One of the most exciting upcoming DCU projects is Man of Tomorrow, the follow-up to this year's Superman. Fan theories and rumors of the project circulate on the internet, ensuring that the movie remains in people's minds until July 2027, when it finally releases on the big screen.Not much is known about the sequel except for James Gunn's confirmation that the movie will see Superman do the unthinkable: collaborate with an old enemy. The Wrap published a report on November 13, 2025, which revealed that the central antagonist of Man of Tomorrow is none other than Brainiac, the villain who holds the Kryptonian city of Kandor hostage.If that's the case, this will be the first time that a Superman movie will feature a villain other than Lex Luthor or General Zod.Explaining Brainiac, the rumored villain of Man of Tomorrow:Like every other comic book character, Brainiac has a varying origin. He has been a scientist on a planet called Colu, a Kryptonian AI programme like in the DCAU, and an alien being possessing the body of a psychic on Earth named Milton Fine. Regardless of his origin, Brianiac is known for miniaturizing major cities of planets and preserving them inside a glass case.Brainiac has miniaturized cities regardless of the version of the character, and his connection to Superman is that he has also miniaturized Kandor, the Kryptonian city. This event has happened in the comics and direct-to-home animated movies featuring the Man of Tomorrow.Despite all his powers, Superman is unable to undo the miniaturization of Kandor, which is why he stores the case in the Fortress of Solitude. Brainiac's inclusion in the Superman follow-up may even reveal that a part of Krypton is alive despite the planet's destruction. This is something that happens in the comics; James Gunn, being a fan, would surely follow this particular tragic storyline.However, it is important to note that Brainiac has not been confirmed as the antagonist of the Superman follow-up by James Gunn or any other official source. But we already know that Man of Tomorrow will see the Man of Steel and Lex Luthor team up to thwart a threat to the Earth. Brainiac might be the villain that could force Lex Luthor and Superman to come together.What do we know about the Superman follow-up? View this post on Instagram Instagram PostJames Gunn confirmed that Superman and Lex Luthor team up in Man of Tomorrow on The Howard Stern Show this year. Teasing that a big threat will force the two enemies to join forces, Gunn said:“It’s a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat. It’s more complicated than that, but that’s a big part of it. It’s as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie. I loved working with Nicholas Hoult. I relate to the character of Lex, sadly. I really wanted to create something extraordinary with the two of them. I just love the script so much."Given this tease, Brainiac might be the likely candidate for villain of the follow-up. Apart from that, Frank Grillo confirmed in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he is a part of the Superman sequel:“My character, Rick Flag Sr., is a big part of the sequel’s story, so I’m excited about it.”As we wait for the 2027 movie, three DCU projects, Creature Commandos, Superman, and Peacemaker Season 2, are streaming on HBO Max.