Man of Tomorrow isn’t ‘Superman 2,’ James Gunn says. So what is it?

DC Studios boss James Gunn dropped a surprise announcement this week: Superman will return to movie theaters in July 2027 with the release of Man of Tomorrow. Maybe that’s not a surprise, if you acknowledge Superman’s solid office performance, and Gunn’s breakneck pace of writing and directing DCU content. Still, a Superman sequel turning around faster than a lot of contemporary TV shows may have been unexpected by some. But here’s the thing: Is Man of Tomorrow actually a sequel? Or just another entry in the cinematic DC Universe?

According to comments from Gunn in recent weeks and months, Man of Tomorrow is not a direct sequel nor is it explicitly quote-unquote Superman 2. It’s definitely not Superman: Man of Tomorrow. Instead, it’s the next installment of the “Superman saga” to arrive after next year’s Supergirl. But expect Superman (David Corenswet) to have a “major role” in Man of Tomorrow, a movie that could wind up being led by the irredeemable villain Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).

Gunn may be overly cautious about revealing too much about his next Superman saga movie, or he may be trading in semantics about what does or doesn’t constitute a sequel — or even if a proper Superman 2 is planned. (This post certainly implies Gunn hasn’t written a Superman 2 script yet.)

“I’m not sure how you define ‘direct sequel,’” Gunn said in July in reply to a fan comment on Threads. “I pretty much think of Peacemaker season 2 as a direct sequel [to Superman.]”

Peacemaker season 2 will also serve as a “Man of Tomorrow prequel,” according to Gunn. He stressed the stakes of Peacemaker’s new season in an Instagram post on Thursday, alongside a photo of John Cena as Chris Smith standing over the actor who plays his alternate-dimension Peacemaker doppelgänger (very briefly) in season 2. Whether that’s a clue about the dual-dimension importance of Peacemaker season 2 as it relates to Man of Tomorrow or just a funny behind-the-scenes picture remains to be seen.

But Gunn has hinted at something major happening on Peacemaker this season, something that may not pop up until episode 8 of the show — which Gunn describes in Threads replies as one of his favorite episodes of the new season. (Will Superman show up?)

Only a few things are certain. Superman and Lex Luthor will both appear in Man of Tomorrow, with Corenswet and Hoult reprising their roles. It’s almost guaranteed that Luthor’s Warsuit will appear on-screen, given the three pieces of artwork that accompanied Man of Tomorrow’s announcement. As for the rest, we’re just going to have to wait and see where the “Superman saga” goes — and who Lex and Supes are teaming up against.

The announcement has sparked excitement among longtime Superman fans, many of whom have been eager to see a new direction for the character after years of uneven adaptations. David Corenswet’s debut as Superman received early praise for bringing a balance of charm and strength, and fans are curious to see how he grows into the role. Nicholas Hoult’s casting as Lex Luthor also generated buzz, with many seeing him as a perfect choice to embody the character’s intellect and ruthlessness. With these two heavyweights leading the charge, Man of Tomorrow promises to be one of the most anticipated films of 2027.

Another element fueling speculation is how the movie will connect with the broader DCU. Gunn has been clear about wanting interconnected stories, but he also emphasizes each film should stand on its own. This raises the question of whether Man of Tomorrow will serve as a launching pad for future Justice League projects or remain primarily focused on Superman’s personal arc. Either way, it appears the film will play a critical role in shaping the tone and direction of DC Studios over the next several years.

Of course, the presence of Lex Luthor hints at larger stakes. Rumors suggest that Luthor’s infamous Warsuit won’t just be a cameo but central to the film’s climax. This would allow for a visually stunning showdown between Superman and Luthor, combining brains, brawn, and cutting-edge technology. If executed well, it could deliver the kind of action sequence that fans have been craving, one that both honors comic book lore and sets a new standard for superhero storytelling.

Beyond the spectacle, Gunn has also been known for infusing his projects with heart and humor. Many expect Man of Tomorrow to strike a balance between the grounded humanity of Clark Kent and the larger-than-life challenges Superman faces as Earth’s protector. By weaving in themes of hope, resilience, and identity, the film could resonate far beyond its special effects, creating a Superman story that feels both timeless and modern.

In the meantime, fans will be looking to Peacemaker season 2 for clues about what’s to come. Gunn’s track record suggests he enjoys planting Easter eggs and building anticipation gradually, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Superman’s presence is teased before the movie’s release. This slow-burn approach keeps audiences engaged while ensuring that the eventual payoff feels earned.

Ultimately, Man of Tomorrow represents more than just another Superman movie. It’s a signal that DC Studios is committed to revitalizing its cinematic universe with carefully planned, character-driven stories. If Gunn delivers on his promises, July 2027 could mark a new golden era for Superman on the big screen — one where the Man of Steel not only saves the world but reclaims his place at the heart of superhero cinema.