In a recent interview on The Howard Stern Show, Superman director James Gunn explained that the movie’s sequel, Man of Tomorrow, will introduce a “much, much bigger threat” that will force Superman to work with Lex Luthor. 

Gunn also provided insight into Luthor’s character.

“It’s as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie. I relate to the character of Lex Luthor, sadly.” Gunn said. “Three years ago, before Superman came along, he was considered the greatest guy in the world…And then, in one fell swoop, this guy comes in wearing this silly costume with dimples and a charming smile and a great chin and [Lex] is forgotten.”

The sequel is set to release on July 9, 2027. David Corenswet will return as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The first movie, released last July, received generally positive reviews and scored $614 million for Warner Bros. at the box office.

Man of Tomorrow will fit into Gunn’s larger new DC cinematic universe, which Superman initiated and Supergirl and Clayface will further develop in 2026.