The rumor that Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista would play Brainiac in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow didn’t just collapse — it detonated, and now the fallout has turned personal.
After Gunn publicly dismantled claims that Bautista was being considered to play Brainiac, longtime industry scooper Jeff Sneider, who was initially reported as the source of this rumor, took to X to insist it was never his to begin with, distancing himself from the speculation while simultaneously lashing out at CBR Deputy Editor Sean O’Connell.
Brainiac with Bottle Cities – YouTube, Variant Comics
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Sneider’s response marks a sharp escalation in what has become a familiar pattern: a high-profile rumor circulates, Gunn shuts it down bluntly, and the original attribution becomes a point of contention.
Sneider Pushes Back — And Attacks
Sneider claimed on X that he did not start the Bautista Brainiac rumor, stating that someone else originated it. He added that all he did was acknowledge that the idea “sounded like Bautista” based on reports, while emphasizing that he personally has heard nothing about casting for Man of Tomorrow.
However, Sneider didn’t stop there.
Someone else started the Brainiac/Bautista rumor, not me. So glad Sean O’Connell writes books. Guy can’t even get his facts straight. All I did was say, yeah, I guess it sounds like Bautista, according to reports. I personally haven’t heard ANYTHING about Man of Tomorrow casting.
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) December 14, 2025
He directly attacked Sean O’Connell, mocking his credibility and stating that O’Connell “can’t even get his facts straight,” a line that immediately drew attention given O’Connell’s position at CBR.
James Gunn Has a History With Sneider Rumors
This is not the first time Gunn and Sneider have publicly clashed over DC-related reporting.
Earlier, Gunn directly called Sneider’s report that Robin would debut in The Batman Part II “nonsense.” Sneider fired back angrily in a separate post, taking issue not just with the correction but with Gunn addressing the rumor publicly at all.
James Gunn introduces the trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 – YouTube, DC
In a post on Threads, Gunn said, “Guys please stop believing this nonsense. I think six of us have read the script. No one knows anything about ‘the Batman 2. [sic]’” This followed an earlier comment where he emphasized that “anything you’ve heard about that movie is made up or a guess. No one in the world knows anything about the concept for the story except four people.”
Sounds like another non-denial denial from Jimbo. Why not just say, “Robin isn’t in the script.” Seems simple, right? I know why he isn’t saying that… https://t.co/lIso6F7VGq
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) August 8, 2025
Sneider fired back, saying: “Sounds like another non-denial denial from Jimbo. Why not just say, ‘Robin isn’t in the script.’ Seems simple, right? I know why he isn’t saying that…”
Gunn’s Approach: Public, Blunt, and Final
Gunn’s response to the Brainiac speculation was unusually direct, even by his standards.
Brainiac from Superman The Animates Series – YouTube – Variant Comics
“Oh boy,” Gunn said in a lengthy post on Threads. “Let’s forget a moment I’ve never said Brainiac was in the movie. I freaking love @davebautista & I have many ideas for who he could play in the DCU. But he & I have never discussed a role in Man of Tomorrow, nor have we discussed it amongst ourselves at DC. In addition, truly, NONE of the names, from the six or seven I’ve seen rumored for a role, have auditioned or been discussed at all.
“In general I’m just letting the silly rumors go – and this is certainly not the silliest I’ve heard recently – but Dave is a friend and that makes it more irritating. Btw I’m not blaming the poster here – I imagine this is coming from other places.”
James Gunn and John Cena introduce the Red Band Trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 – YouTube, DC
By saying this, Gunn didn’t just debunk a rumor — he invalidated an entire cycle of speculation, leaving little room for reinterpretation or walk-backs.
That level of clarity leaves reporters and scoopers with two choices: double down, or retreat.
The Bigger Picture
The Bautista Brainiac controversy highlights a growing friction point in modern Hollywood reporting. As studio heads like Gunn engage directly with fans and media through social platforms, the traditional rumor pipeline is increasingly exposed — and sometimes undermined in real time.
ARMY OF THE DEAD (Pictured) DAVE BAUTISTA as SCOTT WARD in ARMY OF THE DEAD. Cr. CLAY ENOS/NETFLIX © 2021
For Sneider, the post appears aimed at protecting his credibility from a rumor falsely attributed to him. For Gunn, the message remains consistent: rumors don’t become real just because they circulate.
Do you think Dave Bautista will ultimately play Brainiac in Man of Tomorrow? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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