League.
Now, Corenswet’s Superman faces the same crossroads. While Gunn promises a continued journey, Man of Tomorrow will not be a direct continuation of the 2025 film—further cementing Superman as the hero who rarely gets a straightforward sequel.
Lex Luthor’s Rising Importance
The announcement artwork by Jim Lee showcased something fans have waited decades to see: Lex Luthor in his iconic Warsuit. This mechanical exoskeleton, often used in comics to level the playing field against Superman, has never been depicted in live-action films before.
With Nicholas Hoult taking on the role, Gunn appears ready to present Lex Luthor in a fresh light. Previous versions, whether by Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey, or Jesse Eisenberg, emphasized his scheming intellect. Hoult’s Lex, however, could embody both brains and brawn.
There’s also speculation that Luthor may not just serve as the villain. Some theories suggest he could team up with Superman against Brainiac, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. Gunn has hinted at exploring Luthor’s anti-heroic side, much like Marvel’s Loki, giving him a recurring role in the DCU.
Brainiac: The Long-Awaited Villain
For years, fans have clamored for Brainiac—one of Superman’s most formidable enemies—to make his cinematic debut. The mention of Lex’s Warsuit, along with early art hints, strongly suggests Brainiac may finally arrive in Man of Tomorrow.
If so, it could mark one of the most visually and thematically ambitious Superman films ever. Brainiac’s themes of knowledge, control, and destruction would serve as a perfect counterbalance to Superman’s ideals of hope and freedom.
Superman and Lex: A Two-Handed Story
Rather than focusing solely on Superman, Man of Tomorrow seems designed as a dual narrative. Corenswet’s Superman and Hoult’s Lex will share the spotlight, reflecting their intertwined destinies.
This dynamic could redefine the franchise. Instead of a straightforward hero-versus-villain clash, the film may explore how both men represent competing visions of humanity’s future. In fact, Gunn may be using the title Man of Tomorrow to suggest that Lex, in his own twisted way, sees himself as the true savior of humanity.
The Symbolism of “Man of Tomorrow”
Traditionally, “Man of Tomorrow” is a nickname for Superman, symbolizing his role as a beacon of hope and progress. But in Gunn’s hands, the title might carry dual meaning.
- To Superman, it reflects optimism and the potential for a brighter future.
- To Lex Luthor, it could represent technological dominance and his belief in human superiority over aliens like Superman.
This tension sets up a story not just about battles, but about ideologies—something Gunn excels at weaving into comic book films.
Gunn’s Bold Vision for the DCU
James Gunn has a proven track record of taking lesser-known comic characters and turning them into household names—just look at Guardians of the Galaxy or The Suicide Squad. With Superman, he’s taking on his biggest challenge yet: reinventing the most iconic superhero of all time while establishing the DCU’s new direction.
By choosing to make Man of Tomorrow less of a direct sequel and more of a thematic expansion, Gunn is playing the long game. Rather than repeating past mistakes of rushing into team-ups (cough Justice League), the DCU is carefully planting seeds for the future.
What About the Justice League?
Many fans wonder how Man of Tomorrow connects to the eventual Justice League film. While Gunn has confirmed that DC is pacing itself, Superman remains the heart of the DCU. By building his relationships with key characters—Lex Luthor, Brainiac, and potentially even Supergirl—the films are slowly setting the stage for larger crossovers.
It’s possible we’ll see Green Lantern (John Stewart) or members of the Justice Gang teased in Man of Tomorrow, but Gunn is unlikely to make it an overcrowded spectacle. Instead, the focus will remain on Superman and Lex’s story.
Superman’s Future After Man of Tomorrow
David Corenswet’s Superman is here to stay. Gunn has emphasized that this Superman will play a significant role in the DCU, appearing in multiple projects beyond just his solo films.
If Man of Tomorrow succeeds, fans can expect Superman to lead the way toward a cohesive DCU, much like Iron Man did for the MCU. The difference is, this time, the foundation seems sturdier—and the creative vision clearer.
Conclusion
James Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow isn’t just another Superman movie—it’s a statement of intent for the entire DC Universe. By refusing to label it a simple sequel, Gunn is signaling a deeper story that explores identity, ideology, and the clash between Superman and Lex Luthor in ways never before seen on the big screen.
With Lex Luthor’s Warsuit, the possible arrival of Brainiac, and the thematic weight of who truly embodies the “Man of Tomorrow,” this 2027 film could become a defining chapter not just for Superman, but for superhero cinema as a whole.
The road ahead for the DCU is long, but if Superman (2025) was the spark, then Man of Tomorrow may well be the fire that finally reignites Superman’s cinematic legacy.