Thescreescore – The highly anticipated DCU sequel, Man of Tomorrow, is already generating significant buzz, with its lead star, David Corenswet, offering a tantalizing comparison that elevates expectations. Corenswet, portraying the iconic Superman, has likened the upcoming film to none other than The Empire Strikes Back, hinting at a profound evolution for the DC Universe’s foundational heroes.
Directed and penned by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, Man of Tomorrow is set to unite Superman (Corenswet) and his arch-nemesis Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) against the formidable cosmic threat of Brainiac (Lars Eidinger). This follow-up to 2025’s Superman will not only feature the return of Kal-El and Lex but also brings back fan-favorites like Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), and Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), further cementing the burgeoning DCU ensemble.
In a recent discussion with Entertainment Tonight, Corenswet articulated his excitement for the film by drawing a direct parallel to the second installment of the original Star Wars trilogy. He described the sensation of encountering beloved characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa at the beginning of Empire as mirroring the experience audiences will have re-engaging with Superman, Lex, and Lois in Man of Tomorrow.
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Corenswet elaborated on this, revealing that James Gunn himself envisions the relationships – specifically between Superman and Lex, and Superman and Lois – as entering their "second phase." Much like the trio in The Empire Strikes Back, who have matured and faced new challenges since A New Hope, Superman, Lex, and Lois will be found in more established, yet potentially precarious, circumstances, having evolved significantly since their last appearance.
This comparison isn’t merely a casual nod to a beloved franchise; it provides substantial insight into the film’s narrative direction. Just as Luke had grown into a more seasoned Rebel and burgeoning Jedi Knight by Empire, the DCU’s Superman is expected to begin Man of Tomorrow as a more public, established hero. Gunn previously clarified that approximately two in-universe years will have passed since the events of Superman, aligning perfectly with the two-year gap between the films’ theatrical releases, and allowing ample time for these critical character developments.
A hallmark of The Empire Strikes Back was its dramatic escalation of stakes compared to A New Hope. Similarly, Corenswet’s remarks suggest that Man of Tomorrow will push its protagonists to their limits, with the formidable Brainiac posing an existential threat that will challenge the foundations Superman, Lex, and Lois have built.
While the Empire Strikes Back analogy powerfully frames the film’s opening and character evolution, Corenswet’s focus was specifically on the beginning. It remains to be seen if Man of Tomorrow will emulate Empire‘s famously darker tone or its bittersweet, non-victorious conclusion. Furthermore, the DCU’s broader narrative strategy, which includes intervening projects like Peacemaker season 2, Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface between Superman and Man of Tomorrow, inherently differentiates its trajectory from the more contained Star Wars original trilogy.
Regardless, the prospect of witnessing Superman and his allies navigate a more complex, evolved landscape, akin to the iconic Star Wars sequel, promises an exhilarating cinematic experience. Fans can mark their calendars for Man of Tomorrow‘s theatrical debut on July 9, 2027.
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