James Gunn’s ambitious vision for the new DC Universe (DCU) continues to unfold, and fans are buzzing with anticipation as more details surface about the upcoming film Man of Tomorrow. Set for release on July 9, 2027, this highly anticipated movie will see David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult reprise their roles as Superman and Lex Luthor, respectively, following their dynamic performances in the 2025 Superman film. But there’s more to the story than a simple hero-villain showdown—if recent hints and references are any indication, the DCU might be preparing to introduce one of its most enigmatic and beloved characters: Martian Manhunter.
The excitement kicked into high gear when Gunn, alongside DCU co-chief Peter Safran, announced Man of Tomorrow with a striking piece of comic-style art by Jim Lee. The illustration showcased Corenswet’s Superman and Hoult’s Lex Luthor, with the latter donning a powerful green-and-purple armored warsuit—a nod to the iconic battlesuit Luthor wears in the comics. As reported by ComicBook.com, this visual was quickly reimagined in a live-action style concept poster, fueling further speculation about what’s to come.
While the initial expectation was a classic Superman-versus-Luthor narrative, Gunn has since clarified that the film will subvert these tropes. Speaking on The Howard Stern Show, Gunn revealed, “Man of Tomorrow is about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat.” The story, he explained, will focus as much on Luthor as on Clark Kent, hinting at a possible redemption arc for Hoult’s character after his defeat and humiliation in the previous film.
Speculation is rife about the nature of the looming threat that will force this unlikely alliance. Rumors swirling in the fan community suggest villains like Brainiac or Bizarro could take center stage. Given the DCU’s penchant for drawing on its rich comic book history, either would present a formidable challenge requiring the combined intellect of Luthor and the might of Superman. Additionally, the film is expected to introduce or further develop several other key characters, including Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart version of Green Lantern, Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, and Jason Momoa’s Lobo. This ensemble will help expand Gunn and Safran’s interconnected DCU, following on the heels of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the Lanterns series, and Clayface.
But perhaps the most intriguing development is the subtle yet persistent teasing of Martian Manhunter’s arrival. Both Superman and Peacemaker (another DCU series) have included references to Martians in 2025, a detail that hasn’t gone unnoticed by eagle-eyed fans and industry watchers alike. According to Screen Rant, the 2025 Superman movie features two notable nods: the destruction of a building named for Chocos, a fictional Oreo-like cookie famously beloved by Martian Manhunter in the comics, and a quip from Lex Luthor—“Tall, dark, and martian aren’t my thing”—which Superman immediately corrects. Meanwhile, in Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 3, Adrian Chase references Martians, specifically the idea that they have one eye, a detail that aligns with recent comic book designs of the character.
For those unfamiliar, Martian Manhunter—real name J’onn J’onzz—is a shapeshifting, telepathic alien from Mars, created by Joseph Samachson and Joe Certa in 1955. Pulled to Earth by a teleportation experiment gone wrong, J’onzz finds himself stranded and adopts the human identity of John Johns, working as a detective while secretly serving as a superhero. He’s renowned for his super strength, flight, mind-reading abilities, and, of course, his vulnerability to fire. Over the decades, Martian Manhunter has been a core member of the Justice League, often serving as its moral compass and emotional anchor.
Martian Manhunter’s presence looms large in DC history, even if he’s sometimes been relegated to the sidelines. He’s appeared in a variety of media, from animated series like Justice League and Young Justice (voiced memorably by Carl Lumbly), to live-action portrayals by actors such as Phil Morris (Smallville) and David Harewood (Supergirl). In Zack Snyder’s Justice League, the character was retroactively revealed to have been hiding in plain sight as General Calvin Swanwick, though this twist was not part of the original plan for Man of Steel.
James Gunn’s creative influences are also a significant part of the equation. His DCU draws heavily from the 1980s Justice League of America comics, which not only featured Martian Manhunter but also introduced a more humorous, character-driven approach to superhero storytelling. Gunn’s appreciation for this era is evident in his selection of characters and storylines, with upcoming projects like Booster Gold and Swamp Thing further reinforcing this connection. The inclusion of Martian Manhunter would be a natural extension of this vision, especially as the DCU edges closer to assembling its own version of the Justice League.
Indeed, the groundwork appears to be laid for a team-up reminiscent of the beloved animated Justice League roster. With Superman, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern already cast, and Batman and Wonder Woman films reportedly in development, only The Flash and Martian Manhunter remain to complete the iconic lineup. As Screen Rant notes, Gunn may be intentionally planting these Martian references as Easter eggs, or he could be methodically building toward a grand reveal that will delight long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Of course, Martian Manhunter’s unique abilities as a shapeshifter mean he could be hiding in plain sight, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal himself. His arrival in Man of Tomorrow would be a fitting nod to his role in the animated film Superman: Man of Tomorrow, and his partnership with Superman could serve as a powerful symbol of unity in the face of overwhelming odds. Whether he steps into the spotlight in 2027 or continues to operate from the shadows, one thing is certain: the DCU’s future is looking brighter—and more unpredictable—than ever.
As anticipation builds for Man of Tomorrow and the broader DCU, fans are left to pore over every hint and reference, eager to see which classic heroes and villains will step forward next. With Gunn at the helm, the stage is set for a new era of superhero storytelling—one that honors the past while boldly charting a course for the future.
