James Gunn’s name has once again become synonymous with creative momentum in the superhero genre, following the successful launch of the newly reimagined DC Universe. After years of uncertainty, shifting plans, and aborted continuities, Gunn’s “Superman” arrived as both a fresh start and a statement of intent, balancing spectacle with character-driven storytelling.
Its strong box office performance and generally positive reception helped restore confidence in DC Studios’ long-term vision, while also reigniting fan curiosity about what comes next. That curiosity now has a focal point, as Gunn’s next chapter in the “Superman” saga begins to take shape.
Lars Eidinger Steps Into the DC Universe
James Gunn has officially cast German actor Lars Eidinger as Brainiac, the iconic villain that first appeared in Action Comics 242, in the upcoming “Man of Tomorrow,” the follow-up to this year’s “Superman.”
Source: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
The film, slated for release in July 2027, is positioned as the next major entry in Gunn’s unfolding “Superman Saga” rather than a conventional sequel. Gunn has described the project as equally centered on Lex Luthor and Superman, with David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult expected to reprise their roles as they confront a far greater threat. Such danger was confirmed in late 2025 to be Brainiac, making Eidinger’s casting a significant signal of the picture’s tone and ambitions.
“Man of Tomorrow” is set to begin filming in April 2026 in Atlanta, with Gunn once again writing and directing. The character of Brainiac, one of Superman’s most formidable and intellectually driven adversaries, suggests a story that leans into grand science-fiction concepts as well as moral complexity. Casting an actor known for intensity and unpredictability reinforces the sense that this version of Brainiac may be as psychologically unsettling as he is physically dangerous.
Eidinger is best known for his towering reputation in European theatre and his boundary-pushing performances on screen. A longtime member of Berlin’s famed Schaubühne ensemble, he has been widely acclaimed for his portrayals of Shakespearean figures such as Hamlet and Richard III, roles he has performed hundreds of times. On screen, his international breakthrough came with “Clouds of Sils Maria,” followed by high-profile projects like “Babylon Berlin,” “Personal Shopper,” “White Noise,” and the Emmy-nominated miniseries “All the Light We Cannot See.” His work often gravitates toward emotionally demanding, morally ambiguous characters.
Beyond acting, Eidinger’s background as a musician and DJ adds another layer to his artistic persona, one defined by experimentation and provocation. That combination of theatrical discipline, screen credibility, and unconventional edge makes him an intriguing choice for Brainiac—a villain who is not just a physical menace, but a cold, calculating embodiment of control and intellect. With Eidinger now part of the cast, “Man of Tomorrow” appears poised to push the DCU into bolder, stranger territory.
