James Gunn Announces Superman Sequel “Man of Tomorrow” for July 2027 Release

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn made a significant announcement today, revealing that his highly anticipated follow-up to this summer’s Superman blockbuster will be titled “Man of Tomorrow” and will arrive in theaters on July 9, 2027.

Major Announcement Shakes DC Universe Plans

The announcement came directly from Gunn via his social media channels, where he shared an intriguing piece of artwork illustrated by DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee. The teaser image depicts Superman, played by David Corenswet, standing alongside Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, in what appears to be an unexpected alliance. Notably, Luthor is wearing his classic green and purple war armor from the comics, while Superman holds a screwdriver, suggesting he may have helped construct the suit.

This revelation follows the tremendous success of Superman, which premiered in July 2025 and has grossed over $612 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing comic book film of the year. The original film received positive reviews with an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was praised for its colorful, earnest approach to the iconic superhero.

Not a Traditional Sequel

Gunn has been careful to clarify that “Man of Tomorrow” will not serve as a conventional direct sequel to Superman. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter last month, Gunn explained, “I’ve already completed the treatment for the next chapter in what I refer to as the ‘Superman Saga’”. He previously stated that while “Superman has a major role. It’s not ‘Superman 2’”.

The intriguing artwork has sparked widespread speculation about the film’s plot, particularly regarding the apparent collaboration between Superman and his traditional nemesis Lex Luthor. In comic book lore, Luthor has occasionally worn similar armor as a member of the Justice League, suggesting the film may explore themes of redemption or an unlikely partnership against a greater threat.

Production Timeline and DC Universe Context

Production on “Man of Tomorrow” is expected to commence in 2026, though Gunn has not yet revealed additional casting details or specific plot elements. The announcement represents the fourth planned feature film in Gunn’s ambitious DC Universe slate, following the successful launch of Superman in July 2025.

The film will be preceded by Craig Gillespie’s “Supergirl,” scheduled for release on June 26, 2026, and James Watkins’ horror film “Clayface,” set for September 11, 2026. On the television front, the second season of “Peacemaker” recently debuted, while “Lanterns,” a live-action series featuring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, is scheduled to premiere on HBO in early 2026.

Industry and Fan Response

The announcement has generated considerable excitement among fans and industry observers, particularly given the relatively short two-year gap between Superman and its follow-up. This represents a significant departure from the increasingly lengthy intervals between superhero sequels that have become common in recent years.

The timing of the 2027 release date is particularly notable, as it will coincide with other major superhero releases, including “The Batman Part II,” creating what many are calling a landmark year for comic book cinema.

Looking Forward

With “Man of Tomorrow,” Gunn continues his strategy of creating an interconnected DC Universe that spans films, television, and other media. The project reinforces Superman’s central role in this new cinematic universe while potentially exploring new dynamics between the hero and one of his most iconic adversaries.

As development progresses toward the 2026 production start, fans and industry watchers will be eager to learn more about how this unexpected Superman-Lex Luthor partnership will unfold and what it means for the broader trajectory of Gunn’s DC Universe vision.