James Gunn Explains Why He Cast Lars Eidinger as Brainiac in ‘Man of Tomorrow’

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The choice of Lars Eidinger to play Brainiac in the upcoming DC Universe film was unexpected, as he wasn’t among the actors frequently mentioned as potential candidates online. However, the casting has been well-received, and director James Gunn recently explained his decision to go with a lesser-known name instead of a major celebrity.

While Eidinger is a seasoned actor, many fans of the DC Universe likely haven’t seen his work before. He’s appeared in projects like All the Light We Cannot See and George Clooney’s recent Netflix film, Jay Kelly. However, James Gunn has explained on Threads that he doesn’t prioritize casting actors who are already household names.

I definitely want to include Chris Pratt, David Corenswet, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Milly Alcock, Daniela Melchior, and others in that group! They all earned their roles through auditions, and weren’t already established movie stars. I always prioritize finding the best actor for each part, and auditions are often the best way to do that.

Claims circulating online, including reports from Nexus Point News and various X accounts, suggested that several well-known actors were seriously considered for the villain role in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow film, and were even close to being cast. However, director James Gunn quickly dismissed these rumors, stating that actors like Matt Smith, Claes Bang, and Sam Rockwell were never under consideration for the part.

“None of them even screen tested. I’m not even sure any of them auditions. Total made-up stuff.”

Brainiac’s Casting Adds Another Piece of the Puzzle for ‘Man of Tomorrow’


Warner Bros. Pictures

The initial announcement of Man of Tomorrow was a surprise. It wasn’t on James Gunn’s previously revealed list of projects, especially considering it focused on Lex Luthor and Superman so soon after the summer’s Superman movie.

Details about the movie’s story are still secret, but we know it’s scheduled for release in 2027, shortly after Supergirl comes out next summer. The film will feature Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor joining forces with David Corenswet’s Superman to battle the incredibly intelligent villain, Brainiac. While the cast isn’t fully confirmed yet, we can likely expect to see returning Superman actors like Rachel Brosnahan, as well as other heroes from the “Justice Gang,” including Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl.

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It’s now clear that James Gunn’s DC Universe is heavily focused on Superman. He’s expected to appear in three of the first movies released by DC Studios, while Batman won’t appear at all in those initial films. It remains to be seen if this will change after Gunn’s planned “Superman saga” concludes, but for at least the next two years, Superman will likely remain a central figure in the DCU. Even with other projects like Clayface and The Bold and the Brave planned, the focus is currently on the Man of Steel.

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2025-12-22 03:33