Excitement is building around Superman 2 after a new photo sparked rumors of a major DC superhero cameo. Fans speculate that John Stewart/Green Lantern and possibly Hawkgirl could appear alongside returning characters from the first film. This hints at the evolution of the so-called “Justice Gang.”
Superman 2: James Gunn Officially Announces “Man of Tomorrow”
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn officially announced the sequel to his 2025 Superman film. The movie, titled “Man of Tomorrow”, is scheduled for release on July 9, 2027. So far, Gunn has directly confirmed the return of three actors:
- David Corenswet as Superman
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Other cast members are still under wraps, fueling speculation about the inclusion of more DCU characters
Gunn previously hinted that the movie takes place “within the group of characters we’ve already met,” suggesting the potential return of the “Justice Gang” and other fan-favorite DCU heroes.
Rumors of John Stewart’s Role in Superman 2
Actor Aaron Pierre, who plays John Stewart/Green Lantern, stirred excitement by cryptically responding to the movie’s announcement with: “Yes, indeed,” accompanied by a green-heart emoji. While neither Gunn nor Pierre has officially confirmed Stewart’s appearance, speculation continues to grow based on multiple factors:
- Pierre’s social media hint
- A recent topless mirror selfie showing him with “insane muscle definition” and looking “more jacked than ever,” suggesting physical preparation for a DCU role
Stewart’s journey in the DCU begins with the upcoming HBO series “Lanterns”, an eight-episode series set for early 2026. The show will focus on “John Stewart’s story,” with Pierre starring as a recruit alongside Kyle Chandler’s veteran Hal Jordan. This series will mark John Stewart’s live-action debut.
John Stewart’s Theatrical Debut and Justice Gang Potential
If Stewart joins the cast of Superman 2, it would be his first-ever theatrical appearance. The potential combination of Superman, John Stewart, and Hawkgirl—three founding Justice League members—could lay the foundation for the “Justice Gang’s inevitable successor.”
Before filming “Lanterns”, Pierre mentioned that he was doing his “extensive DC homework” and “physical preparation” for the role. Such dedication highlights the seriousness of the upcoming series and its connection to the broader DCU.
The Broader DCU Implications
Stewart’s potential inclusion in “Man of Tomorrow” would reassure fans. It shows that James Gunn has a clear, long-term vision for DCU heroes beyond their debut projects. His appearance could also strengthen the interconnected storytelling that Gunn has been building since the launch of his DCU slate.
Moreover, Scooper Jeff Sneider recently teased on The Hot Mic podcast that “Lanterns” will be an “ongoing series” with a planned Season 2. This suggests that John Stewart’s story will not end with his HBO debut. Instead, it will continue to develop across multiple DCU projects.
Another major talking point is the casting of 60-year-old Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan. This decision “sparked fears that Jordan won’t make it out of his debut alive,” potentially leaving Stewart as the primary Green Lantern moving forward — alongside Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner. This shift could solidify Stewart’s importance in future DCU storylines.
Additionally, the Arrowverse previously teased a Green Lantern arc for David Ramsey’s John Diggle as a discrete adaptation of John Stewart. However, that storyline “never truly came to fruition as he discarded his Emerald Ring.” Gunn’s new DCU direction may finally bring the long-awaited Green Lantern legacy to the big screen in a meaningful way.
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