Man of Tomorrow: Rick Flag Sr.'s Big Role and What It Means for the DCU's Future

Get ready, DC fans! Frank Grillo, who you know as Rick Flag Sr., has spilled the beans: his part in James Gunn's upcoming Man Of Tomorrow is going to be far more significant than just a quick cameo. This news has massive implications for how the new DC Universe is weaving its intricate tapestry, connecting directly to the recent events of Peacemaker Season 2 and setting the stage for an epic showdown.

TL;DR: The Essentials of What's Coming in Man of Tomorrow

• Frank Grillo's Rick Flag Sr. is confirmed to have a "big part" in the Superman follow-up, Man of Tomorrow.
• The film will see Superman and Lex Luthor reluctantly team up against a major threat, widely believed to be Brainiac.
• Man of Tomorrow directly links to the 'Salvation' storyline introduced in the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, deepening the DCU's interconnected narrative.

A Box Office Powerhouse Fuels the Next Chapter of the Man of Steel's Story

Remember how well Superman (2025) did? The film raked in a massive $616.6 million worldwide at the box office, proving that audiences were more than ready for a fresh take on the Man of Steel. This success quickly greenlit its highly anticipated follow-up, Man of Tomorrow. While not a direct sequel in every sense, it's definitely picking up where things left off, pushing the DC Universe narrative forward in exciting ways.

And now, we're getting crucial details about who's going to be at the heart of this next chapter. Frank Grillo, who has already made a significant impact as Rick Flag Sr., recently confirmed that his character won't just be an incidental figure this time around.

"My character, Rick Flag Sr., is a big part of the sequel's story, so I'm excited about it." — Frank Grillo, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter

Rick Flag Sr.'s Evolving Role in the Dynamic DC Universe

For those keeping tabs, Frank Grillo first introduced Rick Flag Sr. in the animated 2024 series Creature Commandos on HBO, before reprising the role in the 2025 Superman movie and more prominently in Peacemaker Season 2. He's not just any soldier; Flag Sr. is the seasoned, sometimes morally gray, former military man and, notably, the father of Joel Kinnaman's Rick Flag Jr., who met his unfortunate end at the hands of Peacemaker.

Currently, Flag Sr. is the acting director of A.R.G.U.S., a powerful government organization. His leadership of A.R.G.U.S. puts him in a pivotal position within the DCU, especially considering his personal vendetta against Peacemaker for his son's death. This isn't just a character with a grudge; he's got the power and resources to act on it.

Connecting the Threads: How Peacemaker Season 2 Leads Into Man of Tomorrow

The finale of Peacemaker Season 2 truly laid the groundwork for Flag Sr.'s increased importance. We saw him partnering with Lex Luthor and successfully pushing his government allies to use a secluded, alternate dimension known as Salvation as a superhuman prison. Peacemaker himself became its first unwitting inhabitant. This 'Salvation' storyline is crucial, as James Gunn himself has stated that "everything's connected...this is connected very much to Man of Tomorrow."

So, when Flag Sr. talks about a "big part," it's not hard to imagine him continuing to navigate the complex moral waters of A.R.G.U.S. and the Salvation project. The dynamic between government entities, corporations (like LexCorp), and metahumans is a central theme in Gunn's DCU, and Flag Sr., as a representative of the government faction, is perfectly placed to explore these rising tensions.

The Unexpected Alliance: Superman and Lex Luthor Against a Universe-Threatening Foe

Beyond Flag Sr., the core premise of Man of Tomorrow involves David Corenswet's Superman and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor being forced into a reluctant alliance. They'll have to set aside their monumental differences to face a "much, much bigger threat." Gunn has even teased that the film will be "as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie," suggesting a deep dive into Luthor's psyche and motivations.

This massive, universe-level threat is widely believed to be Brainiac. While not officially stamped yet, all signs point to the iconic collector of worlds. Gunn himself fueled this speculation by posting the script's cover page, featuring art of a brain inside a human head – a not-so-subtle hint. Brainiac, classically depicted as a hyper-intelligent cyborg obsessed with acquiring all knowledge and bottling entire cities, certainly fits the bill for a foe that would unite even Superman and Lex.

Example: Imagine a new A.R.G.U.S. recruit, fresh out of basic, getting their first briefing on "Salvation." They'd see it presented as a pristine, controlled solution for dangerous metahuman threats, a clean sweep for public safety. Unbeknownst to them, the program's architect, Rick Flag Sr., is walking a tightrope of ethical compromises, his judgment clouded by grief and a complex alliance with Lex Luthor. This scenario highlights the real-world implications of power, personal vendettas, and the murky choices made in the name of security, mirroring the complex narrative threads we expect in Man of Tomorrow.

Additional Confirmed Heroes and Exciting New Spinoffs in the Works

Aside from the core trio, Man of Tomorrow is set to feature a robust cast of familiar faces and exciting new additions:

• David Corenswet as Superman
• Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
• Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
• Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El (Supergirl)
• Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders (Hawkgirl)
• Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
• Wendell Pierce as Perry White

And speaking of Daily Planet staff, DC Studios is also developing a separate Superman spinoff series focusing on the journalists of the Daily Planet. Skyler Gisondo will reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen, with James Gunn and Peter Safran executive producing. This signals a broad vision for the DCU, where even supporting characters get their time in the spotlight.

Addressing the Nuances of DCU Interconnectedness and Storytelling

James Gunn has been clear that his DCU is designed as "one big story," where "everything's connected." However, he also emphasizes that each entry will be "okay to watch by itself." This means that while storylines like Salvation from Peacemaker Season 2 directly feed into Man of Tomorrow, you likely won't need to have seen every single previous project to understand the film's main narrative. It's a tricky balance for filmmakers, ensuring continuity for loyal fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.

One limitation to consider is that while the Peacemaker finale sets up a lot, Man of Tomorrow won't necessarily resolve every single lingering question. For example, Christopher Smith's (Peacemaker's) immediate fate on Salvation might not be the central focus, as the film primarily deals with the larger threat and the Superman-Lex-Flag dynamic. Don't expect every single cliffhanger to be resolved immediately, as Man of Tomorrow has its own primary narrative to explore.

What to Expect as Production on Man of Tomorrow Ramps Up

The cameras are expected to start rolling on Man of Tomorrow in Spring 2026, with reports indicating a 10-week production schedule across the United Kingdom and Georgia. This intense period will bring James Gunn's vision to life, as he not only directs but also writes the script and produces the film alongside Peter Safran.

For Frank Grillo, this expanded role is a fantastic opportunity to really sink his teeth into Rick Flag Sr., offering a level of character development that wasn't possible in his previous comic book movie roles (like Crossbones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe). He's even hinted at adopting the white hair look of his animated counterpart for future appearances, which speaks to his commitment to fully embodying the character across all DCU mediums.

Practical Takeaways for Every DC Fan Excited for Man of Tomorrow

• Mark Your Calendars: Man of Tomorrow is set to hit theaters on July 9, 2027. Get ready for a mid-summer blockbuster!
• Revisit Peacemaker Season 2: To fully grasp the intricate setup for Rick Flag Sr.'s storyline and the crucial 'Salvation' concept, a rewatch of the Peacemaker finale is highly recommended.
• Prepare for Complex Dynamics: Expect fascinating and often tense interactions between Superman, Lex Luthor, and Rick Flag Sr. Their reluctant alliance will drive much of the film's core conflict.
• Anticipate Brainiac's Arrival: While not 100% official, all signs point to Brainiac as the primary antagonist. Get ready for a cosmic threat that demands an unlikely hero team-up.
• Embrace the Interconnectedness: The DCU is building a genuinely cohesive universe. Pay attention to how seemingly disparate projects like Creature Commandos and Peacemaker influence the big screen.

FAQ: Your Quick Questions About Man of Tomorrow Answered When does Man of Tomorrow come out? Man of Tomorrow is scheduled for release in United States theaters on July 9, 2027. Who is directing Man of Tomorrow? James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, is directing Man of Tomorrow. Will Man of Tomorrow be rated PG-13? While not officially confirmed, given that its predecessor Superman (2025) was rated PG-13, it's highly likely Man of Tomorrow will follow suit. How long is Man of Tomorrow expected to be? An official runtime hasn't been released, but given the 2025 Superman film was 130 minutes, you can expect Man of Tomorrow to be in a similar ballpark for a superhero tentpole. Sources

• CBR.com, "Superman and Peacemaker Star Frank Grillo Promises He Has an Even Bigger Part to Play in James Gunn's Man of Tomorrow Sequel," November 14, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter (cited in multiple articles for Grillo's quote), "Frank Grillo Teases Bigger Role for Rick Flag Sr. in DC's MAN OF TOMORROW," November 14, 2025.
• The Direct, "Peacemaker Star Announces Their 'Big Part' In Superman 2: Man of Tomorrow," November 14, 2025.
• ComicBook.com, "James Gunn's Superman Was One of the Biggest Hits of the Summer, Bringing in $616.6 Million at the Worldwide Box Office," November 14, 2025.
• Beebom, "Man of Tomorrow: Frank Grillo Confirms a Big Role for Rick Flag," November 14, 2025.
• CinemaBlend, "Man of Tomorrow: Frank Grillo Confirms A Big Role For Rick Flag, And I’m Hoping The DC Movie Includes A Crossover Building Off The End Of Peacemaker Season 2 Finale," November 14, 2025.
• Inverse, "Rick Flag, Sr., Will Return In ‘Man Of Tomorrow’; Brainiac Being The Villain Also Looks More Likely," November 14, 2025.
• MovieWeb, "Man of Tomorrow: A DC Cyborg To Appear in Superman Movie," November 12, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter (cited for James Gunn's comments on Howard Stern), "‘I’m excited about it’: Frank Grillo teases Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow," November 14, 2025.