James Gunn Man of Tomorrow is shaping up to be much more than just another superhero movie, thanks to Gunn’s signature approach to music and storytelling. As fans eagerly await the July 2027 release, Gunn has hinted that his carefully selected soundtrack will play a pivotal role in crafting memorable moments for audiences, continuing the tradition seen in previous projects like Guardians of the Galaxy and Superman.
Gunn’s Distinct Musical Stamp on His Films
For years, James Gunn has built a reputation on integrating standout songs as a key ingredient in his filmmaking. This approach has become a hallmark, especially clear in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, where each needle drop feels purposeful and emotional. Gunn continued this method within the DC universe through titles like The Suicide Squad and his first Superman film, ensuring that music underscores and elevates moments both big and small. The ending of Superman, which features Kal-El watching home videos while “Punkrocker” plays, is just one recent example of how Gunn uses soundtracks to anchor scenes in the audience’s memory.
Hints at New Music Choices for Man of Tomorrow
As production ramps up for Man of Tomorrow, Gunn has dropped intriguing clues regarding his selection process for the soundtrack. During December’s popular Spotify Wrapped event, Gunn took to X (formerly Twitter) to share,
“I can’t post my top songs because they are ALL in Man of Tomorrow, but I can post some of the other stuff.Top 4 musical acts I’ve listened to this year:1) Foxy Shazam (two years running) @foxyshazam 2) Sports Team @SportsTeam_ 3) Jeff Rosenstock 4) LaRussel @LaRussellGC…”
— James Gunn, Filmmaker. This revelation demonstrates both his commitment to pre-selecting music and his intent to keep the actual song choices secret until closer to the film’s debut.
This secrecy suggests that the upcoming soundtrack could become as iconic as those in his earlier films. By listening to prospective tracks while scripting new scenes, Gunn ensures that songs are deeply tied to the film’s mood and narrative flow. His past practice has even included playing specific music on set, allowing actors to use the rhythms and emotions of each track to inform their performances.
Secrecy Protects Story Surprises
Some fans have wondered why Gunn is withholding the full list of songs featured in Man of Tomorrow. The answer lies in Gunn’s deliberate approach: song titles alone might reveal hints about key moments or emotional beats within the story. Even without direct spoilers, revealing the musical lineup could provide enough clues to dedicated fans eager to decode plot elements before release. Gunn’s choices are never random; each song is picked to heighten specific emotional moments, add humor, or provide a jolt of energy to action scenes. This level of attention explains why concrete details are being held back until audiences are ready to experience the film as intended, without preconceptions or leaks.
Anticipation Builds for the Next Chapter
The anticipation for the official soundtrack to James Gunn Man of Tomorrow continues to grow, especially as the film’s July 2027 premiere remains months away. Historically, Gunn has only shared playlists and song selections shortly before a film’s launch—such as with Superman, when character playlists appeared just a week ahead of release. As a result, eager viewers must wait, theorizing and speculating about what musical gems might be included in this next chapter.
Licensed tracks and original scores are both expected in Man of Tomorrow, echoing Gunn’s previous projects where familiar tunes blended seamlessly with traditional compositions. Whether energizing major action sequences or amplifying tender scenes—like using “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 or “Father and Son” in Vol. 2—Gunn’s ability to craft movie moments that stick with viewers through his music selection is a point of excitement for DC fans and newcomers alike.
What Makes Gunn’s Approach Unique
Unlike many directors who finalize music choices late in production, James Gunn treats soundtrack selection as an early and essential step in his process. This commitment means tracks and even lesser-known artists might get well-deserved attention within the superhero genre’s mainstream spotlight. Acts like Foxy Shazam and Jeff Rosenstock, who appeared on Gunn’s recent listening list, could soon be part of the cultural conversation thanks to their inclusion in Man of Tomorrow.
Actors working with Gunn also benefit, often finding inspiration in the director’s early music picks, which shape the mood and pacing of scenes. This careful integration helps the whole cast achieve a more sincere and rhythmically cohesive performance, contributing to what many have come to expect from a “James Gunn movie.”
What Fans Can Expect As Release Nears
As excitement builds, the only certainty is that James Gunn Man of Tomorrow will feature a soundtrack curated with just as much attention and passion as those in his previous blockbusters. While the specifics remain a mystery, the overt hints from Gunn himself promise a blend of humor, heart, and sonic surprises that will likely capture the imagination of moviegoers when the film finally lands in theaters.
Until then, fans can revisit the dynamic soundtracks of Gunn’s earlier films and speculate on which artists or tracks might play a role in Man of Tomorrow. Whether rooting for DC favorites or awaiting more unexpected additions, viewers have ample reason to look forward to one of the most anticipated film soundtracks of the upcoming year.
“I can’t post my top songs because they are ALL in Man of Tomorrow, but I can post some of the other stuff.Top 4 musical acts I’ve listened to this year:1) Foxy Shazam (two years running) @foxyshazam 2) Sports Team @SportsTeam_ 3) Jeff Rosenstock 4) LaRussel @LaRussellGC…”
— James Gunn, Filmmaker
I can't post my top songs because they are ALL in Man of Tomorrow, but I can post some of the other stuff.
Top 4 musical acts I've listened to this year:
1) Foxy Shazam (two years running) @foxyshazam
2) Sports Team @SportsTeam_
3) Jeff Rosenstock
4) LaRussel @LaRussellGC…— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 3, 2025
