Actor Shortlist for Brainiac Revealed as James Gunn Confirms One Character We Won't Be Seeing: Man of Tomorrow

The first Superman film of James Gunns DCU has only recently arrived in theaters, yet anticipation is already building for its sequel, Man of Tomorrow, set to release in under two years. While the details of Gunns completed script remain under wraps, ongoing hints and leaks continue to suggest who the main antagonist may be, and new reports claim to reveal which actors are being eyed for the role.

Reported Shortlist for the Role of Brainiac

Current speculation points to Superman and Lex Luthor joining forces to confront a larger threat. The official script reportedly contains an illustration showing a cross-section of a human head with an exposed brain, fueling theories that Brainiac will be the films primary villain.

According to a report from Nexus Point News, a preliminary shortlist of actors considered for the role includes the following names:

• Sam Rockwell
• Matt Smith
• Claes Bang

Bang is less familiar to U.S. audiences but portrayed Dracula in Netflixs 2020 series and appeared as the antagonist in The Northman. Rockwell, an Academy Award winner, previously appeared in the comic book world as Justin Hammer in Iron Man 2. Smith, known globally for Doctor Who and House of the Dragon, also starred in Morbius.

As casting discussions are currently a priority for Gunn, such conversations are likely underway. Even if the rumored shortlist is genuine, additional actors are almost certainly being considered.

A Wonder Woman Character Wont Appear in the Sequel

While returning characters from the first film are expected, along with new DC Comics figures making their debut, one familiar character is confirmed not to appear: Steve Trevor.

A recent Threads post claimed that Trevor would be part of the sequel, but Gunn directly refuted the rumor with a single-word response.

Although Gunn has marked a future Wonder Woman project as a priority, no active plans beyond the previously announced prequel series Paradise Lost have been revealed. With no established direction for Wonder Womans next steps, introducing Steve Trevor at this stage does not appear to be part of DCs immediate roadmap.

Author: Riley Thompson