When James Gunn speaks—or even when he posts a single image—the internet goes wild. As the co-head of DC Studios and the director behind the upcoming Superman film and its follow-up Man of Tomorrow, Gunn has quickly learned how to ignite curiosity with just the smallest tease. Recently, he shared the cover of a script online, and the fan community erupted with speculation.
The image he posted? A medical illustration of a bifurcated human head revealing the brain. While it may seem like a harmless artistic choice to some, DC fans immediately drew a connection to one of Superman’s most iconic villains: Brainiac. Could Gunn be hinting at the long-awaited big-screen debut of the hyper-intelligent alien adversary?
Let’s break down what happened, what Gunn has said, and why this teaser could mean a paradigm shift for the DC Universe.
The Image That Sparked a Storm
When Gunn uploaded the brain scan illustration, he probably knew it wouldn’t take long for fans to analyze it frame by frame. In a universe where every detail, Easter egg, or symbol can carry massive weight, DC enthusiasts zeroed in on one interpretation: Brainiac is coming.
For decades, Brainiac has been considered one of Superman’s most dangerous villains. Unlike brute-force opponents such as Doomsday or General Zod, Brainiac represents an intellectual and existential threat. His obsession with collecting worlds, bottling cities, and his advanced AI-driven strategies make him the perfect villain for a modern cinematic story.
So, was the brain imagery just a coincidence? Gunn finally addressed the speculation.
James Gunn’s Response to Fan Theories
In a recent interview, Gunn was asked directly about whether the script cover hinted at Brainiac. True to his style, the filmmaker remained coy but playful.
He admitted:
“Of course I wasn’t unaware that when I posted the cover of the script there was going to be discussion around that particular topic. But I think we’ll hold off from what exactly is happening.”
In other words, Gunn didn’t confirm Brainiac’s involvement, but he also didn’t deny it. His careful ambiguity only poured more fuel onto the fire. As fans know, this is classic Gunn—he knows how to stir hype without revealing his cards.
Why Brainiac Makes Perfect Sense
If Man of Tomorrow truly is teasing Brainiac, it would be a historic move for the DCU. Despite Brainiac’s legendary status in the comics and animated films, he has yet to appear in a major live-action movie.
Some of the best Superman stories, like Brainiac by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank or the animated Superman: Unbound, have showcased the chilling danger of this villain. Brainiac isn’t just another bad guy; he embodies the clash between Superman’s humanity and the cold, calculating logic of an alien AI determined to dominate and preserve civilizations—at a terrible cost.
For a franchise that’s looking to redefine Superman for a new generation, Brainiac could be the perfect antagonist.
What We Know About Man of Tomorrow
While Gunn is silent on the villain, he has shared other important details about the project.
- David Corenswet will reprise his role as Superman after his highly anticipated debut in Superman (2025).
- Nicholas Hoult is returning as Lex Luthor, with his character reportedly playing a central role.
- The story won’t just focus on Superman—it’s said to be as much a Lex Luthor film as it is a Superman one.
This approach makes sense. The dynamic between Kal-El and Lex Luthor has always been one of the most compelling aspects of Superman’s mythology. It’s a relationship built on rivalry, twisted admiration, and a battle of philosophies.
Gunn hinted that Man of Tomorrow could see Superman and Lex Luthor forced to team up against a bigger, more dangerous threat. If that’s true, Brainiac seems like the most logical candidate.
A Potential Shift in the DCU
The idea of Superman and Lex reluctantly joining forces has precedent in the comics and animated films. In many interpretations, Brainiac’s threat is so overwhelming that even Lex, who despises Superman, realizes that survival requires cooperation.
This could provide Man of Tomorrow with a unique emotional and narrative core: watching Superman and Lex battle not just an alien intelligence, but their own distrust and philosophical divides.
For fans who’ve long wanted the DCU to embrace larger-than-life storytelling while still staying true to character dynamics, this film could be a turning point.
The Bigger Picture in DC’s Movie Lineup
DC Studios is currently restructuring its cinematic universe under Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership. Their roadmap has been carefully laid out, with multiple projects already announced. Here’s where Man of Tomorrow fits in:
- Superman – Scheduled for 2025.
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – Hitting theaters on June 26, 2026.
- Man of Tomorrow – Officially set for July 9, 2027.
If Brainiac does appear in Man of Tomorrow, it could set up a larger DCU narrative arc that spans multiple films. Imagine Brainiac’s shadow looming over not just Superman, but the entire Justice League in future installments.
The Art of the Tease
Gunn is no stranger to using teasers to spark conversation. His work on Guardians of the Galaxy for Marvel proved that he knows how to balance fan expectations with genuine surprises. By posting the brain scan illustration, he may not have confirmed Brainiac, but he ensured the fandom would spend months debating theories, writing fan posts, and dissecting every clue.
Whether intentional or not, the buzz is working. The hype for Man of Tomorrow is already building, and we’re still years away from its release.
Final Thoughts
Right now, nothing is confirmed. James Gunn may be playing the long game, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal whether Brainiac will finally step into the cinematic spotlight. But whether the villain turns out to be Brainiac or another threat, one thing is clear: Man of Tomorrow is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Superman films ever attempted.
The prospect of Superman and Lex Luthor possibly teaming up against a shared enemy adds a fresh twist to their legendary rivalry. And if Brainiac does appear, DC fans may finally get the epic, cerebral, high-stakes story they’ve been waiting for.
Until then, the speculation continues—and that’s exactly how Gunn wants it.