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James Gunn has reportedly found the actor to play his big bad for the Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow.
Per Deadline, German actor Lars Eidinger, most recently seen in Netflix’s Jay Kelly, has booked the part of Brainiac. The villain has been pegged as the main threat for the film that seemingly leads to a team-up between Superman and Lex Luthor, and while Gunn was previously evasive on if they’re actually facing Brainiac, he’s now confirmed it.
“In our worldwide search for Brainiac in Man of Tomorrow, Lars Eidinger rose to the top,” Gunn wrote on Twitter. “Welcome to the DCU, Lars.”
In our worldwide search for Brainiac in Man of Tomorrow, Lars Eidinger rose to the top. Welcome to the DCU, Lars. pic.twitter.com/atkWZpG1CT
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 20, 2025
Created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, Brainiac first debuted in 1958’s Action Comics #242. More often than not, he’s an android or cyborg with incredible intelligence and control over technology, and in the upper tier of Superman villains alongside Lex and General Zod. Most likely know of the villain through his repeat appearances throughout the DC Animated Universe, live-action shows like Smallville and Krypton, and more recently My Adventures with Superman. (And Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, if you remember that.) He’s also the predecessor to Brainiac 5, a superhero who sometimes goes up against his evil ancestor.
Man of Tomorrow will be the first time Brainiac’s been brought to film in live-action, and the film hits theaters on July 9, 2027.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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