The DCU is expanding, and James Gunn has confirmed that the upcoming Man of Tomorrow will bring back familiar villains. During his commentary for the home release of Superman (2024), Gunn revealed that María Gabriela de Faría’s character, The Engineer, will return. He also left the door open for the shocking comeback of Ultraman, Superman’s dangerous clone.
The Engineer’s Role in Man of Tomorrow
The Engineer, last seen being knocked unconscious by Superman, had an uncertain fate in the first film. Gunn addressed this mystery, saying:
“She’s out of the movie. Where does she go? Well, you’re going to find that out in the next movie.”
This confirmation suggests that her story will play a pivotal role in the sequel. Considering her technological abilities and ties to DC’s more cosmic threats, The Engineer could push Superman into new moral and physical battles. Her presence may also tie directly into Brainiac’s rumored involvement in the film.
Ultraman’s Potential Comeback in Man of Tomorrow
Perhaps even more surprising is Gunn’s hint that Ultraman may return. At the end of Superman (2024), the clone was sent into a black hole, leaving audiences to believe his story was over. Yet Gunn teased otherwise, stating:
“Is this the end of Ultraman? I don’t know.”
He further explained Ultraman’s background:
“Ultraman’s comic origins are as an evil Superman from Earth-3, but in the DCU, he is a clone with similarities.”
This ambiguity leaves room for Ultraman’s dramatic re-entry, possibly as a weapon manipulated by Brainiac or Lex Luthor. His return would add intense personal conflict for Superman, forcing him to fight a mirror image of himself once again.
Returning Cast and the Bigger DCU Picture
Man of Tomorrow is set to release on July 9, 2027, with David Corenswet reprising his role as Superman, Nicholas Hoult returning as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan back as Lois Lane. The sequel’s plot is still tightly under wraps, but Gunn previously described it as a story where Superman and Lex reluctantly unite against a larger cosmic threat. All signs point toward Brainiac being that adversary, which aligns with his legacy as one of Superman’s greatest foes.
Importantly, Gunn’s vision continues to highlight Superman as a hero driven by compassion and an unwavering belief in humanity. While villains like The Engineer and Ultraman complicate his journey, this thematic core will remain central to the DCU’s direction. The balance between larger-than-life battles and human emotion is what sets this reboot apart from previous versions.
Fans won’t have to wait long to revisit this world, as Superman (2024) is already available on digital platforms. Speculation continues about Brainiac’s official debut and how Ultraman or other villains will factor into Man of Tomorrow. With Gunn at the helm, the sequel promises to deliver both emotional depth and high-stakes action, shaping up to be a crucial chapter in the DC Universe that blends returning characters, new threats, and a fresh vision for Superman.
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Shobith Chandran