What to Expect from James Gunn's Upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow

James Gunn's highly anticipated sequel, Superman: Man of Tomorrow, has officially begun production. With intriguing character dynamics between Superman and Lex Luthor, fans are eager to see how their uneasy alliance unfolds against the backdrop of a new villain, Braniac. The film promises to expand the DC Universe with appearances from other heroes and hints at surprises like the introduction of Bizarro. Set to hit theaters on July 9, 2027, this sequel is shaping up to be a significant addition to the franchise. Read on for more details about what to expect from this exciting project.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 15:28 IST

Production Kicks Off for Superman: Man of Tomorrow

Filming has officially commenced for James Gunn’s Superman: Man of Tomorrow, the highly anticipated sequel in the Superman franchise. Gunn marked this milestone by sharing an intriguing first look from the set. As the new DC Universe takes shape with projects like Creature Commandos, Peacemaker Season 2, and Superman, this sequel is poised to expand the lore in exciting directions ahead of its release in 2027.

While many details about the film remain under wraps, several elements have already sparked excitement among fans. One notable aspect is the relationship between Superman and Lex Luthor, portrayed by David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult. Early indications suggest that the two may find themselves in an uneasy partnership to confront the film’s main villain – Braniac.

On April 20, James Gunn shared a photo from the set, hinting at a crucial moment in the narrative. This image seems to depict the scene where Superman seeks Lex’s assistance, likely after a significant incident involving dimensional portals – a technology previously associated with Lex. This sets the stage for Braniac’s emergence, potentially through a disruption in space-time, leading to a high-stakes collaboration between the iconic hero and his nemesis.

If the rumors are accurate, the dynamic between the two characters is expected to be complex and fraught, with Gunn’s past work showcasing a compelling emotional contrast between Superman’s empathy and Lex Luthor’s deep-seated skepticism. This philosophical clash could evolve into a strategic alliance that combines Superman’s strength with Lex’s cunning as they confront a common foe – Braniac.

Interestingly, the chess game depicted in the film could symbolize a literal game Lex is playing against Superman or another character, or it may reflect the evolving relationship between the two.

Reports also hint at potential surprises, including the introduction of Bizarro, a supervillain who mirrors Superman. He may have ties to a mysterious character from the previous installment. If true, this could provide Lex with a more manageable version of Superman, adding another layer to their rivalry.

Man of Tomorrow is also set to expand the DC Universe with appearances from heroes like Green Lantern (played by Aaron Pierre) and Hawkgirl (played by Isabela Merced). Their inclusion suggests a more interconnected universe and raises the stakes for the narrative’s world-building.

James Gunn's Superman is set to premiere in theaters on July 9, 2027.