The DC Universe is buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly anticipate Man of Tomorrow, the highly awaited sequel to James Gunn’s Superman. With the film slated for release in July 2027, speculation has been mounting over who will step into the shoes of the big bad that Superman and Lex Luthor must face. Thanks to a clever teaser from James Gunn himself, many believe that Brainiac — one of the most iconic and long-demanded Superman villains — might finally make his big-screen debut.
James Gunn’s Tease Sparks Fan Frenzy
James Gunn, writer and director of Man of Tomorrow, set the internet ablaze when he shared the front page of the film’s second-draft screenplay on X (formerly Twitter). On the cover, beneath the title, fans spotted an intriguing image: a figure with an exposed brain.
This simple sketch immediately ignited theories across the fandom, with many interpreting it as a nod to Brainiac, the hyper-intelligent alien foe who has menaced Superman in comic books for over six decades. Gunn fueled the speculation even more by adding emojis hinting at a team-up between Superman (played by David Corenswet) and Lex Luthor (played by Nicholas Hoult). The idea of these two rivals joining forces against a “much, much bigger threat” seems to fit perfectly with Brainiac’s profile.
Why Brainiac Is the Perfect Villain for Man of Tomorrow
While Lex Luthor has always been Superman’s quintessential nemesis, Brainiac has long been regarded as the most formidable foe never to have appeared in live-action films. First introduced in Action Comics #242 in 1958 by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, Brainiac quickly became a cornerstone of Superman’s rogues’ gallery.
Unlike Lex, who is a genius human with a grudge against Superman, Brainiac is a technologically advanced alien conqueror from the planet Colu. His obsession with cataloging and shrinking entire cities (including Krypton’s Kandor) makes him a symbolic threat not only to Superman but to civilizations across the galaxy.
In Man of Tomorrow, bringing Brainiac to the big screen makes sense on multiple levels:
- He ties into Superman’s Kryptonian heritage. Brainiac often has direct or indirect connections to Krypton’s destruction, which deepens Kal-El’s emotional stakes.
- He challenges both Superman and Lex. Superman sees Brainiac as everything he fears he could become — a being who uses godlike powers to dominate instead of protect. For Lex, Brainiac is the living embodiment of what he has always accused Superman of being: a foreign invader imposing his will on humanity.
- He raises the scale. After Lex nearly destroyed Metropolis in the first film, the sequel needs a villain with global or intergalactic reach. Brainiac’s vast intellect, technology, and ability to manipulate entire civilizations check that box.
Superman and Lex: An Uneasy Alliance
One of the most exciting elements Gunn teased is the dynamic between Superman and Lex Luthor in Man of Tomorrow. The two will be forced into an uneasy partnership against a shared enemy.
After the events of Superman (2025), Clark Kent has little reason to trust Lex. But the scale of Brainiac’s threat may leave him with no choice but to set aside personal grudges for the sake of humanity.
This setup provides not only action-packed battles but also rich storytelling potential. Imagine Superman having to rely on the man who despises him most, while Lex must fight alongside the alien he has sworn to destroy. Their alliance could lead to some of the most compelling character drama the DCU has seen.
Why Brainiac’s Inclusion Is Long Overdue
Despite being one of Superman’s most popular villains, Brainiac has never been given the blockbuster treatment. The closest audiences have come was the quirky “super-computer” in Superman III — which, while fun, didn’t come close to doing the character justice.
For decades, fans have clamored for Brainiac’s arrival, especially since his stories in comics and animated series have been some of the most celebrated in Superman’s history. His intelligence, ruthlessness, and chilling detachment make him a villain who can stand alongside other cinematic icons like Thanos or Loki.
By finally bringing Brainiac to the screen, Gunn not only satisfies long-time Superman fans but also raises the DCU’s credibility by showcasing that it can deliver on the villains that truly matter.
James Gunn’s Vision for the DCU
What excites fans most is Gunn’s ability to weave deeper themes into superhero stories. While Man of Tomorrow promises spectacle, explosions, and intergalactic battles, it also looks set to explore profound questions about identity, responsibility, and morality.
- For Superman: How does a man with godlike powers remain human while facing threats that test his compassion and patience?
- For Lex: Can a man defined by arrogance and hatred find common ground when survival depends on it?
- For the audience: What does Brainiac represent in our own world? Perhaps the dangers of unchecked technology, the cold efficiency of machines, or the arrogance of civilizations that destroy in the name of progress.
Gunn has repeatedly emphasized that Man of Tomorrow will balance thrilling action with heartfelt storytelling, and Brainiac could be the perfect character to embody that duality.
The Road to 2027
As of now, Warner Bros. has confirmed that Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to release on July 9, 2027. While details about casting for Brainiac (if he is indeed the villain) remain under wraps, the fan anticipation is enormous.
Until then, audiences can revisit Superman on HBO Max and speculate endlessly on forums about whether Gunn’s teaser was a deliberate clue or a playful troll aimed at fueling theories. Either way, the hype train has already left the station, and Brainiac’s name is on everyone’s lips.
Conclusion
If James Gunn’s teaser is anything to go by, Man of Tomorrow could mark the long-awaited debut of Brainiac on the big screen. His arrival would not only elevate Superman’s cinematic legacy but also solidify the DCU as a universe capable of delivering the villains fans have waited decades to see.
With Superman and Lex Luthor forced into an unlikely alliance, and the possibility of Brainiac finally entering the spotlight, July 2027 cannot come soon enough.