James Gunn has indirectly confirmed that Brainiac will be Superman's next nemesis in the 2027 sequel, Superman: Man of Tomorrow. The filmmaker shared an image of the first script draft online, featuring the anatomy of the human brain, which fans took as confirmation of the villain.
Gunn also revealed the release date: July 9, 2027. In an interview with Howard Stern, the director confirmed that Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) will join forces with Superman to defeat Brainiac.
Longtime fans of DC Comics know him as one of Superman’s most dangerous and fascinating adversaries. But for those new to the character—or curious about how Gunn might bring him to the big screen—here’s your crash course on the green-skinned genius who could be the Man of Steel’s next great test.
Who Is Brainiac?
Brainiac is one of Superman’s oldest foes, first introduced in 1958. He’s usually portrayed as a highly intelligent alien—or cybernetic being—whose obsession with knowledge comes at a terrifying cost. Brainiac doesn’t just study civilizations; he shrinks entire cities and bottles them up as “specimens.”
One of the most famous examples is Kandor, a Kryptonian city that Brainiac shrank and preserved before Krypton’s destruction. This makes him not just another villain, but someone tied deeply to Superman’s own heritage.
Powers and Abilities
Brainiac isn’t just about brains—he’s a powerhouse. His abilities often include:
• 12th-Level Intellect: A mind capable of outsmarting nearly anyone in the DC Universe.
• Technopathy: He can control, merge with, and weaponize advanced technology.
• Cybernetic Enhancements: Depending on the version, he’s part-organic, part-machine, making him nearly indestructible.
• City-Shrinking Technology: His signature move, often used to raise the stakes against Superman.
Together, these powers make him one of the few villains who can challenge Superman on both an intellectual and physical level.
Why Brainiac Is Perfect for James Gunn’s Superman
James Gunn has a knack for blending humor, heart, and high-stakes cosmic storytelling (Guardians of the Galaxy, Peacemaker). Brainiac fits perfectly into this style:
• He’s larger-than-life but still tied to Superman’s emotional core.
• His obsession with collecting knowledge could be used as a metaphor for control versus freedom.
• Brainiac’s history with Krypton could give Gunn a way to explore Clark Kent’s identity and legacy in fresh ways.
Unlike Lex Luthor—Superman’s more human-scaled rival—Brainiac brings the sci-fi spectacle that a Superman sequel can deliver on the big screen.
Brainiac in Other Media
Fans may already know Brainiac from:
• Animation: He’s appeared in Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited, and Young Justice.
• Games: Brainiac was the main villain in Injustice 2.
• TV: Smallville and Krypton both had their takes on the character.
Despite all this exposure, he’s never had a major live-action movie role—making Gunn’s film the perfect chance for Brainiac’s cinematic debut.
What to Expect in the Sequel
While Warner Bros. hasn’t officially confirmed Brainiac as the villain, the rumor mill is loud. If true, here’s what fans might see:
• The first live-action showdown between Superman and Brainiac.
• Potential introduction of Kandor, deepening Clark’s Kryptonian ties.
• A mix of philosophical battles and jaw-dropping action—exactly what makes Superman stories timeless.
Final Thoughts
If James Gunn is indeed bringing Brainiac to the big screen, Superman fans are in for something special. This isn’t just another world-destroying villain; Brainiac represents the clash between cold, calculated control and the hope Superman stands for.
Whether he comes in the sequel or a later installment, one thing is clear: Brainiac is the villain Superman movies have been waiting for.
