Thescreescore – The ever-active co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn, has once again taken to social media to quell rampant speculation surrounding the highly anticipated Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow. Addressing a direct fan query on Threads, Gunn explicitly debunked rumors suggesting that actor Matthew Lillard, whose role in the upcoming film remains shrouded in mystery, would be portraying the Scarlet Speedster, The Flash. This definitive "No" from the franchise architect aims to clarify the intricate casting landscape of the burgeoning DC Universe.
Man of Tomorrow, set to launch in 2027, serves as the pivotal follow-up to David Corenswet’s debut as the Man of Steel in 2025, marking the true commencement of the DCU’s Chapter 1: "Gods and Monsters" slate. With principal photography having concluded in late August, the film is now deep in post-production, and the fan community is buzzing with anticipation for any new details. While Lillard’s involvement has been confirmed, the identity of his character has fueled the rumor mill, leading to the recent Flash speculation.
The Fastest Man Alive, Barry Allen, has notably been absent from the new DCU narrative thus far. The previous cinematic iteration, 2023’s The Flash from the former DCEU, faced a challenging box office run, becoming one of the superhero genre’s most significant financial disappointments. As of now, a dedicated solo project for the Scarlet Speedster remains unannounced within Gunn’s rebooted universe, leaving open questions about whether Barry Allen will retain the mantle or if a different speedster, perhaps Wally West, will be introduced.
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Despite the absence of a direct Flash appearance, elements connected to the character are beginning to surface within Chapter 1. The notorious telepathic simian, Gorilla Grodd, is slated to be a central figure in the upcoming HBO Max spinoff, The People V. Gorilla Grodd. This comedy series will see Jimmy Olsen investigating Grodd’s case, with Jimmy Tatro lending his voice to the iconic villain. While this project delves into one of Central City’s most famous adversaries, it remains to be seen if it will explicitly weave in Grodd’s storied history with The Flash.
Beyond the Flash conundrum, Man of Tomorrow is poised to introduce a formidable roster of new and returning characters. Lars Eidinger has been cast as the formidable cosmic intellect, Brainiac, setting him up as the primary antagonist. Intriguingly, the film will see Corenswet’s Superman forced into an uneasy alliance with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor to confront this common threat. Adria Arjona and Sinqua Walls have also secured undisclosed roles in the highly anticipated summer blockbuster, adding to the intrigue.
The ensemble cast further boasts several DCU figures reprising their roles from other projects, including Aaron Pierre as John Stewart from Lanterns, Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes (Blue Beetle), and Milly Alcock stepping into the cape as Supergirl. Other heroes confirmed to appear in Man of Tomorrow include Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as the irreverent Guy Gardner, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.
The casting of Matthew Lillard also marks a reunion for the actor and James Gunn, who previously collaborated on the early 2000s live-action Scooby-Doo films, where Lillard famously portrayed Shaggy Rogers. As Man of Tomorrow progresses through post-production, fans eagerly await the first trailer, hoping it will shed light on Lillard’s mysterious character and the extent of his role in shaping the DCU’s future.
Man of Tomorrow is slated to soar into theaters on July 9, 2027.
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