James Gunn Shows First Cut of ‘Man of Tomorrow’ to DC Studios Partner Peter Safran

The DC Universe is banking on the success of its second Superman film. Following a strong debut with 2025’s ‘Superman’, Warner Bros. is counting on James Gunn’s sequel, ‘Man of Tomorrow’, to keep the new DCU soaring, and the film has reached a significant milestone.

Gunn, who writes and directs the Superman films while serving as co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, has confirmed that the first cut of ‘Man of Tomorrow’ is being screened internally today. Safran, his producing partner and co-CEO, will be the first to view it.

The sequel is set to hit U.S. theaters on July 9, 2027, meaning that post-production is just beginning. However, this early screening indicates that the movie is progressing well.

The announcement came as Gunn addressed a series of rumors circulating about the DCU on social media. He noted that he was mostly finished debunking false claims and clarified that no one had seen the film yet, making any early reactions impossible.

One rumor suggested that early test screenings of ‘Man of Tomorrow’ had resulted in negative reviews. Gunn clarified that the first screening would be exclusively for Safran, which means any reports of test screening reactions are unfounded. He also dismissed a rumor regarding Milly Alcock and another about Matt Reeves being removed from ‘The Batman Part II’.

The Alcock rumor was particularly persistent. After she deleted content from her Instagram, some fans speculated about her involvement in the film. However, she is confirmed to reprise her role as Supergirl, and Gunn has assured fans that she will return.

Principal photography concluded on August 26 after 93 days of shooting, one day longer than the first ‘Superman’. The production took place from April to August 2026 in locations such as Cincinnati and the U.K. Gunn announced the wrap on Threads, describing it as a joyful experience, and shared a photo of Nicholas Hoult leaping into a lake after the final shot.

Earlier this month, Gunn also confirmed that the assembly cut was complete, which is the initial rough version of the film with all footage arranged in story order. He mentioned that he is already working on his next movie while waiting. However, he tempered fans’ expectations for a teaser trailer within the next two months.

In ‘Man of Tomorrow’, Superman and Lex Luthor must reluctantly join forces to confront a greater threat, the superintelligent android Brainiac, portrayed by Lars Eidinger. David Corenswet returns as Superman, while Hoult plays Luthor, who will debut his high-tech powered Warsuit in live-action. Gunn has indicated that the film is as much a Lex story as it is a Superman narrative.

Gunn has described Brainiac as a representation of intelligence detached from humanity, which stands in stark contrast to Superman’s deeply human nature. The film’s thematic exploration of empathy versus cold logic appears to be a natural progression from the tone established in the first movie.

The cast is extensive. Rachel Brosnahan returns as Lois Lane, and Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, and Frank Grillo are also back. Alcock will reprise her role after leading this summer’s ‘Supergirl’, and Aaron Pierre will portray John Stewart, making his big-screen debut after appearing in the HBO Max series ‘Lanterns’. Xolo Maridueña, Matthew Lillard, Andre Royo, Sinqua Walls, and Adria Arjona are also part of the ensemble.

The timing is crucial for the studio. Gunn and Safran’s contracts reportedly expire in April 2027, and they met with Paramount’s David Ellison on October 1 following the merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Safran has stated that DC’s plans remain unchanged since Skydance took over Warner Bros., while the next live-action project is still undecided.

With ‘Supergirl’ described by some outlets as an early misstep for the new DCU, ‘Man of Tomorrow’ faces added pressure. A strong first cut would signal positive momentum for a franchise aiming to establish a sustainable universe, and the film’s reception next summer could influence future projects.

For now, all eyes are on Safran’s response. Gunn is expected to keep fans informed through social media, and the journey to July is officially underway.

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