Man of Tomorrow Begins Filming: Everything You Need to Know About James Gunn's Superman Sequel

James Gunn has officially confirmed that production has started on Man of Tomorrow, the follow-up to his acclaimed 2025 Superman film. The DC Studios co-chief took to social media on April 20, 2026, to share the news along with a first-look image from the set. The photo shows a chessboard, a bag of Ruffles potato chips, and a Van Kull Prison inmate badge for "A. Luthor." A subtle Brainiac logo also appears in the background. Gunn simply captioned it: "From the set of #ManofTomorrow. Shooting now."

The movie arrives in theaters on July 9, 2027, as part of the DC Universe's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate. It is not billed as Superman 2. Instead, Gunn has described it as a story that gives nearly equal weight to both Superman and his longtime rival Lex Luthor.

What the Story Will Explore

Gunn has revealed that the plot centers on Superman and Lex Luthor reluctantly working together against a far greater threat. That threat is the iconic villain Brainiac, played by German actor Lars Eidinger. The director has summed up the premise in simple terms: "Try saving the world with your sworn enemy."

The title Man of Tomorrow appears to nod to both heroes and their complicated dynamic. Early concept art from DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee depicted Superman and Lex Luthor side by side, hinting at the uneasy alliance. Fans can expect Lex Luthor to don his classic comic-book warsuit in key sequences.

Returning Cast and New Additions

David Corenswet returns as Clark Kent / Superman, and Nicholas Hoult reprises his role as Lex Luthor. Rachel Brosnahan is back as Lois Lane. Supporting players from the first film who are expected to return include Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, along with other Daily Planet staff.

Additional cast members already announced or confirmed for the sequel include:

• Edi Gathegi
• Nathan Fillion
• Isabela Merced
• Frank Grillo
• Sara Sampaio
• María Gabriela de Faría
• Adria Arjona
• Aaron Pierre

The ensemble suggests the story will expand the DCU's superhero and supporting cast while keeping the focus tightly on the Superman-Luthor-Brainiac triangle.

Production Details

Principal photography is underway now and is expected to run through August 2026. Much of the filming will take place in Atlanta, continuing the production approach used on the first Superman movie. David Fleming is returning to compose the score.

Gunn and producer Peter Safran are overseeing the project for DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. The team has moved quickly after the strong reception to the 2025 film, which grossed over $618 million worldwide and earned widespread praise for its hopeful tone and strong performances.

Why Fans Are Excited

Man of Tomorrow arrives just two years after the DCU's big-screen reboot, giving audiences a faster-than-usual sequel window. The combination of a high-stakes team-up between enemies, a classic alien villain in Brainiac, and Gunn's proven track record has already sparked massive online buzz.

No trailer or official synopsis has been released yet, but the behind-the-scenes photo and Gunn's own teases have given fans plenty to speculate about. Keep an eye on DC Studios social channels for more set updates as filming continues.