The Man of Steel is flying back to theaters.
In a major reveal for DC Studios, co-CEO James Gunn has officially announced his Superman follow-up film: Man of Tomorrow. Set for release on July 9, 2027, the news comes with a trio of stunning new teaser images from some of the biggest names in comics.
The announcement offers the first real hints at the new film’s direction and what’s next for David Corenswet’s Superman and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor.
The Art of a Rivalry
Gunn kicked off the reveal with a tweet featuring a drawing by none other than DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee. The image shows a seemingly relaxed Superman leaning on an armored Lex Luthor, who is encased in a massive, green-glowing suit. It’s an unmistakable nod to Luthor’s iconic Anti-Superman power armor, suggesting their bitter rivalry from the first film is far from over.
The image immediately raises a burning question: are these bitter enemies now allies? While Superman’s playful pose might suggest a temporary truce, the artwork from the film’s two stars paints a different picture.
David Corenswet posted an image drawn by Jorge Jiménez, one of the most celebrated artists working on DC comics today. His piece is a classic superhero shot, with Superman standing tall and looking toward the future.
Not to be outdone, Nicholas Hoult posted an image of his own from artist Mitch Gerads. This one shows a much more combative scene, with Superman locked in a physical struggle with Luthor in his battle armor. The clear-cut conflict in this image suggests that while their relationship might be complicated, they are still very much at odds.
The Future of the DC Universe
The title Man of Tomorrow is a powerful nod to the classic Superman nickname, hinting at a forward-looking story. This is a deliberate choice from Gunn, who previously told The Hollywood Reporter that he had already completed the treatment for “the next story in what I’ll call the ‘Superman Saga.'” He also teased that the film might not be a “straight-up Superman sequel.” The introduction of Lex’s iconic power suit and the dynamic between the two characters suggests the film will explore a more evolved and complex chapter of their rivalry.
The DCU is quickly taking shape around this new Superman. This film will be preceded by the 2026 releases of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Clayface, with the next Wonder Woman film also on the way. Meanwhile, Matt Reeves’ self-contained “Batman Epic Crime Saga” continues with The Batman II, which is set to begin shooting next spring for a December 2027 release.
Gunn’s DC Universe is also expanding on television. The DCU entry Peacemaker Season 2 is coming soon, with a Lanterns series due in 2026. This cinematic and television universe is a clear step forward for DC, and Man of Tomorrow seems poised to be a pivotal piece of the puzzle.
