The Man of Tomorrow film is set to feature one of Superman’s most iconic villains in the DC Universe installment. 2025 marked a succesful run for DC Studios, as the Superman movie ending left the audience wanting more of the DC icon on the big screen.
According to The Wrap, DC Comics’ Brainiac will finally be making his cinematic debut, as the trade reveals that he will be the central villain in James Gunn’s continuation. The report also reveals that the film is slated to begin principal photography in April 2026 in Atlanta.
At the time of this story’s publication, DC Studios and Gunn have yet to comment. Speculation has been floating around about Brainiac being the big bad ever since Gunn shared the script cover for Man of Tomorrow on September 22, 2025.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in September, Gunn admitted that he knew exactly what sharing the script page would do to the audience. While not confirming Brainiac as the villain at the time, he shared the following statement:
James Gunn: Listen, of course I wasn’t unaware that when I posted the cover of the script that there was going to be discussion around that particular topic. But I think we’ll hold off from what exactly is happening.
Brainiac has previously been featured in several live-action Superman TV shows, starting with James Marsters’ version on Smallville, where he appeared in season 5. Syfy’s short-lived Superman prequel series, Krypton, had Blake Ritson portray the famous foe for two seasons.
Outside of Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Frank Grillo is returning for Man of Tomorrow, as he will reprise the role of Rick Flag Sr., following his appearances in Creature Commandos, Superman, and Peacemaker season 2. Gunn has teased that the story for the 2027 installment will focus on David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult’s characters having to join forces:
James Gunn: It’s a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat. It’s more complicated than that, but that’s a big part of it. It’s as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie. I loved working with Nicholas Hoult. I relate to the character of Lex, sadly. I really wanted to create something extraordinary with the two of them. I just love the script so much.
The DCU’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” will resume in 2026, with Supergirl arriving on June 26 while Clayface opens on September 11. While a premiere date hasn’t been set yet, HBO’s Lanterns is reportedly debuting in early 2026.
Man of Tomorrow is set to open on July 9, 2027.