Get ready for a seismic shift in the DC Universe: Superman and Lex Luthor, arch-nemeses for decades, are reportedly joining forces in James Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow. Yes, you read that right—the hero and the villain are setting aside their differences to face a threat so colossal it makes their rivalry look like child’s play. But here’s where it gets controversial: Brainiac, the iconic Superman foe, is said to be the catalyst for this uneasy alliance. Fans have been buzzing about this possibility ever since Gunn teased a cryptic script image last September, featuring an anatomical illustration of a brain—a not-so-subtle hint at Brainiac’s involvement. Now, The Wrap has seemingly confirmed the rumors, stating that Brainiac is indeed the main antagonist, forcing David Corenswet’s Superman and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor into an unprecedented partnership.
And this is the part most people miss: Brainiac’s inclusion isn’t just fan service—it’s a strategic move. With a roster of classic villains, Brainiac stands out as a fresh face in the Superman movie canon, offering a unique challenge for both hero and anti-hero. Often portrayed as a green-skinned cyborg with a galaxy-sized intellect and an insatiable hunger for domination, Brainiac poses an existential threat that neither Superman nor Lex can ignore alone. This dynamic raises a thought-provoking question: Can two rivals truly unite when their egos are as colossal as the threat they face?
James Gunn has hinted at the complexity of this alliance, calling Man of Tomorrow as much a Lex Luthor story as it is a Superman one. ‘It’s a story about Lex and Superman having to work together, to a certain degree, against a much, much bigger threat,’ Gunn teased. ‘And it’s more complicated than that. I relate to the character of Lex Luthor, sadly.’ This vulnerability in Lex’s character—his jealousy of Superman’s instant rise to fame—adds layers to their partnership. As Gunn puts it, ‘Three years ago, Lex was the greatest guy in the world. Then Superman shows up, dimples and all, and Lex is forgotten.’ Ouch. Talk about a bruised ego.
Brainiac’s role as the perfect foil for Lex’s intellect and insecurities is undeniable. Fans have long speculated that Brainiac’s arrival would further fuel Lex’s jealousy, creating a powder keg of tension between the two allies. But here’s the kicker: What if Lex sees Brainiac not just as a threat, but as an opportunity to reclaim his former glory? Could this alliance be the start of an even darker chapter for Lex Luthor?
Production on Man of Tomorrow is set to begin in April 2026, with a theatrical release slated for July 9, 2027. While we wait, there’s plenty to unpack, from the film’s connections to Peacemaker Season 2 to the deeper implications of this unlikely team-up. So, here’s the burning question for you: Do you think Superman and Lex Luthor can truly put aside their differences, or is this alliance doomed from the start? Let’s debate in the comments—and may the best argument win!
