Nicholas Hoult Confirms April Filming Start for ‘Superman’ Sequel

Lex Luthor is returning to the DC Universe, but the iconic arch-nemesis may be playing a radically different role than audiences anticipate. Nicholas Hoult has officially confirmed the production timeline for the Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, while teasing a script that reshapes the dynamic between the villain and the Man of Steel.

Hoult revealed that principal photography for the highly anticipated sequel is scheduled to begin in April 2026. Speaking with Variety at the Red Sea Film Festival, the actor praised writer-director James Gunn’s script as ‘awesome’ and noted it contains ‘real fun stuff’ for his character. This production start aligns with the studio’s confirmed release date of July 9, 2027.

The narrative of Man of Tomorrow will reportedly force Superman and Lex Luthor to form an uneasy alliance against a larger cosmic threat, widely believed to be Brainiac. This plot point marks a significant departure from their traditional adversarial relationship in live-action adaptations. Gunn has previously described the project as ‘as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie,’ emphasizing the villain’s central role in the unfolding saga.

David Corenswet will reprise his role as Clark Kent/Superman, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The returning cast is also expected to include Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. While no official casting for the antagonist Brainiac has been announced, reports suggest the studio is actively searching for the role.

James Gunn teased the visual direction for Luthor by sharing a comic book image of the character in his classic green and purple ‘War Suit’ alongside Superman. Hoult expressed confidence in Gunn’s vision, stating he feels in ‘safe hands’ regarding the director’s evolution of the character. The actor also confirmed he will appear as Luthor in the upcoming Peacemaker Season 2, which will serve as a narrative prequel to Man of Tomorrow.

Filming is expected to take place in Cleveland and Atlanta, locations previously used for the 2025 Superman film to double as Metropolis. The production timeline places the sequel’s shoot approximately one year before its theatrical debut. This schedule allows for an extensive post-production period to handle the visual effects required for characters like Brainiac and Luthor’s mechanized suit.

Man of Tomorrow serves as a key installment in what Gunn has dubbed the ‘Superman Saga,’ a subset of the broader DC Universe Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. This arc includes the 2025 Superman film and the upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, starring Milly Alcock, which is set for release on June 26, 2026. The interconnectivity between these projects aims to build a cohesive narrative foundation for the rebooted franchise.