It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…a sequel!
Since its release this summer, Superman has not only rebooted the Man of Steel but has also marked the launch of a bold new era in the DC cinematic universe. Now, DC co‑head and filmmaker James Gunn has officially announced the sequel, Man of Tomorrow, set to soar into theaters on July 9, 2027, promising an even more ambitious take on Superman’s legacy.
Just under two months after the release of Superman, Gunn took to social media on Wednesday, Sept. 3, to announce the upcoming sequel, with an original image of Superman and Lex Luthor drawn by Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics, Jim Lee.
“Man of Tomorrow. In theatres July 9, 2027,” Gunn wrote in his Instagram post.
Gunn’s “Superman” reportedly grossed $611 million worldwide at the box office this summer, making it the highest-grossing superhero film of the year. After its release on July 11, it opened to $125 million at the domestic box office, later becoming the first DC movie to exceed $300 million at the domestic box office since 2022’s “The Batman.” It was also the first DC title to surpass $100 million in its opening weekend since 2017’s “Wonder Woman.”
David Corenswet is set to reprise his role as Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman, and Nicholas Hoult returns as Lex Luthor. The film will follow the 2026 release of Supergirl and will precede Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II, which is set to release Oct. 1, 2027.
The announcement emphasizes DC Studios’ confidence in its current trajectory. “Superman” marked a new beginning for the franchise, and this sequel shows there’s a longer-term narrative being planned under what Gunn has called the “Superman Saga.” Less than three months after being named co-CEO of DC Studios, Gunn revealed he has an “8-to-10 year” plan for the DCU, with 2025’s “Superman” having been its first project.
Beyond the numbers, the success of Superman points to something deeper: audiences yearning for a different kind of hero story. Its commercial success reveals a public desire for hope and optimism to return to the silver screen, specifically within superhero movies. The character of Superman was created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish-Americans and sons of immigrants. Their original vision sees the superhero fighting against societal injustice and corruption, as well as for the working class.
As many have pointed out, Gunn’s Superman offered something refreshingly simple: hope. The film’s embrace of classic values: truth, justice, and yes, the American way, resonated across generations, reigniting interest in a character many thought had lost his relevance.
With Man of Tomorrow on the horizon, fans can expect a continuation of this uplifting vision. Building on the foundation laid by Superman, the sequel promises deeper character exploration and a steadfast commitment to the timeless ideals of hope and goodness that have made Superman a lasting symbol of inspiration for over 85 years.