As the holiday season draws near, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn is pressing ahead with plans for Man of Tomorrow, the much-anticipated Superman sequel, highlighting the ongoing pre-production by posting a large collection of storyboards online. By sharing this update, Gunn has given fans eager for news on the next chapter in the DCU their first hint at what may be in store, placing the James Gunn Superman sequel at the center of current superhero film discussions.
Brainiac and Major DCU Faces Expected in Sequel
James Gunn recently used Instagram to post a photo displaying a sizable stack of storyboards, giving a behind-the-scenes peek at the creative process. Atop the pile lies a rough sketch that has sparked speculation about a possible early depiction of Brainiac, one of Superman’s most formidable foes slated to appear in the film.
Gunn’s post was accompanied by the caption,
“New stack of storyboards ready for the crew Monday morning.”
– James Gunn, Director
This development confirms that while principal photography for Man of Tomorrow is not scheduled to begin until next April, the team is already hard at work laying out the creative direction for the film’s action-heavy plot and character interactions. Crew members are gearing up to delve into the story’s details well before cameras begin rolling.
Though few concrete plot details have emerged, it is understood that this film will not only focus on Clark Kent’s ongoing rivalry with Lex Luthor but will also introduce Brainiac as a major adversary. Fans can also expect to see familiar faces with David Corenswet starring as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag, Sr. Alongside these cast members, several other characters are rumored, including Aaron Pierre playing John Stewart/Green Lantern and John Cena returning as Peacemaker. There is widespread industry speculation that the sequel might introduce a new Wonder Woman, and recent rumors suggest that Claes Bang could bring Brainiac to life on screen.
Director’s Perspective and Approach to the Sequel
James Gunn has been candid about how his experiences on previous superhero projects, such as the earlier Superman film and his work on Guardians of the Galaxy, are influencing his approach to this sequel. His comments show a drive for innovation and experimentation, especially regarding how action sequences are executed.
“I did a lot of experimental stuff with shooting flying, and I think I learned a lot about what worked and what didn’t work as well,”
– James Gunn, Director
“And so one of the things I’m the most excited about are these few action sequences in Man of Tomorrow. And so putting those together has been really fun.”
– James Gunn, Director
Gunn has explained his commitment to making each movie distinctive:
“I always learn a lot with every movie in terms of what works and what doesn’t. I think the proof of concept worked in terms of who Superman was. And then, there are things that I think that can be improved. And not only improved, but just different,”
– James Gunn, Director
“I like my movies to be different. Guardians 1 is not the same as Guardians 3. They’re different.”
– James Gunn, Director
He added that the sequel will have a unique point of view, emphasizing the dual focus on Superman and Lex Luthor:
“And Man of Tomorrow will not be the same as Superman. And it is Lex’s story too, so it’s the two of them. That colors it in a totally different way,”
– James Gunn, Director
What Lies Ahead for Superman and the DCU
The production for Man of Tomorrow will remain under wraps for some time, with the first major reveals unlikely until public filming and set photos emerge, possibly in the months following the planned start of filming next April. Industry insiders anticipate the film will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of James Gunn’s new DCU, especially with teams like Checkmate and Salvation expected to debut after their introduction in Peacemaker Season 2.
As anticipation builds for the project, fans can mark July 9, 2027, as the official release date for this next installment, which promises not only to advance Superman’s storyline but also to influence the evolving landscape of the DC Universe. With its star-studded cast and ambitious creative vision, the James Gunn Superman sequel stands as a central event for comic book cinema’s future.
