The Superman sequel nobody saw coming is about to flip everything we know about the Man of Steel and his greatest nemesis on its head.
James Gunn just dropped the most intriguing plot details yet for Man of Tomorrow, revealing that Superman and Lex Luthor will be forced to work together against a threat so massive it makes their legendary rivalry look like child’s play.
Enemies Become Allies
During a revealing appearance on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM radio show, Gunn unveiled the central premise that’s been driving him to craft what he calls an extraordinary story: “It’s a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat. It’s more complicated than that but that’s a big part of it. It’s as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie.”
This isn’t just a Superman sequel—it’s a complete reimagining of one of comics’ most iconic rivalries. The concept of Superman and Lex Luthor as reluctant allies represents one of the most compelling dynamics in DC lore, and Gunn seems determined to explore every complex layer of their relationship.
A Director’s Personal Connection
What makes this revelation even more fascinating is Gunn’s admission of his personal connection to the material. “I loved working with Nicholas Hoult. I relate to the character of Lex, sadly,” Gunn confessed to Stern. “I really wanted to create something extraordinary with the two of them. I just love the script so much.”
This personal investment from Gunn suggests we’re getting more than just a typical superhero team-up. His connection to Lex Luthor’s character—a brilliant mind often consumed by obsession and the need to prove himself—hints at a psychologically complex portrayal that goes beyond simple villainy.
The Warsuit Connection
The September announcement of Man of Tomorrow came with a telling visual: a comic book image of Superman standing alongside Lex Luthor in his iconic Warsuit. Initially, fans assumed this meant another clash between the titans. Now we understand the true significance—Lex will don his mechanized armor not to fight Superman, but to fight with him.
In DC Comics, the Warsuit represents Lex’s attempt to match Superman’s godlike abilities through technology and intellect. The suit transforms Luthor from a mere mortal schemer into a powerhouse capable of standing toe-to-toe with Kryptonian might. If Lex needs this level of enhancement to face their common enemy, we’re looking at a threat of cosmic proportions.
What Could Unite Sworn Enemies?
The question burning in every fan’s mind: what kind of threat could possibly force Superman and Lex Luthor to set aside their fundamental differences? Gunn’s emphasis on it being “much, much bigger” suggests we’re moving beyond typical earthbound villains into territory that threatens not just Metropolis, but potentially reality itself.
Could we be looking at Darkseid and his forces from Apokolips? Brainiac with his planet-collecting obsession? Or perhaps something entirely new to Gunn’s DC Universe? Whatever the threat, it’s significant enough that Lex Luthor—a man whose ego typically prevents him from accepting help from anyone, especially Superman—realizes he needs the Man of Steel’s power to survive.
A Franchise on the Rise
This bold creative direction comes at the perfect time for Gunn’s DC Universe. Superman proved the reboot’s viability with $614 million worldwide, making it the year’s top-grossing comic book movie. The success has given Gunn the creative freedom to take risks with beloved characters, and pairing Superman with Lex Luthor represents exactly the kind of unexpected storytelling that could define this new era.
The expanding DCU continues to gain momentum with Peacemaker Season 2 already streaming on HBO Max, while 2026 will bring Supergirl (featuring what Gunn called “might be the best bit of casting I’ve ever done” in Millie Alcock) and Clayface. The Lanterns HBO Max series arrives next year, building a universe where bold character dynamics like the Superman-Lex partnership can flourish.
Production Timeline and Expectations
With filming set to begin around April 2026 for a July 9, 2027 release date, Man of Tomorrow will arrive exactly two years after its predecessor. This timeline gives Gunn ample opportunity to craft the intricate story he’s promising—one that balances spectacular action with the psychological complexity of two brilliant minds forced to collaborate.
The return of David Corenswet as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor seems all but guaranteed, given Gunn’s enthusiasm for their dynamic. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav personally announced Gunn’s return to write and direct, demonstrating the studio’s confidence in this ambitious direction.
Redefining Heroism and Villainy
Man of Tomorrow represents more than just a sequel—it’s a chance to explore what happens when the line between hero and villain becomes blurred by necessity. The greatest Superman stories often examine what makes someone heroic, and forcing the Man of Steel to work alongside his intellectual equal and moral opposite creates infinite possibilities for character development.
Lex Luthor has always believed himself to be humanity’s true savior, viewing Superman as an false idol preventing human achievement. Now, faced with a threat that transcends their philosophical differences, both characters will need to reconcile their worldviews while saving the world they both claim to protect.
The result promises to be a Superman movie unlike any we’ve seen before—one where the real power isn’t just in flying or super strength, but in the ability to find common ground with those we consider our greatest enemies. In James Gunn’s hands, Man of Tomorrow looks set to redefine what a superhero sequel can be.
