Everything we know about Superman movie Man of Tomorrow, including Braniac casting rumors
DCJames Gunn has announced a new movie in what he’s calling the ‘Superman Saga’ – here’s everything we know about Man of Tomorrow, including release date, plot details, and rumors about who might play villain Braniac.
DC Studios co-chair James Gunn successfully launched his DCU with Superman this summer, with the movie managing a solid Rotten Tomatoes score of 83%, and earning a respectable worldwide gross of more than $600 million.
Superman also introduced characters that will spin off into their own movies and shows, like Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, and Milly Alcock’s Supergirl.
And thanks to a series of announcements on social media, we know what’s next for the Man of Steel…
Man of Tomorrow release date – when’s it out?
Man of Tomorrow will release in theaters on July 9, 2027, precisely two years after Superman hit screens.
James Gunn revealed that news alongside a new Jim Lee illustration of the Man of Steel, depicting Superman leaning up against Lex Luthor, who is decked out in a green and purple power suit.
That July date will make 2027 a historic year for DC fans, as with The Batman Part 2 arriving in October, it marks the first time both icons have standalone movies releasing in the same year.
In September 2025, Gunn also revealed on Howard Stern’s radio show that principal photography will commence in April of 2026.
Man of Tomorrow cast: who’s in it?
Warner Bros.Around the time James Gunn was making his announcement, Superman actor David Corenswet posted his own illustration, as did Lex Luthor star Nicholas Hoult (more on those below). Hawkgirl actress Isabela Merced also shared Gunn’s post with the words “see you soon.”
Frank Grillo also told The Hollywood Reporter in November of 2025: “My character, Rick Flag Sr., is a big part of the sequel’s story, so I’m excited about it.”
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Meaning we can say these names are confirmed:
- David Corenswet as Superman
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Isabeal Merced as Hawkgirl
- Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr.
The rumor mill is also kicking into high gear, with Nexus Point News citing an insider who says Supergirl and Peacemaker will make an appearance, but that wouldn’t be a massive surprise, as both characters cameoed in Superman.
They also claim that Jason Momoa’s Lobo will play a role in the movie, which is bigger news as we haven’t yet seen him in the DCU. Though again not a massive shock, as the character is set to debut in Supergirl next summer.
And while Man of Tomorrow isn’t being billed as a direct sequel to Superman, expect multiple characters from that movie to make an appearance, including humans Lois Lane, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, and Eve Teschmacher, as well as some of the many meta-humans that were introduced, and, of course, Krypto.
Braniac casting rumors
With Braniac thought to be the big bad in Man of Tomorrow, talk is now turning to who should play the super-villain, and according to Nexus Point News, there are currently three names on the shortlist:
- Claes Bang
- Sam Rockwell
- Matt Smith
Though the website adds: “some of the names we have mentioned have not been independently verified fully, as casting remains ongoing and no offers have been made.”
Superman sequel plot – what’s it about?
Warner Bros.Man of Tomorrow is a team-up movie that sees Superman and Lex Luthor collaborating to fight a common enemy, likely the aforementioned Braniac.
Here’s how James Gunn described the movie on Howard Stern: “It’s a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat.It’s more complicated than that but that’s a big part of it.
“It’s as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie. I loved working with Nicholas Hoult. I relate to the character of Lex, sadly. I really wanted to create something extraordinary with the two of them. I Just love the script so much.”
Who is the Man of Tomorrow?
DCThe Man of Tomorrow is a Superman nickname, but we think it could also apply to Lex Luthor in the new movie.
In the DCU, it’s clear that Lex Luthor sees himself as both the smartest man on the planet, and humanity’s savior, which is why he’s so embittered by Superman’s arrival and sudden popularity.
Meaning Luthor might see himself as the so-called ‘Man of Tomorrow,’ and spend the new movie endeavouring to prove that.
While we wait for July 2027, check out every movie and show in the DCU and our list of the best superhero movies ever.