With the announcement that the villain Brainiac will feature in the upcoming David Corenswet Superman sequel, fans are eager to know which major actor will bring the iconic DC nemesis to the big screen. As casting remains open for this crucial role in Man of Tomorrow, speculation is high about who could portray Brainiac’s brilliant intellect and formidable presence, providing a worthy challenge for both Superman and Lex Luthor in their on-screen alliance.
Brainiac’s inclusion promises a unique dynamic, demanding an actor who can convincingly embody one of Superman’s most dangerous adversaries, and who is ready to undergo complex transformation through makeup and visual effects. The following ten actors each bring unique qualities to the table, combining experience, presence, and the range needed to create a memorable Brainiac in the next chapter of the DC cinematic universe.
Chukwudi Iwuji: Combining Sharp Villainy with Experience
Chukwudi Iwuji stands out as an early favorite, thanks to his previous collaboration with James Gunn. Although he has already portrayed Clemson Murn in Peacemaker season one—a character closely tied to the current DC Universe continuity—history suggests that director Gunn is open to recasting his favorite performers, as seen with Michael Rooker’s various appearances in DC projects. Iwuji’s recent role as High Evolutionary in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 showcased his ability to deliver a villain blending intelligence with commanding presence, attributes essential for an effective Brainiac.
Iwuji has made it clear he is enthusiastic about the prospect of playing Brainiac and, while he notes there has not yet been official contact from Gunn about the role, his expressed interest and proven talent make him a strong competitor for the part.
Lee Pace: Bringing Gravitas and Stature
Lee Pace is another actor familiar to Gunn and comic book fans, praised for his powerful turn as Ronan the Accuser in Guardians of the Galaxy. More recently, Pace has earned acclaim in the lead role for the Apple TV+ science fiction series Foundation, where he became known for portraying villains who are both intimidating and captivating.
Standing at 6’5″, Pace brings natural height and a dominating physicality to the table—an advantage for making Brainiac visually imposing against both David Corenswet’s Superman and Nicholas Hoult‘s Lex Luthor. His versatility and on-screen gravitas make him an appealing option for this complex character.
Ralph Fiennes: A Villainous Powerhouse
Ralph Fiennes remains a favorite among fans discussing the brain behind Brainiac, boasting a respected career filled with memorable villainous roles. He has gained recognition for his layered performances, earning fear and fascination from audiences in equal measure.
As Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, Fiennes brought a chilling presence to one of fantasy’s most nefarious figures. He continued to showcase his darker side in the film The Menu, where he faced off against Nicholas Hoult, his potential on-screen adversary once again if cast in Man of Tomorrow. With these examples, Fiennes would lend Brainiac monumental credibility and an exciting dynamic to the ongoing feud with Lex Luthor.
LaKeith Stanfield: An Unexpected but Inspired Choice
LaKeith Stanfield might not be the traditional pick for Brainiac, but his impressive range across genres makes him a compelling candidate. He has captivated viewers in roles like Sorry to Bother You, Judas and the Black Messiah, and The Harder They Fall, seamlessly transitioning among characters with distinct personalities and motivations.
While mostly known for playing protagonists or complex antiheroes, Stanfield’s distinctive voice and presence could bring an intriguing new dimension to Brainiac. His ability to immerse himself in diverse parts presents the possibility for a fresh and memorable portrayal of the superintelligent adversary.
David Dastmalchian: From Supporting Roles to Center Stage
David Dastmalchian boasts an existing connection with James Gunn, originating from his role as Polka-Dot Man in The Suicide Squad—a character whose on-screen death would prevent confusion if Dastmalchian stepped into Brainiac’s shoes. This prior collaboration positions him favorably for consideration.
Dastmalchian has a history of successfully playing eccentric or unsettling figures, such as in Dune and as Murderbot, while displaying his capacity for darker, villainous performances in films like Prisoners and Late Night with the Devil. His adaptability and rapport with Gunn make him a natural possibility for transforming into the infamous green android.
Jason Isaacs: Voice and Versatility in Villainy
Jason Isaacs brings unique qualification, having already voiced Brainiac in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, demonstrating his powerful grasp on the character’s signature intellectual menace. Although that performance was for a game, Man of Tomorrow’s version requires a full physical portrayal.
Isaacs’ credentials as a villain are well-established through parts in Harry Potter, Star Wars: Rebels, and Star Trek: Discovery, where his command of nuance and authority is evident. Allowing Isaacs to embody Brainiac on film could result in a performance as memorable as any he has previously delivered.
Giancarlo Esposito: The Master of Calculated Malice
Giancarlo Esposito is regularly discussed as a top choice for Brainiac, known for playing methodical, unnervingly controlled antagonists across his career. His work in series like Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian has made his name synonymous with intelligent, multi-layered villains.
While Esposito has voiced interest in comic book films and will soon appear in Captain America: Brave New World, Man of Tomorrow provides a grander platform. His expressive voice and stature would contrast dynamically with the leads, giving Brainiac a memorable sense of otherness amid the ensemble.
James McAvoy: Merging Intellect with Intensity
James McAvoy’s history of portraying Professor X in the X-Men films demonstrates his comfort with cerebral characters, while his chilling roles in Split, Glass, and the recent Speak No Evil reveal his capability to shift into darker territory when needed.
McAvoy could combine his experience portraying powerful intellects with his flair for intense, threatening performances, offering a nuanced take on Brainiac that bridges cold calculation and deeply unsettling energy, making for an unpredictable and engaging villain.
Daniel Kaluuya: Award-Winning Depth and Complexity
If Daniel Kaluuya were to take on the role, it would mark a major achievement for DC Studios. Renowned for his Oscar-winning performance in Judas and the Black Messiah and praised for evocative portrayals in Get Out and Nope, Kaluuya is adept at toggling between vulnerability and menace.
In films like Widows, Kaluuya delivered brief but chilling villainy, revealing his potential for powerful, intimidating roles. Whether Brainiac is depicted as a purely mechanical foe or one touched by traces of humanity, Kaluuya’s talents ensure a layered performance that elevates the character.
Michael Fassbender: A Proven Android and Mastermind
Michael Fassbender is a logical, if somewhat expected, choice for the role, having already excelled as androids in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. His cold, precise performances in those films make him a natural match for the shrewd, methodical Brainiac.
Beyond his science fiction experience, Fassbender played the mastermind Magneto in the X-Men prequels and delivered an acclaimed turn as a genius in Steve Jobs. These diverse roles underscore his capacity to imbue Brainiac with appropriate menace, intellect, and presence, creating a villain that could stand among his finest characters.
Looking Ahead: What Brainiac’s Casting Means for the David Corenswet Superman Sequel
Brainiac’s introduction in the David Corenswet Superman sequel signals a bold direction for the DC film universe, raising both the narrative stakes and expectations for character-driven storytelling. The choice of actor will help define the sequel’s tone and could set a new benchmark for cinematic supervillains. With formidable talents like Iwuji, Pace, Fiennes, Stanfield, Dastmalchian, Isaacs, Esposito, McAvoy, Kaluuya, and Fassbender in the speculative mix, the next chapter for Superman brings the promise of dynamic performances and memorable cinematic clashes that could shape future DC projects.
