Matthew Lillard Calls His Superman 2 Character ‘A Very James Gunn Moment’

Superman 2: Man of Tomorrow brings Daredevil: Born Again actor Matthew Lillard into the wider James Gunn DCU, but comic fans might not recognize his character. Man of Tomorrow mixes a returning cast with fresh characters as David Corenswelt’s Superman agrees to an unsteady alliance with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor.

Brainiac is the antagonist this time, giving us a bigger-brained baddie than Superman’s bald-headed human rival. A guy with a bigger brain is basically Luthor’s own kryptonite.

Rachel Brosnahan will return as Lois Lane and Skyler Gisondo is back as Jimmy Olsen. These returning cast members will bump into players from the wider DCU, including Blue Beetle and the Justice Gang. Matthew Lillard’s role in all this, however, has not been announced.

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On a promotional tour for Prime Video’s adaptation of Carrie, Lillard was asked whether his character is someone comic fans will recognise or not. Fan theories that he would play the DCU’s Barry Allen were previously shot down by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn.

“It’s a very James Gunn moment,” Lillard told The Direct. “So, I wouldn’t worry too much about finding him in the comics.”

While short and sweet, it does suggest Lillard will play an original character, rather than someone already established in the comics. Gunn has already introduced a range of original characters to the DCU, including Amanda Waller’s daughter and Mister Handsome.

Here’s everything we know about the plot of Superman 2: Man of Tomorrow so far. Fans are also speculating about who Gunn will cast as Wonder Woman — probably not Lillard.

Gunn recently shot down rumors that Milly Alcock had been fired from her role as Supergirl. “Oh brother,” his post said at the time. “You guys just have to stop listening to BS, and I’m mostly done shooting down rumors, as there are so many and I’m not on here much.”

Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 9, 2027.

Kirk McKeand is a Contributor on IGN News. Find him on Twitter @MckKirk