James Gunn’s 2027 film Man of Tomorrow centers on the complex relationship between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor as they’re forced to unite against Brainiac, making his live‑action debut. David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult return, joined by Supergirl, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl and Mister Terrific, with Gunn promising a character‑driven story rooted in Superman’s kindness and Midwestern values.
Superman director James Gunn has described the upcoming 2027 release Man of Tomorrow as a story about Clark and Lex. Arriving in theatres on July 9 in 2027, with David Corenswet returning as Superman and Nicholas Hoult reprising his role as Lex Luthor, Man of Tomorrow will bring the two characters together against Brainiac, played by German actor Lars Eidinger.
But that's not where the cast of the new Superman film is set to limit itself. According to writer and director of Man of Tomorrow, the next chapter in Gunn's Superman saga will be about Clark and Lex at its core. Explaining that he relates to Luthor’s ambition and obsession while seeing more of himself in Superman’s belief in people and his Midwestern values, Gunn said in a Variety interview.
The film will also feature Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart, Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl and Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific. And yes, Guy Gardner’s bowl cut is getting an update. Whether that qualifies as character development is still up for debate.
And while much of the film's details are under wrap including the teaser and a long trailer cut, here's details about Man of Tomorrow, that are like easter eggs before the launch.
Man of Tomorrow will focus on the relationship between Clark and Lex. The two characters spent Superman trying to outmanoeuvre each other.
One of Superman’s most formidable comic-book enemies, the alien cyborg is making his live-action debut in Man of Tomorrow. Eidinger has described his interpretation of Brainiac as “the incarnation of Satan".
We don't know much about the story beyond the central conflict, leaving the circumstances of the alliance under wraps. Brainiac’s reputation in the comics, however, gives the film a villain with the technology and intellect to pose a serious threat to both Superman and Luthor.
Hoult’s Luthor will also look considerably closer to his comic-book counterpart. Gunn has revealed him in green-and-purple battle armour, which was made as a practical costume and includes Lexiglas. Gunn has also spoken about wanting to explore Luthor’s humanity and “get into his heart”, giving the character more to do than simply plot Superman’s downfall.
Moreover, much of the cast from Superman is returning, including Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. Milly Alcock will appear as Supergirl after making her debut as Kara Zor-El in the DCU’s Supergirl, while Rachel Brosnahan and Skyler Gisondo return as Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen.
Guy remains one of the more entertaining wild cards. His abrasive personality and unfortunate bowl cut made him an easy target in Superman, and Fillion has confirmed that the hairstyle will be slightly different this time. “We updated the hairdo just a little bit,” he said. Whether Guy has matured along with his haircut remains to be seen.
Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart is another important addition to the film. He is being introduced in Lanterns alongside Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan, with the two Green Lanterns bringing very different approaches to the job. John is disciplined and serious, while Hal is more willing to bend the rules. Guy, naturally, has his own way of doing things.
The rest of the returning cast includes María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher and Adria Arjona as Maxima.
Gunn has credited Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman with helping crystallise that approach. “That big lug of a superhero being genuinely kind. That’s what I took from the book,” he said.
Gunn has also made it clear that he is not chasing a different kind of film only because it might be labelled prestigious. As he put it, “I don’t care about prestige.” Production on Man of Tomorrow is already well underway. Gunn recently shared an update indicating that filming had passed 85 days, putting the shoot close to three months in. There is no confirmed wrap date yet.
Beyond the plot details that remain secret- Superman and Lex Luthor are going to have to cooperate. Brainiac is finally entering live action. John Stewart, Supergirl, Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl and Mister Terrific are joining them, while Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and the rest of the returning cast continue the stories established in Superman.
Gunn may not want to call it Superman 2. With Clark and Lex at its centre, however, Man of Tomorrow is unmistakably the next chapter of this Superman story.
1. When does Man of Tomorrow release?
The movie Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to release in theatres on July 9, 2027.
Who is the villain in Man of Tomorrow?
Lars Eidinger plays Brainiac, the alien cyborg making his live-action debut as the film's central threat.
Who is in the cast of Man of Tomorrow?
David Corenswet returns as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, joined by Milly Alcock as Supergirl, Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.