Man of Tomorrow is set to hit theaters in 2027 as the high-stakes sequel to James Gunn’s Superman (2025), pitting David Corenswet’s Man of Steel against the cosmic threat of Brainiac and forcing a desperate, "enemy-of-my-enemy" alliance with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor.
TL;DR: This 2027 chapter of the DCU continues the story established in the first film, likely leaning harder into sci-fi spectacle with the introduction of Brainiac. Expect a mix of earnest heroism and the sharp, character-driven humor James Gunn is known for. It will be an essential watch for families already invested in the new Superman era, though Brainiac’s "city-collecting" antics will likely up the intensity from the first installment.
While the first film focused on establishing Superman’s place in a world already full of heroes, Man of Tomorrow is expected to go full sci-fi. Brainiac is a heavy-hitter—an alien intelligence obsessed with "preserving" civilizations by shrinking their cities and keeping them in bottles. Based on the source material, this means the sequel will likely feature higher-stakes action and potentially more "creepy" tech-horror elements than the 2025 debut. If your kid handled the more intense moments of Guardians of the Galaxy, they’ll likely be fine here, but the scale of destruction will be bigger.
The most interesting beat in the early reports is the unlikely partnership between Superman and Lex Luthor. Nicholas Hoult’s Luthor is being set up as a brilliant, ego-driven foil who has to put his hatred aside to save the planet from Brainiac. This is a classic comic book trope that works well for kids because it moves beyond "good guy vs. bad guy" and into the territory of shifting motivations and uneasy trust. It’s a great setup for a conversation about why people choose to work together even when they don't like each other.
Gunn has a track record of making movies that feel human and funny without losing the heart. From the trailers and early DCU previews, it looks like he is doubling down on the "Man of Tomorrow" as an aspirational figure. This isn't the "grim and gritty" Superman of the last decade. Expect bright colors, big emotions, and a version of Clark Kent who actually likes being a hero.
Since the movie is still a year out, there is plenty of time to get the context right. The obvious starting point is the first Superman (2025) movie. If your kid wants to go deeper into the lore before the sequel drops, look at these:
- Superman: The Animated Series: Still the gold standard for introducing Brainiac and the Lex Luthor dynamic in a way that lands for elementary schoolers.
- Superman: Brainiac (Graphic Novel): The Geoff Johns story that heavily influences modern takes on the villain. It's intense, so save this for middle schoolers and up.
- My Adventures with Superman: A modern, anime-inspired take on Clark, Lois, and Jimmy that captures the same earnest energy Gunn is aiming for.
- The "Lesser of Two Evils": Ask your kid why Superman would trust someone like Lex Luthor. Is a "bad guy" still a bad guy if they're helping save the world?
- Brainiac’s Logic: Brainiac thinks he’s "saving" cultures by bottling them up. Talk about the difference between protecting something and controlling it.
- Legacy: This movie is titled Man of Tomorrow. What kind of future is Superman trying to build, and how does that differ from what a villain like Brainiac or Luthor wants?
Q: Is Man of Tomorrow a direct sequel to the 2025 Superman? Yes. It picks up the story of David Corenswet’s Clark Kent and continues the overarching narrative of the new DC Universe (DCU) overseen by James Gunn.
Q: What age is Man of Tomorrow appropriate for? While not yet rated, it will almost certainly be PG-13. Expect a similar level of action and thematic intensity to other DCU or MCU films, though the Brainiac storyline might lean more into sci-fi "scary" elements than the first movie.
Q: Do we need to see other DC movies to understand this? You’ll definitely want to see the 2025 Superman. While other DCU projects like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow might provide context, Gunn has stated he wants these movies to stand on their own.
Man of Tomorrow looks like it will be the "Empire Strikes Back" of the new Superman trilogy—bigger, darker, and more complex. It’s a big-budget sci-fi spectacle that promises to keep the heart of the character intact while testing him in ways the first film didn't.
For more on the new era of DC, check out our best movies for kids list or our guide to the James Gunn DCU.
