Pierce Brosnan, the legendary actor best known for his time as James Bond, has shared some intriguing insights about his role as Doctor Fate in 2022’s Black Adam and the future of the character in the DC Universe. While Black Adam failed to live up to expectations at the box office, Brosnan’s performance as the mystical superhero was widely praised, with many fans highlighting him as a standout in a film that otherwise struggled to resonate.
In a recent interview with GQ, Brosnan reflected on his experience with the project, discussing both the character of Doctor Fate and the potential for the character’s return in upcoming DC projects. “I’ve heard that Doctor Fate was going to have his own show, or his own movie,” he said, referencing earlier plans for the character that never materialized. “I’ve heard that he’s going to be in the next Superman.”
Brosnan’s comment appears to hint at Doctor Fate’s involvement in the highly anticipated 2027 film Man of Tomorrow, which will feature David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and be written and directed by James Gunn. Although Brosnan didn’t confirm that he would reprise the role, he expressed a strong interest in returning to the character. “I enjoyed that, the philosophy of that character, very much, and I would definitely be open to it,” he said.
Doctor Fate, a powerful sorcerer in the DC Universe, has long been a fan-favorite, known for his complex mythology and connection to the Justice Society of America. While Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who starred as Black Adam, had reportedly hoped to see a full Doctor Fate feature or a larger role for the character in the DCEU, the plans were scrapped following Black Adam’s disappointing performance. Despite Johnson’s public sharing of profit and loss sheets and announcements of spin-off projects like a Hawkman movie, Warner Bros. Discovery opted to reboot their strategy, eventually forming DC Studios and moving away from Johnson’s vision for the DCEU.
With the reorganization of the DC slate, projects like Johnson’s proposed Black Adam vs. Superman showdown were shelved. Yet Brosnan’s comments suggest that the mystical hero may find new life within the DC Universe under James Gunn’s leadership. Fans can also expect the ranks of the “Justice Gang”—a rumored successor to the traditional Justice League—to expand, potentially including Doctor Fate alongside other established and emerging heroes.
Man of Tomorrow already boasts a star-studded cast, including Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl, and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag, Sr. Rumors have also circulated regarding appearances by Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart/Green Lantern and John Cena’s Peacemaker. The film, set for release on July 9, 2027, is shaping up to be a major event in the next phase of the DC Universe, blending classic characters with fresh interpretations under Gunn’s distinctive creative vision.
While details remain sparse, Brosnan’s willingness to reprise Doctor Fate keeps fans hopeful for a return of one of DC’s most enigmatic and visually striking characters. If Doctor Fate does indeed appear in Man of Tomorrow, it could mark a major step in expanding the mystical side of the DC Universe, bridging the gap between the Justice Society and the new wave of heroes.
For now, audiences will have to wait and see how Doctor Fate fits into Gunn’s vision for Superman’s world—and whether Brosnan himself might once again don the iconic golden helmet.
