James Gunn announces Man of Tomorrow as next Superman film

James Gunn has officially unveiled Man of Tomorrow as the next chapter in his Superman saga. The filmmaker announced that the movie will arrive in theaters on July 9, 2027, just two years after his first Superman film hit screens.

The reveal came via Gunn’s social media, where he shared exclusive artwork by DC chief Jim Lee. The illustration showed Superman leaning casually against Lex Luthor in his green and purple mech suit, a design long seen in comics and animation but never before realized in live action.

Superman’s Nemesis Returns in Live Action

In Gunn’s new film, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is set to return after the character’s emotional downfall at the end of Superman (2025). The armored suit, a fan-favorite element of Luthor’s comic book history, suggests a bigger, more combative role for the villain.

While details of the storyline remain under wraps, the teaser image sparked speculation that Superman and Luthor could share a more complex relationship this time, possibly even an uneasy alliance. Gunn himself hinted that Man of Tomorrow won’t be a direct sequel but a continuation featuring familiar characters in new circumstances.

Not a Traditional Superman Sequel

Since its announcement, Gunn has stressed that Man of Tomorrow is not “Superman 2.” Instead, it’s part of a broader narrative he calls the “Superman Saga.” The director has already completed a treatment for the film and indicated production could begin soon.

“Superman has a major role,” Gunn said. “It’s not Superman 2. But is it a straight-up Superman sequel? I would not say necessarily.”

This approach allows Gunn to expand the DC Universe while avoiding formulaic storytelling.

READ ALSO

Superman Review: A Bold Reboot That Flies High but Carries Too Much

How James Gunn’s Superman sets the stage for the DCU, multiverse saga

Box Office Success Fuels the Saga

The decision to greenlight Man of Tomorrow came after the strong performance of Superman, which earned $611.6 million globally this summer, making it the highest-grossing superhero movie of the year. While lower than Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), which reached $670 million, the numbers highlight Superman’s enduring appeal in a crowded superhero landscape.

Critics also embraced Gunn’s fresh take. The Independent called the film “a manifesto for a franchise” and praised its hopeful tone, positioning it as a revival of faith in superhero cinema.

What’s Next for DC Films

Before Man of Tomorrow hits theaters, DC fans will see other major projects roll out. Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl, starring Milly Alcock, is set for release on June 26, 2026, followed by James Watkins’ horror-inspired Clayface on September 11, 2026.

After Man of Tomorrow, audiences can expect Matt Reeves’s The Batman Part II in October 2027, signaling a packed slate for the reimagined DCU under Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran.

Why Man of Tomorrow Matters

For James Gunn and DC Studios, Man of Tomorrow is more than just another superhero movie. It’s a chance to solidify the tone of the new DC Universe, bright, character-driven, and anchored by Superman’s moral clarity. By introducing Luthor’s mech suit and teasing new dynamics, Gunn is weaving familiar comic book lore into a cinematic saga designed to feel both classic and fresh.

With David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult reprising Lex Luthor, Man of Tomorrow is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated superhero films of the decade.