The Brainiac mystery is over. James Gunn has officially announced that Lars Eidinger has been cast as Brainiac in Man of Tomorrow, ending weeks of rumors and speculation surrounding the villain role.
Gunn confirmed the casting on social media, saying that during a worldwide search for Brainiac, Eidinger “rose to the top” and welcomed him to the DCU.
Gunn Confirms the Casting
The announcement comes after Gunn repeatedly pushed back on casting rumors, insisting no actors had been discussed or auditioned.
With Eidinger now officially cast, it’s clear the role has been locked and the film is moving forward into its next phase.
Brainiac is one of Superman’s most iconic villains, created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Plastino, first appearing in Action Comics #242. This marks the character’s first major live-action appearance in a Superman film.
What Brainiac’s Role Will Be
In Man of Tomorrow, David Corenswet’s Superman and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor are forced to team up against a new threat emerging from the galaxy.
Brainiac serves as that threat, positioning the sequel as a much larger, more cosmic story than its predecessor.
The team-up between Superman and Lex signals a major escalation in stakes and hints at a tense, uneasy alliance driven by survival rather than trust.
Who Is Lars Eidinger?
Eidinger is a highly respected European actor with a strong background in intense, character-driven performances. His credits include Olivier Assayas’ Clouds of Sils Maria and Personal Shopper, as well as Noah Baumbach’s White Noise and Jay Kelly for Netflix.
Last year, Eidinger earned a European Film Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in Matthias Glasner’s Dying, further cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most acclaimed actors.
Release Plans for Man of Tomorrow
Production on Man of Tomorrow is expected to begin in April. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 9, 2027, as James Gunn continues to build out the DCU’s first chapter.
With Brainiac officially cast, attention now turns to how Gunn will reinterpret the legendary villain and what this means for the future of Superman — and the wider DC universe — if any.
