James Gunn just dropped major news about his upcoming projects during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show, calling it “one of the greatest days of my life.” The interview covered his impressive career journey, his time directing Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, his creative leadership of DC Studios, and updates on multiple DC Universe projects.
But the headline-making reveal came when Gunn confirmed that Superman: Man of Tomorrow will serve as the direct sequel to Superman: Legacy, with David Corenswet reprising his role as the Man of Steel and Nicholas Hoult returning as Lex Luthor.
Superman and Lex Luthor Team Up in Man of Tomorrow
When Gunn first announced Man of Tomorrow on September 3, he revealed artwork featuring Superman and Lex Luthor side by side. At the time, fans speculated on what that meant for the story, especially since Gunn emphasized that this wasn’t simply Superman 2.
Now, speaking to Stern, Gunn clarified:
“We’re starting to shoot in April or so. We released the fact that we’re coming out with Man of Tomorrow last week; it’s going to be out in two years in theaters, on July 9, 2027… And it is a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat. It’s as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie.”
This dynamic between Superman and Lex Luthor marks a major shift for the franchise. Instead of their usual rivalry, the pair will face a larger danger that forces uneasy cooperation. Gunn also praised Nicholas Hoult’s performance, saying he “relates” to Lex on a personal level and is excited for audiences to see what they’ve created.
Fast-Tracked Sequel
Another standout detail is the relatively short gap between the two Superman films. Gunn pointed out that DC Studios already knew where they wanted the story to go while working on Legacy, allowing the sequel to be fast-tracked for a July 2027 release. Considering the long waits between many superhero installments, this is welcome news for DC fans eager to see the new Superman era fully take flight.
Updates on Supergirl and Clayface
Gunn didn’t stop at Superman news. He also offered updates on other highly anticipated DC Universe projects:
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026) – The film is currently in post-production, with Gunn revealing, “We’re editing it right now … The movie is coming out fantastic. Milly Alcock, who plays Supergirl, might be the best bit of casting I think I’ve ever done in my entire life.” Alcock, who broke out in House of the Dragon, is set to bring a very different tone to Kara Zor-El compared to her cousin Clark Kent.
- Clayface – Gunn confirmed that the villain will headline an R-rated, body-horror-style film. While details remain scarce, the project sounds unlike anything seen in mainstream superhero cinema, promising a darker, experimental entry in the DCU lineup.
A New Era for the DC Universe
As co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, Gunn has been mapping out the interconnected slate of movies and shows that will define DC’s future on screen. Between Superman: Legacy, Man of Tomorrow, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and bold projects like Clayface, it’s clear Gunn is aiming to balance blockbuster spectacle with more creative, genre-bending risks.
With David Corenswet stepping into Superman’s boots, Nicholas Hoult reimagining Lex Luthor, and Milly Alcock’s Supergirl soon to debut, fans are witnessing the formation of a new cinematic era for DC heroes.
Superman: Man of Tomorrow Release Date
- Film Title: Superman: Man of Tomorrow
- Director: James Gunn
- Stars: David Corenswet (Superman), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor)
- Release Date: July 9, 2027
- Story Focus: Superman and Lex Luthor form an uneasy alliance against a larger cosmic threat
