James Gunn Confirms Superman Sequel Man of Tomorrow Sticks to DC Studios’ Biggest Rule

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“All of it,” Gunn stated on Threads when a fan asked how much of the Man of Tomorrow script was finished. “Just in the necessary and lengthy stage or rewriting and rewriting some more. It’s been a lot of fun.” In the same online conversation, Gunn also noted his collaborative nature during the creative process, confirming that he shares his work with many people for feedback. “All sorts of people, yes,” he said. “I’m very open to feedback always.”

Image via Threads @jamesgunn

From the moment Gunn and Peter Safran took charge of DC Studios, they committed to a “story first” mandate. This core rule dictates that no film will be given a release date or enter production until a finished script is in place. The strategy is a deliberate move away from the trend of studios setting release schedules years in advance and then rushing to develop a story to fit a predetermined slot, a practice that has created significant challenges for Marvel Studios during its Multiverse Saga. Still, the fact that Man of Tomorrow has a full script while Superman is still playing in theaters means Gunn’s work on the screenplay was likely well underway even before the first movie premiered, proving just how certain DC Studios was about the success of its inaugural film and its vision for the franchise’s future.

Man of Tomorrow Is Not Superman 2

Image courtesy of DC Studios

James Gunn has been very clear with fans that the upcoming film, while featuring David Corenswet’s hero in a major capacity, is not a traditional sequel and should not be considered Superman 2. This distinction became more intriguing when the official announcement for Man of Tomorrow was accompanied by special illustrations depicting Superman alongside his arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), with Luthor notably wearing his iconic green and purple Warsuit from the comics. While plot details remain confidential, the visual pairing strongly suggests the sequel will focus heavily on the complex dynamic between the hero and the villain, potentially forcing them into an uneasy alliance against a more significant threat.

This narrative direction aligns perfectly with Luthor’s characterization in the first film. Though undeniably a villain, Lex displayed a twisted and proprietary concern for humanity, viewing himself as its rightful protector. Should Earth face an overwhelming invasion from an intergalactic powerhouse like Brainiac or Mongul, it is entirely plausible that Luthor would choose to fight to protect his planet. Such an act would be born from a strategic desire to preserve his own domain and use his role in its salvation as leverage to regain power and public adoration.

Furthering this idea is Gunn’s clarification that the movie’s title is simply Man of Tomorrow, not Superman: Man of Tomorrow. This deliberate choice leaves the title’s subject open to interpretation, questioning whether the “Man of Tomorrow” is the Kryptonian hero who inspires hope, or the human genius who believes he alone can secure humanity’s future.

Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 9, 2027.

What do you think a Superman and Lex Luthor team-up would look like in the DCU? Let us know in the comments!