AceShowbiz - The direct sequel to the 2025 film Superman, titled Man of Tomorrow, has officially started filming, with James Gunn returning as both writer and director. The highly anticipated follow-up is set to hit theaters on July 9, 2027, continuing the story of Superman and Lex Luthor.

Production on Man of Tomorrow began on April 20, 2026, marking the next chapter in the DC Universe under Gunn’s creative direction. David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult reprise their roles as Superman/Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, respectively. The film introduces a new villain to the big screen, Brainiac, portrayed by Lars Eidinger. Other returning characters include Milly Alcock as Supergirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, maintaining continuity with the previous film and expanding the cast of iconic heroes and villains.

James Gunn shared a birthday photo from the set, featuring cast and crew gathered in front of a blue screen. Notably, one male figure’s face was digitally obscured, and Brainiac’s actor Lars Eidinger was absent from the picture, likely due to his extensive makeup and prosthetics. Gunn’s social media post hinted at ongoing collaboration and enthusiasm among the team as production moves forward.

James Gunn is not only directing but also serving as co-CEO of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, shaping a cohesive future for the DC slate. Gunn’s previous Superman film earned over $600 million worldwide and introduced a hopeful, optimistic take on the character, with key creative partners returning for the sequel. His approach draws inspiration from Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman, emphasizing Superman’s genuine kindness and moral core. The new film is reported to focus heavily on the complex relationship between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, with the two characters joining forces to face a significant threat, widely speculated to be Brainiac.

Man of Tomorrow is poised to deepen the narrative established in the 2025 Superman film, elevating the stakes by exploring the uneasy alliance between hero and villain. With Gunn’s vision steering the project and a returning cast bolstering continuity, the sequel promises to expand the DC Universe’s cinematic landscape while delivering the character-driven storytelling fans expect.