James Gunn reveals why he named the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow

Ever wondered why James Gunn's upcoming film is called Man of Tomorrow, instead of Superman: Man of Tomorrow? Well, the answer lies in its origins, which also seamlessly ties the thread to its future.

So let's go back in time. As mentioned by ScreenRant, the name is drawn from the limited comic book series of DC, New York World's Fair Comics in 1939-1940, where the term 'Man of Tomorrow' was coined for Superman, for the very first time.

The archvillain Lex Luthor constantly deals with an identity crisis and how he yearns for the title of 'Man of Tomorrow'. We all know how Luthor resents the superhero for coming in his way as he gains the title, which makes Luthor feel powerless.

Keep reading to find out more about what could be the reason behind keeping the name of the upcoming film, Man of Tomorrow.

The reason behind the name of James Gunn's Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow, explored

In the history of DC Comics and films, as noted by ScreenRant, we witness Lex Luthor finding himself at loggerheads with Superman, as Luthor feels he is the more suitable person to be called the "Man of Tomorrow".

In a telephonic interview with SternShow, James Gunn reveals details about the forthcoming film by mentioning:

"We released the fact that we're coming out with 'Man of Tomorrow'. It's going to be out in two years in theaters on July 9, 2027, which is relatively a short time between sequels, because we knew immediately where we were going. And it is a story of Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat. And it's more complicated than that. It's as much as Lex movie as it is a Superman movie."

So, going by Gunn's statement, in the upcoming sequel, Kal-El is not the only nucleus of the story, but also Lex Luthor. Perhaps that could be the reason for its name not including either Superman or Lex Luthor, but only 'Man of Tomorrow'. It also fits well with the history of the moniker.

As per reports, DC's Peacemaker Season 2 will be the prequel film of Man of Tomorrow. Interestingly, as reported by Polygon, in a conversation with fans and the official account of @dcfilmnews, James Gunn also reveals by mentioning that Peacemaker Season 2 is, in fact, a sequel to the freshly released film, Superman. His comment goes as:

"I'm not sure how you define "direct sequel." I pretty much think of Peacemaker Season 2 as a direct sequel."

Man of Tomorrow does carry the storyline and journey of the superhero, but is not solely centered around the Kryptonite superhero. Lex Luthor is also the center of the film, equally. It is not a 'sequel' per se, of the recent James Gunn film on the superhero.

Hence, it is named only as "Man of Tomorrow." It is much more layered, complex and ambiguous. It does not give a definitive conclusion as to who the 'Man of Tomorrow' could indeed be. It also gives us an idea that the forthcoming film will showcase more layers to the character of Lex Luthor, as well as the possibilities of the character.

Also, remember how Superman ended? With the efforts of the super pupper Krypto, Luthor's lethal creation and the superhero's evil equivalent, Ultraman is sucked into the void of a black hole. So, it may also be possible that he might make a return in the next film as well.

As per Collider, the stakes could rise even more as Ultraman might also take the form of the iconic anti-hero, Bizarro. He, too, is a clone and an evil counterpart of the superhero.

What are your thoughts and predictions about James Gunn's Man of Tomorrow? Tell us in the comments!