A new unconfirmed casting rumor is circulating around DC Studios’ upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, and if true, it suggests that James Gunn’s next Superman installment may be eyeing some major talent for its central villain. According to a recent report from Nexus Point News’ “Off The Record” segment—information that the outlet stresses comes from a trusted news scooper’s unnamed inside sources—the studio has narrowed down a shortlist of actors for the coveted role of one of the major Superman villians, Brainiac.
The names reportedly floating around include Claes Bang, Matt Smith, and Sam Rockwell. However, it is essential to note upfront that none of these names have been independently verified and no formal offers have been made. Casting is still underway, and the report repeatedly emphasizes that this information should be treated purely as rumor until DC Studios makes an official announcement.
A Rumored Shortlist Packed With Range and Character Actor Gravitas
While the validity of the list remains unconfirmed, the actors mentioned would certainly make for intriguing possibilities to play the villainous Superman nemesis, Brainiac.
Claes Bang, Matt Smith, & Sam Rockwell
Claes Bang, notable for his work in The Square and the BBC/Netflix series Dracula, has earned acclaim for his charismatic intensity and commanding presence. Bang also portrayed the antagonist Fjölnir in Robert Eggers’ The Northman, a performance that demonstrated both menace and dramatic depth—qualities that would theoretically serve a character like Brainiac well.
Matt Smith, beloved for his energetic tenure as the Eleventh Doctor on Doctor Who and his award-nominated performance as Prince Philip in The Crown, adds a different kind of range. Smith has more recently appeared in HBO’s House of the Dragon and made for a standout presence even in genre projects such as Morbius. His ability to balance offbeat charm with unsettling unpredictability could offer a fresh take on the iconic Superman villain.
Sam Rockwell, the only Oscar winner among the rumored contenders, is perhaps the most surprising name. Fresh off an Emmy-nominated turn in the newest season of The White Lotus, Rockwell is known for roles in Vice, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and even Iron Man 2. Rockwell’s signature blend of nervous energy, confidence, and idiosyncratic humor could make for a distinctive and interesting interpretation.
The rumor also claims that DC Studios’ current budgetary limitations might shape the final casting choice. According to the unnamed sources, certain “dream” candidates may ultimately prove too costly, potentially influencing which actors remain in serious contention.
Man of Tomorrow: Continuing the Foundation Built by Superman (2025)
James Gunn is confirmed to write, direct, and produce Man of Tomorrow, with DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran also producing. Returning cast members include David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, who are expected to share co-lead status in the sequel. Reports suggest that although Lex will still hold antagonistic intentions toward Superman, the storyline may force them into an uneasy alliance—a departure from traditional portrayals.
Frank Grillo is also set to return as Rick Flag Sr. Meanwhile, additional rumored appearances—again, unverified—include Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, Jason Momoa’s Lobo, and John Cena’s Peacemaker. These claims originate from the same rumor circuit and should be treated cautiously until confirmed by the studio.
Production on Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to begin in April in Atlanta and continue through the summer.
The DCU’s Momentum Moving Forward
The first film in the new DC Universe, Superman (2025), delivered a solid box office performance, earning $616 million globally against a $225 million budget, and becoming profitable via streaming and home video release. Superman established a wide roster of characters including Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Supergirl, and more. Many of these threads will continue weaving throughout Gunn’s interconnected DCU, with Peacemaker Season 2 already building off dangling plotlines.
Upcoming DCU projects include Supergirl and HBO’s Lanterns, both currently in post-production, and Clayface, which is now filming in Liverpool.
A Promising but Unverified Glimpse at Brainiac’s Future
Brainiac remains one of the most iconic foes of Superman and a long-requested presence in live-action cinema. With Man of Tomorrow set for release on July 9, 2027, anticipation for the villain’s casting is understandably high. Still, until DC Studios provides official confirmation, fans should treat any alleged shortlists—including this one—as speculation rather than fact.
For now, the rumor mill has merely offered a tantalizing glimpse at what might be—leaving fans eager to see who ultimately embodies the next big bad of the DCU.
