Dave Bautista Rumored for Brainiac as James Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow Eyes Villain Casting

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Rumors are swirling about who will be cast in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie, and now Dave Bautista’s name has come up. Sources say he’s being considered to play the villain Brainiac, adding another layer of intrigue to the film’s development.

Although it’s not official, the recent talk about Bautista potentially returning shows how much the project is still changing as DC Studios gets closer to starting production.

Dave Bautista could be the frontrunner to play Brainiac in ‘Man of Tomorrow’

(@TheInSneider)

— Superman Saga News (@SuperSagaNews) December 13, 2025

This casting news comes from industry source Jeff Sneider. It’s important to remember that, like all early reports of this kind, this hasn’t been officially confirmed and should be considered a rumor for now.

Brainiac is Confirmed — Bautista is Not

I’m so excited about the new Superman movie, Man of Tomorrow! What’s really got fans, including me, buzzing is the confirmation that Brainiac will be the main villain. James Gunn let us know that a while back, and ever since, everyone’s been speculating about who will play him. There have been so many rumors floating around about different actors being considered, it’s been wild!

Dave Bautista is the latest actor being considered for the role of Brainiac, joining previous names like Matt Smith, Claes Bang, and Sam Rockwell. However, DC Studios hasn’t confirmed any casting decisions and hasn’t publicly discussed these possibilities.

Sources say Bautista is a leading candidate, and his name has been frequently mentioned in talks. However, an agreement hasn’t been reached and no final decisions have been made yet.

Why Bautista Is Generating Buzz

The possibility of Dave Bautista being cast has sparked discussion among fans, mainly because Brainiac is usually depicted as a highly intelligent, calculating villain, not a physically imposing one. He’s known for being cold, unemotional, and intimidating through control and intellect, rather than sheer strength – although there have been a few times he has been portrayed as a powerful fighter.

Although Bautista first became well-known for physically demanding roles, like Drax in the Marvel movies, he’s recently started taking on parts that require more subtle acting and focus on inner intensity rather than just physical strength. A more thoughtful and strategic take on the villain Brainiac could fit this new direction in his career, if director James Gunn chooses to portray the character that way.

It’s important to remember this is just our interpretation, not a confirmed plan from the creators.

Bautista’s Longstanding Interest in DC

This isn’t the first time Dave Bautista has been linked to a DC project. He previously talked about wanting to play Bane, but later felt he was too old for the part. Even so, Bautista remains eager to join the DC Universe and is excited about the possibility of working with James Gunn again.

Dave Bautista and James Gunn have a strong working history, having collaborated on several Guardians of the Galaxy movies. Now that Gunn is leading DC Studios and working on the film Man of Tomorrow, it’s natural that people are talking about actors he’s worked with before, even if those conversations don’t lead to anything concrete.

Where Man of Tomorrow Stands Now

Currently planned for release on July 9, 2027, Man of Tomorrow will be directed and written by James Gunn. David Corenswet will play Superman, and Nicholas Hoult will portray Lex Luthor. The film will reportedly feature Superman and Lex Luthor teaming up despite their differences to face a common enemy: Brainiac.

DC Studios hasn’t shared many details since announcing its plans. They haven’t revealed who will play Brainiac, and they haven’t confirmed or denied recent speculation about the role.

The recent talk about David Bautista potentially joining the DC Universe highlights how much things are still changing. Until DC Studios officially confirms anything, it’s best to take all casting rumors with a grain of salt.

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2025-12-14 17:57