New Man of Tomorrow report reveals fresh details about Superman sequel's predicted villain – and it might be who we expect

A Jim Lee illustration of Lex Luthor in his powersuit with Superman leaning against him

A new rumor about Man of Tomorrow's supposed Big Bad has appeared online (Image credit: Jim Lee/James Gunn/Instagram)

A new report has apparently shed fresh light on Man of Tomorrow's villain
It concerns a character description of said Big Bad
Fans have long suspected who'll be the main enemy in James Gunn's Superman sequel

A new report has seemingly shed light on the identity of Man of Tomorrow's main villain – and it could be someone that fans have speculated about since the movie was announced.

Ever since DC Studios co-chief James Gunn revealed the title and release date for his Superman follow-up film, countless people have commented on the prospect that its primary antagonist will be Brainiac. Indeed, from Gunn confirming a big fan theory about Man of Tomorrow's plot to him appearing to tease its main villain via an image of Man of Tomorrow's finished script, the common consensus is that Brainiac will face off against both Superman and Lex Luthor.

Now, a new casting description for Man of Tomorrow's antagonist-in-chief has provided fresh evidence that Brainiac will be enemy number one. According to fansite Nexus Point News, sources close to the DC Universe (DCU) movie's production have suggested this individual will have green skin and a highly-advanced augmented body.

Understandably, heavy makeup and prosthetics will be needed to bring the film's Big Bad to life, so whoever is picked to play said character will have to get used to long hours sitting in a hair, makeup and prosthetics chair once filming gets underway.

A screenshot of Brainiac sitting with his hands clasped and his head attached to wires in a DC comic book panel — DC fans are convinced that Brainiac will be the primary villain in Gunn's Superman sequel (Image credit: DC Comics)

It should be said that, when it comes to obtaining exclusive information, Nexus Point News' track record is decidedly mixed. Sure, it's broken news ahead of more established outlets in the past, but it's also got plenty wrong about previous Marvel and DC projects. My advice, then, is to take this latest intel with a giant pinch of salt.

Whether Nexus Point News' report is accurate or not, it's an interesting talking point, especially as Brainiac isn't the only DC comic book villain who could fit the aforementioned description.

A screenshot of Man of Tomorrow's third storyboards sequence document sitting on a table — James Gunn recently shared an image of the film's third storyboards sequence via Threads (Image credit: James Gunn/Threads)

As Nexus and fans on Reddit have pointed out, Mongul, another technologically-advanced supervillain with ties to Superman, is a potential candidate, too. With principal photography due to begin on Gunn's Superman sequel in April 2026, it might not be long until all of this speculation about the movie's villain is put to bed.

In the meantime, the first details about Man of Tomorrow's story have tentatively been revealed. Indeed, thanks to Peacemaker season 2, we've been given some indication about what the DCU Chapter One movie's plot will entail. For more information, read my Peacemaker season 2 ending explained piece.

While you're here, get the complete lowdown on everything we know about Man of Tomorrow, too. Once you're done with that guide, catch up on why Peacemaker season 2 episode 6 is also the perfect set-up for Gunn's next DCU project.

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As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.

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