James Gunn has responded directly to the latest casting rumor surrounding Man of Tomorrow, pushing back hard on claims that Dave Bautista is being considered for Brainiac.
Gunn addressed the chatter after Jeff Sneider suggested Bautista was in the mix for the villain role.
In a blunt response, Gunn made it clear the rumor is false and says the speculation has gotten ahead of reality. Gunn even goes so far as to suggest Brainiac might not even be the villain (if not, our guess is The Centre).
Gunn Says Brainiac Was Never Confirmed
Gunn opened by pointing out that he has never publicly said Brainiac is even in the movie.
While recent reporting identified Brainiac as the villain, Gunn emphasized that he personally has not confirmed the character’s inclusion and warned against treating rumors as fact.
His comment immediately throws cold water on the rapid-fire casting speculation that has dominated the conversation over the past few days.
No Talks With Bautista, No Casting Discussions
Gunn said he loves Dave Bautista and has many ideas for characters Bautista could potentially play in the DCU.
However, he stated clearly that he and Bautista have never discussed Man of Tomorrow, nor has Bautista’s name come up internally at DC for the film.
Gunn also addressed the wider rumor mill, saying that none of the actors rumored so far — which he said now totals six or seven names — have auditioned, been discussed, or even considered at this stage.
The names include Matt Smith, Claes Bang, and Sam Rockwell.
What James Gunn said
Via Threads, Gunn responded:
Oh boy. Let’s forget a moment I’ve never said Brainiac was in the movie. I freaking love @davebautista & I have many ideas for who he could play in the DCU. But he & I have never discussed a role in Man of Tomorrow, nor have we discussed it amongst ourselves at DC. In addition, truly, NONE of the names, from the six or seven I’ve seen rumored for a role, have auditioned or been discussed at all.
In general I’m just letting the silly rumors go – and this is certainly not the silliest I’ve heard recently – but Dave is a friend and that makes it more irritating. Btw I’m not blaming the poster here – I imagine this is coming from other places.
Release info
Man of Tomorrow gets released in theaters on July 9, 2027, written and directed by James Gunn.
Starring includes David Corenswet as Superman, with Nicholas Hoult returning as Lex Luthor, teaming up to take on a much bigger threat.
