DC Studios appears to be setting the stage for another massive showdown in its expanding cinematic universe. According to a new report from Nexus Point News, casting is currently underway for the lead villain in Man of Tomorrow, James Gunn’s follow-up to Superman—and early descriptions have fans convinced the next major DCU threat will be either Brainiac or Mongul.
Sources tell Nexus Point News that the production is looking for actors with a “strong build and stature,” and that “makeup and prosthetics will be used for the film’s antagonist.” Those two clues alone have sent speculation into overdrive.
Mongul in the comics – YouTube, Marvelous Videos
Both Brainiac and Mongul are physically imposing extraterrestrial foes from the pages of Superman, and both require heavy visual effects and practical enhancements to bring to life.
Two Titans of DC Lore
Brainiac, first introduced in Action Comics #242 in 1958 by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, is a super-intelligent alien android from the planet Colu. His “twelfth-level intellect” makes him one of Superman’s most dangerous adversaries—a collector of civilizations who famously shrinks and bottles entire cities to add to his cosmic menagerie.
A classic Superman vs Brainiac Action Comics Cover – YouTube, Variant Comics
His neon-green skin and cybernetic features would align perfectly with the prosthetic-heavy direction mentioned in casting notes.
Mongul, on the other hand, made his debut in DC Comics Presents #27 in 1980, created by Len Wein and Jim Starlin. A brutal alien warlord, Mongul rules over Warworld—a massive planet converted into a gladiatorial arena.
Mongul Battles Green Lantern – YouTube, Marvelous Videos
Known for his immense size and yellow-toned skin, he has often been portrayed as an unstoppable force of pure power rather than intellect. If the new film leans toward physicality and scale, Mongul could be the natural choice.
The Gunn-Safran Era Expands
James Gunn is set to write, direct, and produce the project, with DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran serving as co-producer. The film, tentatively titled Man of Tomorrow, will reunite David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult as Superman and Lex Luthor. While Luthor remains one of Superman’s classic antagonists, early buzz suggests the two may form an uneasy alliance when faced with a larger cosmic threat—potentially one of the two powerhouse villains under discussion.
Superman and Lex Luthor in a Jim Lee-Created teaser image for the Superman Sequel Man of Tomorrow – X, @JamesGunn
Unverified reports from Nexus Point News also claim that Milly Alcock (Supergirl), Jason Momoa (Lobo), and John Cena (Peacemaker) will appear, continuing Gunn’s interconnected DCU approach. Isabela Merced, who portrayed Hawkgirl in Superman, even hinted at her return on Instagram, writing “See you soon.”
Filming for Man of Tomorrow is expected to begin in April 2026 in Atlanta, running through the summer months. The film will follow up on the events of Gunn’s Superman, which debuted on July 11, 2025, as the first official DC Studios release. That film introduced a host of major characters, including Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion).
Why This Matters
The identity of Superman’s next big-screen adversary will signal where the DCU is headed in tone and scope. Brainiac would launch the franchise into the realm of high-concept science fiction and galactic stakes, while Mongul would usher in a more visceral, war-driven storyline emphasizing brute strength and spectacle.
Brainiac with Bottle Cities – YouTube, Variant Comics
Either way, this casting news suggests DC Studios isn’t playing small. After starting with Superman, Gunn and Safran seem ready to elevate their world-building ambitions and pit Corenswet’s Superman against a truly monumental foe.
DC Studios’ Man of Tomorrow is slated to hit theaters on July 9, 2027.
Do you want to see Brainiac in Man of Tomorrow? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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It’ll be fun to see Superman get his ass kicked over and over by every villain while Lois, Mr. Terrific, Krypto, and Jimmy Olsen save the day. And since Sups is going to get driven into the ground by every villain, does it really matter which they introduce?
Can’t wait.