James Gunn Reveals First Man of Tomorrow Set Photo (It May Confirm a Surprising Superman vs Luthor Moment)

As a huge DC fan, I remember even before Superman hit theaters last summer, James Gunn was already hinting at what he had planned next. He kept emphasizing it wasn’t a direct “sequel” to Superman, but more of a continuation – a follow-up that would build on storylines from the movie and even things like Peacemaker Season 2. It’s a bigger picture than just a Superman 2, apparently. Last September, we finally learned the name: Man of Tomorrow, and that David Corenswet would be back as Kal-El alongside Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. I’m really excited to see where he’s taking this universe!

James Gunn recently announced on social media that filming has begun on the new DC Universe film, Man of Tomorrow, and shared the first photo from the set. While his message was short – simply stating, “From the set of #ManofTomorrow. Shooting now” – the accompanying image has quickly sparked speculation among DC fans. The photo shows a chessboard and a visitor’s lanyard for Lex Luthor at the VanKull Department of Corrections, hinting that the film might feature a battle of wits between Superman and Luthor, rather than a physical fight.

From the set of #ManofTomorrow. Shooting now.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 20, 2026

Man of Tomorrow Officially Begins Filming

The image shows someone visiting Lex Luthor in prison, identifiable by the visitor badge. What’s particularly intriguing is the chessboard between them, leading many to speculate the visitor is actually Superman. This isn’t a new idea – DC Comics has previously depicted Superman and Luthor facing off in a chess match while talking, most notably in the 2021 Superman: Son of Kal-El Annual #1. A memorable exchange from that issue – Superman asking, “Imagine what we could have done as a team, Lex,” and Luthor replying, “I’d be lying if I said the thought hadn’t crossed my mind. Lex Luthor and Superman. Together. An infinite mind and an infinite reach” – seems to have influenced the current story.

As fans are aware, the upcoming story will bring Superman and another character together when Brainiac arrives as a major threat to the DC Universe. This will be the first time audiences see the famous Superman villain on the big screen, with Lars Eidinger playing the role. This casting is sure to spark discussion about who the title, Man of Tomorrow, actually refers to – Superman, Lex Luthor, or Brainiac himself?

The villain’s arrival will likely have major consequences throughout the DC Universe. Brainiac is famously linked to the destruction of Krypton – and the saving of its city, Kandor – so his appearance in the movies could significantly impact characters like Supergirl (played by Milly Alcock), who witnessed the destruction of her home planet. We’ll also see Aaron Pierre return as Green Lantern John Stewart, and his story will connect to the upcoming HBO series, Lanterns, debuting this summer.

This is a developing story, it will be updated.

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2026-04-20 19:41