Why Gunn's Lightning-Fast Superman Sequel Is a Genius But Risky Gamble

The unprecedented speed of the Superman sequel

Gunn's approach to the DCU is anything but conventional. While most studios would let a successful film like 2025's Superman ($614 million worldwide) breathe before greenlighting a sequel, Gunn has already written the treatment and plans to start shooting early next year. This timeline is remarkably aggressive, especially compared to the typical three-to-four-year gap between superhero films. Gunn himself has teased that Man of Tomorrow is "as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie," signaling a deeper exploration of their dynamic.

This speed is reminiscent of the MCU's early strategy: Iron Man (2008) was followed by Iron Man 2 in 2010, which served as a backbone for the nascent universe before The Avengers (2012). Similarly, Gunn is using Superman as the foundational pillar for the DCU, with Man of Tomorrow acting as a catalyst for broader universe-building. However, this approach comes with risks—namely, the potential to over-rely on a single character while others languish in development hell.

The Lex Luthor factor: A narrative masterstroke?

The decision to pit Superman and Lex Luthor against a common enemy is a narrative gamble that could pay dividends. Traditionally depicted as archenemies, their forced alliance introduces moral complexity and fresh dynamics to their relationship. This plotline allows Gunn to explore Luthor's character beyond one-dimensional villainy, potentially making him a more nuanced figure in the DCU.

The "much bigger threat" remains shrouded in mystery, but speculation points to Brainiac or another cosmic-level adversary. This aligns with Gunn's preference for high-stakes, intergalactic stories (Guardians of the Galaxy, Supergirl) and could naturally involve other DCU heroes like Supergirl or the Green Lantern Corps. By centering the sequel on this alliance, Gunn may be laying the groundwork for a broader conflict that necessitates the introduction of new characters.

The DCU's unbalanced universe: Where's Batman?

While Superman's world expands rapidly, other key DC characters remain conspicuously absent. No Batman casting has been announced, let alone a film start date, despite the character's cultural and box office significance. This imbalance echoes the DCEU's missteps, where Superman and Batman were prioritized while other heroes, such as  Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter, were neglected. Gunn risks repeating this error if the Superman sequel overshadows other projects.

However, the sequel could serve as a stealth universe-builder. Reports suggest that Man of Tomorrow will feature Supergirl (Milly Alcock), Lobo (Jason Momoa), and Peacemaker (John Cena) in supporting roles. Additionally, the events of Peacemaker Season 2 will directly tie into the film, acting as a "prequel". This indicates that Gunn views the Superman saga as a vehicle for introducing other characters, a strategy that could balance focused storytelling with universe expansion.

Learning from past mistakes

Gunn's rapid sequel announcement is a vote of confidence in the new DCU's direction. The 2025 Superman film was critically praised for its hopeful tone and strong performances, particularly David Corenswet's Superman and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor. By capitalizing on this momentum, Gunn aims to maintain audience engagement and avoid the "start-stop" nature of the DCEU, which suffered from prolonged gaps between films and inconsistent vision.

This strategy also reflects Gunn's hands-on approach as DC Studios co-head. Unlike the DCEU, which often felt reactive and disjointed, the DCU appears to be following a meticulously planned roadmap. Gunn has already outlined a "Superman Saga" that extends beyond Man of Tomorrow, suggesting a long-term narrative arc that integrates with other projects like Supergirl and Lanterns.

Potential pitfalls: Overloading and overexposure

Despite its advantages, the rapid-fire approach carries risks. Superman fatigue could set in if the character is overexposed, especially if other heroes remain underdeveloped. Additionally, Man of Tomorrow might become overstuffed with characters, echoing Batman v Superman's criticized overcrowding. Gunn must ensure that the sequel remains a cohesive story rather than a mere setup for future films.

Moreover, the DCU's success hinges on diversity of storytelling. While Superman is an iconic figure, the universe needs standalone hits for lesser-known characters (e.g., The Authority, Swamp Thing) to thrive. Gunn must balance his focus on Superman with investments in other properties to avoid replicating the MCU's early Iron Man dependency.

A calculated risk worth taking

James Gunn's decision to fast-track Man of Tomorrow is a bold bet on Superman's enduring appeal, and one that could define the DCU's future. By leveraging the character's success to introduce new heroes and conflicts, Gunn is building a universe organically rather than through forced connectivity. This approach mirrors the MCU's phased development but with a tighter narrative focus.

However, the DCU's longevity requires more than just Superman. Gunn must soon unveil plans for Batman, Wonder Woman, and other A-list heroes to assure fans that the universe is expanding beyond Metropolis. If Man of Tomorrow can balance its character-driven story with broader world-building, it could set a new standard for superhero sequels—one where quality and continuity coexist without compromise.

For now, Superman fans have every reason to rejoice. The Man of Steel is back, and he’s leading the DCU into a promising, if uncertain, future.