Man of Tomorrow: First Look at Lex Luthor in His Battle Suit in the Superman Sequel
Director James Gunn Shares New Details About Villain Brainiac
A new image from the upcoming "Superman" sequel "Man of Tomorrow"! Director James Gunn has shared the first set photo of Lex Luthor in his legendary warsuit on social media. Comic book fans, in particular, have been eagerly awaiting the design of Luthor's iconic suit. Gunn shared the image with the following caption:
"Fit check. Live from the set of Man of Tomorrow."
Gunn emphasized via Threads that the suit is a real costume. So they're relying on practical effects here. For actor Nicholas Hoult, this doesn't seem to be a problem – according to Gunn, he can move well in the suit. But see for yourself: Here you can view the warsuit in all its glory.
The New Villain: Brainiac
There are also high expectations for the new villain: the antagonist Brainiac is played by German actor Lars Eidinger. James Gunn recently shared his take on the character:
"Brainiac is what happens when intelligence loses ALL connection to humanity. And Superman is as human as anyone, so… I get why they have beef."
Alongside Eidinger, another key new addition to the cast is Adria Arjona. The "Andor" actress reportedly plays the character Maxima. However, there has also been speculation about whether she was cast as Wonder Woman. Milly Alcock is also part of the cast as Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl. Alcock appeared in the first film and will get her own "Supergirl" movie this summer. Her solo adventure hits theaters on June 26, 2026.
When will Man of Tomorrow hit theaters?
We can be sure that several other familiar faces from the first "Superman" will return in "Man of Tomorrow." However, we'll have to be patient a little longer before we can see Brainiac or Lex Luthor's suit in action for the first time. The theatrical release for "Man of Tomorrow" is set for July 9, 2027. Until then, you can look forward to the upcoming "Supergirl" movie. You can watch the latest trailer here!
Man of Tomorrow: What Can We Expect?
But what can we expect from the sequel? The premise is clear: Superman defeated his arch-nemesis Lex Luthor in the first film. But anyone who knows the ruthless businessman knows that setbacks rarely stop him. While Luthor is now in prison, he could already be hatching his next big plan.
James Gunn fueled further speculation when he announced the title "Man of Tomorrow" on social media. The announcement was accompanied by an image showing Superman and Lex Luthor side by side. Even in this comic book image, Luthor can be seen in his warsuit.
But what will Luthor's role be in the sequel? After all, with Brainiac, we already have a character who is likely to be the film's main villain. Could this mean that Luthor and Superman have to work together to stop Brainiac? Or is a completely different plot in store for us? In our movie preview, we took a closer look at the details and the first theories surrounding "Man of Tomorrow."
The New Villain: Who Is Brainiac?
Brainiac is widely regarded as one of Superman's most formidable foes. Hailing from the planet Colu, the alien supervillain has been portrayed in various incarnations as a highly advanced artificial intelligence, an android, or a cybernetic lifeform. Driven by an unmatched intellect, Brainiac is obsessed with collecting and preserving the knowledge of the universe. Among his most infamous crimes is shrinking entire cities and storing them as miniature specimens aboard his spacecraft.
Who is Maxima?
With reports currently suggesting that Adria Arjona will take on the role of Maxima, it's worth taking a closer look at the DC character. Maxima is a powerful alien warrior from the planet Almerac and the ruler of her homeworld. Possessing immense strength, the ability to fly, and formidable telekinetic powers, she is one of the most physically imposing figures in the Superman mythos.
The character was originally introduced as an adversary of Superman, believing him to be the ideal mate with whom she could produce exceptionally powerful offspring. Over the years, however, Maxima's role has evolved considerably. Depending on the storyline, she has appeared as an enemy, an ally, and even a member of a superhero team. Her fierce determination, royal pride, and extraordinary abilities have made her one of the most recognizable alien characters in DC Comics.
Supergirl
Before "Superman," however, DC fans will first turn their attention to "Supergirl." Warner Bros. has already revealed the first details about the blockbuster's plot: When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice. Joining Alcock in the cast are Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, and Jason Momoa. We're excited to see what awaits us in theaters – and whether there will be any early hints about "Man of Tomorrow."
