James Gunn Finishes Man of Tomorrow Draft, Hints at Superman–Lex vs. Brainiac Plot

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James Gunn announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he’s completed the first draft of his Superman script, and suggested that Brainiac will be the main villain.

😈🤝😇 #MoT 7.9.27

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 22, 2025

The post shows devil and angel emojis shaking hands, followed by the hashtag “#MoT 7.9.27.” It also includes a picture of the script’s cover, which has a detailed drawing of the human brain. This suggests that the story, *Man of Tomorrow*, will likely feature a team-up between a hero and villain, and that Brainiac will be the main enemy.

Brainiac All Along

James Gunn revealed he initially thought about including Brainiac in his *Superman* movie, but ultimately chose Lex Luthor. With the *Supergirl* film, starring Milly Alcock, focusing on galactic travel, Gunn may have felt it was a better fit to introduce Brainiac through that story. Plus, *Supergirl* is scheduled for release next year, serving as a connection between *Superman* films.

We’re excited to celebrate Supergirl and all the different ways her story has been told! Keep an eye out for the newest take on the character, played by the amazing Milly Alcock, coming in June 2026.

Photo by Parisa Taghizadeh.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 31, 2025

Talk about Brainiac showing up in *Man of Tomorrow* started when Gary Buechler, from the Nerdrotic YouTube channel, said a source told him an early version of *Superman* included the villain in a scene after the credits.

James Gunn’s recent post on X suggests Brainiac will be featured in *Superman*, but many details remain unclear.

Who is “The Man of Tomorrow”?

David Corenswet will reprise his role as Superman, and Nicholas Hoult is returning as Lex Luthor. Director James Gunn revealed the release date for the next film, *Man of Tomorrow*, along with artwork by Jim Lee featuring Superman and Lex Luthor (in his green Warsuit) together.

James Gunn recently told Howard Stern (according to Entertainment Weekly) that the new movie involves Lex Luthor and Superman teaming up to face a far greater danger.

Man of Tomorrow. In theatres July 9, 2027.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 3, 2025

James Gunn has openly expressed his fascination with Lex Luthor, leading fans to speculate that Luthor might be the focus of the upcoming ‘Man of Tomorrow’ project. In a recent interview with the *Ringer-Verse* podcast, Gunn described Luthor as “pretty evil” but then explained he’s eager to explore Luthor’s motivations and place within the larger story. Gunn even admitted there’s something admirable about Luthor, praising his determination and unmatched ambition, despite everything.

Considering Lex Luthor’s ruthless behavior in the *Superman* movie (director James Gunn even thought about making it *more* intense), some viewers might not appreciate any attempt to show him as a redeemed character in *Man of Tomorrow*-let alone teaming him up with Superman-even if they’re facing a dangerous enemy like Brainiac.

Fan Reaction to Brainiac in Man of Tomorrow

Online, the discussion about Brainiac being a good villain for the upcoming movie has been bypassed, with fans immediately focusing on who could play the role. Many are suggesting actors who’ve previously worked with director James Gunn, like Lee Pace and Dave Bautista, because he often reuses talent in his films.

Michael C. Hall, who recently starred in the popular Dexter revival, and Giancarlo Esposito are both receiving a lot of positive attention as well.

Giancarlo Esposito as Brainiac PLEASE!!!

— Noah Popejoy – Legend of Zelda Movie HYPE!!! (@PopejoyWriter) September 22, 2025

Because a Brainiac scene has likely been shot, the actor playing the character may have already been chosen for *Man of Tomorrow*, and James Gunn is keeping it a secret. Either way, fans are getting excited for the next Superman movie.

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2025-09-24 15:58