Brainiac Reveals ‘Man of Tomorrow’ Shortlist; Nexus Remains Unlisted

DC Studios is moving forward with the casting for the highly anticipated film, *Man of Tomorrow*, particularly focusing on its lead villain, Brainiac. Current reports indicate that Claes Bang, Matt Smith, and Sam Rockwell are among the candidates on the shortlist. However, the casting process is still ongoing, and the information on these actors remains unverified.

Brainiac Casting Details

Sources suggest that budget constraints at DC Studios may limit the selection of prominent names. Here are the key contenders for the role:

• Claes Bang: Known for *The Square* and BBC’s *Dracula*; he also appeared in *The Northman*.
• Matt Smith: Famous for his role as the Eleventh Doctor in *Doctor Who* and as Prince Philip in *The Crown*; his other credits include *House of the Dragon* and *Morbius*.
• Sam Rockwell: Recently starred in *The White Lotus*, earning an Emmy nomination; also known for *Iron Man 2*, *Vice*, and winning an Academy Award for *Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri* in 2017.

Film Production Insights

James Gunn will take on the roles of writer, director, and producer for *Man of Tomorrow*. Peter Safran, co-CEO and chairman of DC Studios, will co-produce alongside Gunn. David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult are set to reprise their roles as Clark Kent/Superman and Lex Luthor, respectively.

Returning cast members also include Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. The film will showcase the rivalry between Superman and Lex Luthor, with hints that they may join forces at some points within the narrative.

Additional Characters and Plot Elements

Although unconfirmed, it has been reported that several other notable characters might appear in *Man of Tomorrow*. These include:

• Supergirl, portrayed by Milly Alcock
• Lobo, played by Jason Momoa
• Peacemaker, starring John Cena

Filming is expected to commence in April in Atlanta, with a summer shooting schedule. The film is slated for release on July 9, 2027, by Warner Bros. Discovery. It will mark a significant entry in the newly launched DC Universe (DCU).

Looking Ahead

*Man of Tomorrow* will serve as a follow-up to the recent *Superman* film, which premiered on July 11, 2025, with a total budget of $225 million and a global box office gross of $616 million. Additionally, the plot threads introduced in *Superman* are anticipated to be explored in season 2 of *Peacemaker*. Upcoming DCU projects include *HBO’s Lanterns* and *Supergirl*, which are currently in post-production, as well as *Clayface*, which is in production in Liverpool.