James Gunn Reveals Surprising First Superman Sequel Details, And It’s Already Getting Me Pumped For A Big Man Of Tomorrow Showdown

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James Gunn recently shared some significant news about his upcoming Superman sequel, titled “Man of Tomorrow.” Contrary to many fans’ expectations, Gunn revealed that the sequel is closer than we might think and will focus on an unexpected alliance within Metropolis. This announcement has sparked my curiosity about which formidable villain could potentially appear in the upcoming DC film, and I can hardly contain my excitement for this anticipated confrontation!

What Gunn Revealed About Superman Sequel

During a conversation on The Howard Stern Show this morning, the director of Slither announced several details about the upcoming sequel. He revealed the title, a summer release plan, and a plot where Superman and Lex Luthor must team up to confront a greater threat together, as expressed by Gunn himself.

Last week, we announced that our upcoming film, “Man of Tomorrow,” will hit theaters on July 9th, 2027. This is only two years after its sequel, which is quite swift given the direction we already had in mind. The story revolves around Lex Luther and Superman, who must collaborate to a significant extent to confront an immense, complex threat that surpasses anything they’ve faced before.

Towards the end of the discussion, the director of Guardians of the Galaxy reaffirmed Lex’s significant role and expressed his admiration for Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal. He went on to say:

The film feels equally like a Lex Luthor story as it does a Superman one, and working alongside Nicholas Hoult, who brought Lex to life, was truly enjoyable for me. Given my affinity for the character of Lex Luthor, I yearned to craft something exceptional with the both of them. Furthermore, I can’t help but adore that script so dearly.

Gunn’s remarks provide a clear perspective on what the follow-up might entail, and there may be more revelations than one initially realizes upon listening. Let’s delve deeper to dissect this further.

Times Lex and Superman Have Teamed Up

The sequel will feature an unlikely collaboration between Superman and Lex Luthor as they join forces to combat a more formidable enemy. This might appear unconventional, but it’s not unprecedented given their history. Going back to Action Comics #23 in 1940, there have been instances where Superman and Lex have momentarily put aside their animosity when the situation required it, and these uneasy partnerships tend to add depth to the narrative.

Below is a quick look at notable instances when Superman and Lex became uneasy partners:

  • Superman #164 (1963) – Often seen as their first true collaboration, this Silver Age classic has Superman and Lex Luthor stranded on an alien planet. Lex uses his scientific skills to help the drought-stricken natives, but realizes they need Superman’s strength. Together, they transport glacier ice from a nearby planet to restore the water supply, earning the gratitude of the locals, who rename their home Lexor.
  • Action Comics #511 (1980) – In this “maybe he actually changed?” storyline, Lex Luthor starts racking up some good-guy points. He cures diseases, helps repair the ozone layer, and even undergoes a mind probe. When Terra-Man shows up out of nowhere and attacks the Fortress, Lex swoops in and saves Superman’s life, helping take down the villain in the process. Their uneasy truce doesn’t last long, of course.
  • The Lex Luthor II Era (1992) – During Brainiac’s Warworld invasion, a younger, red-maned “Lex Luthor II” (long story involving a clone body and an Aussie cover identity) pledges LexCorp resources to Earth’s defense and fights alongside the heroes.
  • Saving the Sun (1996) – A cosmic Sun-Eater plunges Earth into a lethal winter. Lex joins the Justice League brain trust, weaponizing his tech and know-how to help avert extinction. He’s insufferable the entire time—especially with a de-powered Superman in the room—but the world lives because Luthor showed up.
  • President Luthor’s Draft (2001 ) – As the villain Imperiex threatens Earth, President Lex Luthor gathers the planet’s heroes, including Superman. While this cooperation is ethically complicated, they ultimately unite to defeat a significant threat.
  • Lex Joins the Justice League #33 (2014) – After helping topple the Crime Syndicate, Lex tries heroism on for size. Batman, ever the strategist, votes to keep enemies closer; Superman grudgingly agrees.

What does all this comic book lore have to do with Man of Tomorrow? Well, I have my thoughts.

What I Think Will Happen In Man of Tomorrow

Gunn’s discussion on a “reluctant alliance” and a “greater danger” reminds me strongly of Brainiac, a powerful super AI enemy of Superman. In much the same way as depicted in the animated series of Adventures of Superman (streaming on HBO Max), I anticipate that this formidable adversary, possibly accompanied by a Krypton survivor, will compel an unusual partnership between the villain and hero. This duo of Lex Luthor and Superman may find themselves locked in fierce combat with a formidable foe yet to be seen even in top-tier Superman films, and this prospect has me incredibly excited!

As a die-hard film fan, if James Gunn’s upcoming sequel promises to be just as much about Lex Luthor as it is about Superman, there’s an abundance of material from the comics to draw upon. Given his knack for reimagining storylines, I wouldn’t bat an eye if we see a blend of these Lex and Superman comic team-ups in the next movie.

We’ll simply need to be patient as we await the release of “Man of Tomorrow” in theaters on July 9, 2027. However, before that date, fans can look forward to the premiere of “Supergirl,” scheduled for June 26th, 2026.

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2025-09-10 20:26