The portrayal of Lex Luthor in Man of Tomorrow is already sparking debate among DC fans. Although the film is still more than a year away, discussions are already heating up online.
James Gunn recently described Lex Luthor as “most definitely NOT a villain,” calling him instead a “protector of Earth and humanity.” The comment, shared in a birthday message honoring the character’s comic debut, immediately set social media ablaze.
James Gunn Calls Lex Luthor a “Protector”
In his post, Gunn wrote:
“Happy Birthday to the ambitious and unstoppable CEO and scientist Lex Luthor, who most definitely is NOT a villain, but instead a protector of Earth and humanity (he swears on a stack of Bibles).”
He added that audiences will see how Luthor works alongside his arch-nemesis Superman in Man of Tomorrow. The filmmakers will release the film in theaters in summer 2027.
The character first appeared in Superman #4. Jerry Siegel wrote it.. The artwork featured pencils by Joe Shuster and inks by Paul Cassidy.
Man of Tomorrow Release Date and Cast
The studio will release Man of Tomorrow in the United States on July 9, 2027.
The film stars:
- David Corenswet as Superman
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Lars Eidinger as Brainiac
Gunn has confirmed that Superman and Lex Luthor will work together in the upcoming story. However, he has not revealed further plot details.
Fans React With Disbelief
While Gunn’s comments may have been playful, many fans on X were quick to question the idea of Lex Luthor as a protector.
Some reactions included:
- “Even though in Superman, he was willing to allow people to die in the rift but he’s still the ‘protector’.”
- “I’m still trying to wrap my head around how he is not a villain because he literally killed an innocent man in the previous movie.”
- “Didn’t he execute an innocent falafel cart vendor? Bro should be in prison for that alone.”
The backlash highlights how deeply entrenched Luthor’s villain status is in popular culture.
A New Direction for Lex Luthor?
Here’s the corrected version without placing the two together as a phrase:
The ongoing debate surrounding Lex Luthor suggests that James Gunn may be planning a more nuanced portrayal of the character in Man of Tomorrow.
Historically, Luthor has often viewed himself as humanity’s true defender — someone who believes Superman’s alien presence poses a threat to Earth. In many comic arcs, Luthor doesn’t see himself as evil but as necessary.
If Man of Tomorrow leans into that ideology, the film could present a morally complex dynamic between hero and antagonist rather than a straightforward good-versus-evil narrative.
Why This Division Matters
Early controversy can sometimes fuel anticipation. However, it also raises expectations.
By framing Lex Luthor as potentially working alongside Superman, Gunn is signaling that the film may explore uneasy alliances and conflicting philosophies. That creative choice could redefine Luthor’s cinematic legacy — or deepen fan skepticism.
Either way, the conversation has already begun.
Here’s a cleaner, SEO-friendly rephrase without combining the terms:
The discussion surrounding Lex Luthor and Man of Tomorrow shows how a single social media post can spark widespread debate within the DC community.
Whether Luthor truly becomes a “protector” or remains the calculating mastermind fans expect, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Man of Tomorrow when it arrives in July 2027.
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Ambily Sajan