James Gunn, deeply immersed in pre-production for “Man of Tomorrow,” the follow-up to this summer’s “Superman,” describes the unparalleled challenge of simultaneously directing and co-running DC Studios alongside Peter Safran as "the hardest movie I’ve ever made." His demanding schedule, which often sees him flying between locations like Atlanta, reflects the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of the Hollywood industry and the immense pressure surrounding the DC Universe.

Gunn’s initial approach to “Superman” was driven by a desire to explore "goodness" rather than scale or mythology. He envisioned Superman not as an infallible god, but as a sincere, well-intentioned individual striving for the best and capable of seeing the good in others. This portrayal of Superman as a "sincere, sometimes awkward moral presence" was significantly influenced by Grant Morrison’s “All-Star Superman,” which, according to Gunn, crystallized his vision of a "big lug of a superhero being genuinely kind."

Unlike the creative autonomy he experienced with “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Superman” was met with a century of public expectations and diverse interpretations. Gunn recognized the film would serve as a critical referendum on the future of DC itself, acknowledging the "real" pressure from all eyes on DC and the DCU. Casting was non-negotiable; Gunn stated he would not make the film if he couldn't find the right Superman, ultimately being convinced by David Corenswet’s second audition. The movie intentionally embraces optimism, a choice Gunn considers "quite radical" given the prevailing trend of grit in contemporary superhero cinema.

Reflecting on the difficulty, Gunn elaborated that “Superman” surpassed even the first “Guardians” in complexity, as it involved reorienting a character universally believed to be understood, making it ironically his most "comic-book-driven" superhero film. He highlighted the strength of his creative team, many of whom, like production designer Beth Mickel and visual effects supervisor Steph Ceretti, he has collaborated with for years. His role as studio head allowed him to maintain team continuity, preventing key personnel loss between projects. He specifically praised Framestore’s "extraordinary" visual effects for Krypto the Dog and the high-level artistry from ILM.

Gunn initially declined the studio head position, wary of emulating responsibilities like Kevin Feige’s. However, the prospect of co-leading with Peter Safran, who excels at logistical management and unifying departments, made the venture exciting. Gunn admitted the dual role is an "experiment" and sometimes feels like "madness," especially given his unconventional filmmaking style. Despite the heavy workload, he remains passionate about creating "big spectacle" and "pop cinema" that can also be "emotionally resonant" and profoundly affect audiences, citing “Superman” and “Guardians 3” as examples. His career goal has always been to make grand-scale films that retain a personal touch, exemplified by his decision to make “Guardians” as a unique space opera.

The upcoming film “Man of Tomorrow,” explicitly noted as a follow-up rather than a direct sequel, will intricately explore the dynamic between Clark Kent (David Corenswet) and Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). Gunn articulated a personal connection to both characters, relating to Lex’s ambition and obsession (excluding the murderous aspect) and Superman’s unwavering belief in people and Midwestern values, seeing them as "two sides of me." The film will feature a "begrudging team-up" between the two mortal enemies, forcing them to temporarily set aside their deep-seated rivalry to confront a shared, formidable adversary. This unlikely alliance aims to showcase how their contrasting yet complementary positive traits can ultimately strengthen each other.

Brainiac has been confirmed as the main villain for “Man of Tomorrow,” making his significant big-screen debut, with Lars Eidinger cast to portray the hyper-intelligent android. This formidable foe is set to test both Clark and Lex’s intellect and physical capabilities, potentially leading Lex to don his iconic green and purple suit of armor to fight alongside Superman. While the script has already generated considerable excitement, the Justice Gang is also slated to provide support. “Man of Tomorrow” is scheduled for release on July 7, 2027, with James Gunn serving as director and writer, and Lars P. Winther as a producer. The confirmed cast includes David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr.

Prior to “Man of Tomorrow,” the DCU will introduce another Kryptonian in “Supergirl,” set to premiere on June 26. Directed by Craig Gillespie, this film stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, adapting the "Woman of Tomorrow" comic storyline. The narrative follows Supergirl on a poignant journey of revenge against Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), following a fateful encounter with young Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley) during her travels across the galaxy. Notably, Jason Momoa will make a highly anticipated return to the DCU in this film, stepping into the role of the intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo, rather than Aquaman.