Following the massive success of Superman earlier this year, James Gunn has completed the second draft of the highly anticipated sequel, Superman: Man of Tomorrow. The film will once again star David Corenswet as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and is set for release on July 9, 2027.
Gunn, who serves as co-head of DC Studios, took to social media on September 22 to share a sneak peek of the screenplay. He posted an image of the script’s cover, crediting himself alongside Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. However, it was a subtle illustration in the post that sent fans into a frenzy: a drawing of a brain.
Many fans believe this is a clear hint that the film’s villain will be Brainiac, one of Superman’s most iconic enemies. Social media was quickly flooded with reactions. “BRAINIAC???” one user exclaimed. Another added, “Brainiac in live action? I’ve been praying for a time like this.”
#MoT 7.9.27 pic.twitter.com/aIKSFpaHff
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 22, 2025
Brainiac, created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, first appeared in Action Comics #242 in 1958. He’s known as a hyper-intelligent alien android from the planet Colu, notorious for shrinking cities to preserve in bottles aboard his skull-shaped ship, then destroying their home planets.
Fans are excited about the potential storyline, with some suggesting Gunn could adapt arcs like Ghost in the Machine from Superman: The Animated Series or Divided We Fall from Justice League Unlimited. Others are already fan-casting the role, with many calling for Breaking Bad star Giancarlo Esposito to portray the villain.
While Gunn hasn’t confirmed Brainiac’s appearance, the cryptic hint has certainly sparked excitement. With the screenplay progressing and hype building, Man of Tomorrow is shaping up to be a major DC event.
