James Gunn Screens the First Cut of ‘Man of Tomorrow’ for DC Studios Partner Peter Safran
The DC Universe has a lot riding on the second Superman movie. After a strong launch with 2025’s ‘Superman’, Warner Bros. is leaning on James Gunn’s sequel, ‘Man of Tomorrow’, to keep the new DCU soaring, and the film has now hit a major milestone.
Gunn, who writes and directs the Superman films while serving as co-head of DC Studios with Peter Safran, has confirmed that the first cut of ‘Man of Tomorrow’ is being shown internally today. Safran, his producing partner and co-CEO, will be the first person to watch it.
The sequel arrives in U.S. theaters on July 9, 2027, so the post-production work is just getting started. Still, the early screening is a sign that the movie is on track.
The news came as Gunn was responding to a trio of rumors about the DCU on social media. He said he was mostly done shooting down false claims, and he clarified that nobody had seen the film yet, so no early reactions of any kind could exist.
One rumor claimed that early test screenings of ‘Man of Tomorrow’ had produced poor reviews. Gunn pointed out that the first showing would be for Safran alone, which makes any reports of test screening reactions impossible. He also addressed a rumor about Milly Alcock, saying it was false, along with another about Matt Reeves being fired from ‘The Batman Part II’.
The Alcock rumor was especially persistent. After she removed content from her Instagram, some fans wondered if she would still be in the film, but she is confirmed to return as Supergirl, and Gunn has been clear that she will be back.
Principal photography wrapped Aug. 26 after 93 days of shooting, one day more than the first ‘Superman’. The production ran from April to August in 2026, with locations including Cincinnati and the U.K. Gunn announced the wrap on Threads, calling it a joyful experience, and he shared a photo of Nicholas Hoult jumping into a lake after the final shot.
Earlier this month, Gunn also confirmed that the assembly cut was complete, which is the first rough version of the film with all the footage placed in story order. He said he is already writing his next movie, since he had to do something while waiting. He also pushed back on a fan’s hope for a teaser trailer within two months, saying not to count on it.
‘Man of Tomorrow’ sees Superman and Lex Luthor reluctantly team up to face a bigger threat, the superintelligent android Brainiac, played by Lars Eidinger. David Corenswet returns as Superman and Hoult as Luthor, who gets his high-tech powered Warsuit in a live-action film for the first time. Gunn has described the movie as just as much a Lex story as a Superman one.
Gunn has also explained Brainiac as what happens when intelligence loses all connection to humanity, which puts him directly at odds with a Superman who is as human as anyone. The film’s thematic focus on empathy versus cold logic seems like a natural extension of the first movie’s tone.
The ensemble is large. Rachel Brosnahan returns as Lois Lane, and Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi and Frank Grillo also come back. Alcock returns after headlining this summer’s ‘Supergirl’, and Aaron Pierre will bring John Stewart to the big screen after debuting in the HBO Max series ‘Lanterns’. Xolo Maridueña, Matthew Lillard, Andre Royo, Sinqua Walls and Adria Arjona are also on board.
The timing matters for the studio. Gunn and Safran’s contracts reportedly expire in April 2027, and they met with Paramount’s David Ellison on Oct. 1 after the merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Safran has said DC’s plans haven’t changed since Skydance took over Warner Bros., while the next live-action project remains undecided.
With ‘Supergirl’ described by some outlets as an early stumble for the new DCU, ‘Man of Tomorrow’ carries extra pressure. A strong first cut would be a good sign for a franchise that is trying to prove it can build a sustainable universe, and the film’s reception next summer may shape what comes next.
For now, all eyes are on Safran’s reaction. Gunn is likely to keep fans updated through social media, and the long road to July is now fully underway.
What are you most excited to see in Man of Tomorrow?
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
