Man of Tomorrow: Your Guide to Superman's Next Big Screen Adventure

The Man of Steel is flying back to theaters in 2027, and he's bringing some unexpected friends—and foes—along for the ride. Get ready for a major DCU shake-up!

TL;DR

• Man of Tomorrow, the follow-up to 2025's Superman, soars into cinemas on July 9, 2027.
• David Corenswet's Superman and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor will form an unlikely alliance against a "much, much bigger threat," widely speculated to be Brainiac.
• Familiar faces like Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), and Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl) are confirmed or expected to return, tying the film deeply into the wider DC Universe.

A Dangerous Alliance: When Heroes and Villains Must Unite

Imagine this: Superman, the beacon of hope and justice, finds himself in a tight spot. So tight, in fact, that his only option is to team up with his archenemy, Lex Luthor. Sounds wild, right? Well, that's exactly the high-stakes premise of James Gunn's upcoming film, Man Of Tomorrow, scheduled to hit theaters on July 9, 2027.

This isn't just a rumor swirling around the internet; James Gunn himself has spilled the beans. He explicitly stated that the film is "a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat." This dynamic shift from their traditional rivalry sets the stage for a truly unique cinematic experience, forcing two diametrically opposed figures to find common ground for the sake of the world.

The Man, The Myth, The Returning Cast of Characters

David Corenswet will, of course, don the iconic red cape again as Clark Kent/Superman, continuing his journey from the 2025 Superman movie. Nicholas Hoult is also confirmed to return as the brilliant, cunning Lex Luthor, whose role will be far more central this time around. Gunn even noted, "It’s as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie," hinting at significant character development for the notorious villain.

But the familiar faces don't stop there. Rachel Brosnahan, who plays the intrepid reporter Lois Lane, is also set for an "important role" in the follow-up. (Source: ScreenRant, "Frank Grillo Confirms Superman Man Of Tomorrow Return," November 13, 2025).

Rick Flag Sr. Makes a Surprising Reappearance

One of the most exciting confirmations comes from Frank Grillo, who plays Rick Flag Sr. in the DCU. Grillo personally announced his return for the 2027 installment via his Instagram story, playfully tagging James Gunn and commenting, "well i hope @jamesgunn doesn't get in trouble by...oh wait he's the boss." (Source: ScreenRant, "Frank Grillo Confirms Superman Man Of Tomorrow Return," November 13, 2025). This is big news for fans of the interconnected DC Universe.

Flag Sr. first appeared in the animated Creature Commandos series, then made the leap to the big screen in 2025's Superman, and played a central role in Peacemaker Season 2. His return is significant because he’s now the director of A.R.G.U.S., filling a role akin to Marvel’s Nick Fury in connecting various storylines. His history with Superman, particularly overseeing the Kryptonian's transfer to Lex Luthor's prison in the 2025 film, suggests a fraught relationship that will certainly add tension to the new alliance.

Other Key Players Joining the Fray

Isabela Merced is also expected to reprise her role as Hawkgirl. She had a small part in the opening of Peacemaker Season 2 and a more substantial one in the 2025 Superman movie, where she worked with Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) and Mister Terrific as part of the Justice Gang. Her presence likely means more superhero team-ups or at least crucial support as Superman and Lex tackle the overarching threat.

Beyond these confirmed returns, there’s speculation swirling about other characters. A rumor from @MyTimeToShineHello on X suggests Sol Rodríguez might appear as Sasha Bordeaux, a character from Peacemaker Season 2 who left A.R.G.U.S. to join Checkmate and showcased some cybernetic abilities. There are also whispers about Aaron Pierre possibly playing Green Lantern and even John Cena reprising his role as Peacemaker, though these remain unconfirmed. (Source: ScreenRant, "Man of Tomorrow: A DC Cyborg To Appear in Superman Movie," November 12, 2025).

The Mysterious "Bigger Threat" and Its Implications

So, who or what is this "much, much bigger threat" that forces Superman and Lex Luthor into an uneasy truce? While James Gunn is keeping specific details under wraps, many fans and reports are strongly theorizing it will be Brainiac. This classic Superman villain is known for his incredible intellect, advanced technology, and penchant for shrinking and collecting cities, making him a formidable foe who could genuinely require the combined brainpower of Luthor and raw strength of Superman.

This scenario presents a fascinating tradeoff. Lex Luthor, a man who despises metahumans and has actively sought Superman's downfall, must now set aside his personal vendetta. Why? Because the threat is so existential that even his vast resources and genius wouldn't be enough alone. His cooperation, however reluctant, underscores the sheer scale of the danger. It's a classic "enemy of my enemy" situation, forcing characters out of their comfort zones and potentially laying the groundwork for shifting allegiances in future DCU projects.

The Web of the DC Universe Continues to Expand

Man of Tomorrow isn't just a standalone sequel; it's a vital piece of James Gunn's interconnected DC Universe. Gunn has emphasized that "Everything’s connected, so there is a story here that we’re telling throughout the DCU, and this is connected very much to Man of Tomorrow." This means events and characters from other projects will directly impact Superman’s next big screen outing.

The finale of Peacemaker Season 2, for example, introduced "Salvation," an alternate dimension used by Rick Flag Sr. as a prison for metahumans, accessible via the Quantum Unfolding Chamber. This project was spearheaded by Flag and members of Lex Luthor’s team. This deep connection suggests that the events of Peacemaker will directly inform the larger narrative of Man of Tomorrow, perhaps even influencing where the "bigger threat" originates or how it can be countered.

Example: Imagine a moment in Man of Tomorrow where a critical piece of technology, perhaps a specific energy signature or a unique material needed to combat Brainiac, is traced back to an anomaly only seen within the confines of Salvation. Lex Luthor, despite his disdain for metahumans, has to rely on intel or equipment directly tied to the very "undesirables" he's tried to imprison, highlighting the complex web of his own making.

A Crossover Dream? Peacemaker and Superman

Given the confirmed returns of multiple Peacemaker actors and the narrative groundwork laid in its second season, some fans are hoping for a direct crossover between Superman and John Cena’s Peacemaker. One idea suggests Lex Luthor, still holding a grudge against Superman despite their temporary alliance, might try to exile the Man of Steel to Salvation. If that were to happen, Superman could run into Christopher Smith, leading to an unlikely team-up there.

"well i hope @jamesgunn doesn't get in trouble by...oh wait he's the boss."

— Frank Grillo, on Instagram, confirming his return as Rick Flag Sr. in Man of Tomorrow

However, there are a couple of limitations to this exciting possibility. First, while a Superman/Peacemaker team-up sounds fun, it could risk overshadowing Lex Luthor's promised co-lead role in Man of Tomorrow. The film is designed to focus on the Supes-Lex dynamic, and adding another major DCU character might dilute that central conflict. Second, if Superman and Lex are forced to join forces against an overwhelming threat, it seems counterproductive for Luthor to actively try and imprison Superman on Salvation right before they need to work together. It would be a fascinating internal conflict for Luthor, but perhaps too much of a narrative hurdle to clear effectively in this particular film.

Regardless of a direct Peacemaker appearance, the DCU slate is packed. We'll see Milly Alcock's Supergirl on June 26, 2026, an R-rated Clayface film on September 11, 2026, and the Lanterns TV show debuting in early 2026 on HBO. There's also a Jimmy Olsen spinoff series in the works, focusing on Skyler Gisondo's character and other Daily Planet staff tackling super-powered villains. The Man of Tomorrow principal photography is set to begin in 2026, so more concrete details will likely emerge as production gets underway.

Practical Takeaways for DCU Fans

• Prepare for a Different Superman Story: Don't expect a straightforward hero-vs-villain slugfest. The reluctant team-up with Lex Luthor promises a narrative driven by complex character dynamics and high stakes.
• Pay Attention to the Wider DCU: If you're following Peacemaker Season 2, its plot points, especially concerning Salvation and Checkmate, will likely have significant repercussions in Man of Tomorrow.
• Anticipate a Major Villain: The emphasis on a "bigger threat" means the film will likely introduce a new, powerful antagonist to the DCU, with Brainiac being the strongest contender.
• Embrace the Interconnectedness: James Gunn's DCU is all about weaving stories together. Character appearances from other shows and movies are not just cameos; they're threads in a larger tapestry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Man of Tomorrow

When is Man of Tomorrow releasing in theaters?

Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to be released on July 9, 2027.

Who is directing Man of Tomorrow?

James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, is writing and directing Man of Tomorrow.

What is Man of Tomorrow about?

The film will see Superman and Lex Luthor reluctantly join forces against a "much, much bigger threat," widely speculated to be Brainiac.

Which Peacemaker actors are confirmed for Man of Tomorrow?

Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.) and Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl) are confirmed or highly expected to return. Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) also appeared in Peacemaker Season 2 and is a co-lead in Man of Tomorrow.

Sources

• ScreenRant, "Frank Grillo Confirms Superman Man Of Tomorrow Return," November 13, 2025.
• ScreenRant, "Man of Tomorrow: A DC Cyborg To Appear in Superman Movie," November 12, 2025.
• CinemaBlend, "Man of Tomorrow Update: DCU Actor Confirms They’re in Superman Movie," November 12, 2025.
• The Direct, "'Superman 2' Confirmed to Include 3 Peacemaker Actors," November 08, 2025.