'Man of Tomorrow' Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor in “Man of Tomorrow”

Nathan Fillion is offering new insight into the direction of DC Studios’ upcoming “Man of Tomorrow,” revealing that the film will take a deeper look at Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor as the Superman saga moves into its next chapter.

Fillion, who returns as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, discussed the film while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter about his role in “Lanterns.” Asked whether “Man of Tomorrow” is tonally similar to James Gunn’s 2025 “Superman,” the actor pointed instead to a shift in the story’s character focus.

“In this movie, I think we’ll learn more about who Lex Luthor is, and I think it’s equally important,” Fillion said.

Fillion contrasted that approach with “Superman,” which devoted much of its story to establishing David Corenswet’s version of the Man of Steel. His comments suggest the follow-up will give audiences a more extensive look at the motivations and personality of Hoult’s Luthor while continuing the relationship between the two longtime adversaries.

The expanded focus on Luthor comes as “Man of Tomorrow” places Superman and Lex in an unusual position. The two are expected to form an uneasy alliance when they face Brainiac, the highly advanced alien intelligence portrayed by Lars Eidinger. Hoult will also bring one of Luthor’s most recognizable comic-book elements to live action with the character’s armored War Suit.

Fillion said returning to the production felt like revisiting characters and cast members he had come to know during “Superman,” while noting that time and events have passed within the story since the first film. His remarks provide another indication that Gunn’s follow-up will build on the existing Superman-Luthor conflict while devoting greater attention to Luthor himself.

Corenswet returns as Clark Kent/Superman alongside Hoult as Lex Luthor and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Fillion reprises his role as Guy Gardner, with other returning DC Universe characters joining the expanding ensemble. Gunn wrote and directed the film, which completed principal photography in August and is now in post-production.

“Man of Tomorrow” is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 9, 2027.