Man of Tomorrow is the next major chapter in James Gunn’s Superman story, scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 9, 2027. If you’re wondering which movies and shows to watch first, the good news is that you don’t need to start with decades of DC films.
Quick answer: Watch Superman (2025) first. Then watch Supergirl (2026) if you want additional context about the new DC Universe. Older Superman movies and the similarly named 2020 animated movie are not required. This guide explains the simplest watch order, what is connected, and what has been confirmed about the sequel.
Man of Tomorrow (2027): Release Date and Key Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When does it come out? | July 9, 2027 (announced theatrical date) |
| Is it a Superman sequel? | Yes — it follows Superman (2025). |
| Who is directing? | James Gunn |
| Who plays Superman? | David Corenswet |
| Who plays Lex Luthor? | Nicholas Hoult |
| Is it in the new DC Universe? | Yes |
| Do I need to watch the Henry Cavill movies? | No |
DC Studios announced the sequel and its release date in September 2025. Release dates can change, so check DC’s official news as July 2027 approaches.
The Best Man of Tomorrow Watch Order
For most viewers, this is the best spoiler-light order:
| Order | Movie | Why watch it? | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Superman (2025) | Introduces this version of Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and the wider DCU. | Essential |
| 2 | Supergirl (2026) | Expands the same DC Universe and introduces more of the Kryptonian side of the story. | Optional |
| 3 | Man of Tomorrow (2027) | Continues the new Superman storyline. | Next |
This is a practical preparation order, not a claim that every plot point in Supergirl will be required for the sequel. The finished Man of Tomorrow has not yet been released.
1. Superman (2025) — The One Movie You Should Watch
If you have time for only one movie, make it James Gunn’s Superman (2025). It introduces David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
The movie establishes the relationships, conflicts, and version of Metropolis that Man of Tomorrow builds on. This matters more than trying to memorize every comic-book character or DC release.
It is also the first feature film from DC Studios’ new shared universe. The studio’s official film page confirms the principal cast and creative team.
2. Supergirl (2026) — Useful, But Not a Requirement
Supergirl (2026) follows Kara Zor-El, portrayed by Milly Alcock, in a story directed by Craig Gillespie. It is set in the same new DC Universe and gives viewers another perspective on Kryptonian characters.
DC’s official film page confirms that the movie opened in North America on June 26, 2026. Watching it can help you get a broader feel for this universe, but no official viewing checklist says it is mandatory before Man of Tomorrow.
Recommendation: If you’re catching up quickly, watch Superman (2025) and stop there. If you enjoy the new DCU and want more background, add Supergirl (2026).
Do You Need to Watch the Older Superman Movies?
No. The new series uses a different continuity from the Henry Cavill era. DC’s own Superman movie watch-order guide distinguishes the former DC Extended Universe (DCEU) from the newer DC Universe (DCU).
| Continuity | Example movies | Required for Man of Tomorrow? |
|---|---|---|
| Earlier DCEU | Man of Steel (2013); Batman v Superman (2016); Justice League (2017) | No |
| New DCU | Superman (2025); Supergirl (2026); Man of Tomorrow (2027) | Start with Superman (2025) |
The earlier films can still be worthwhile if you enjoy Superman, but they are not prerequisite chapters in Gunn’s new storyline. You also do not need to watch Christopher Reeve’s classic Superman films to understand the new continuity.
Is Man of Tomorrow the Same as Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020)?
No. This is an easy title mix-up.
Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020) is an animated DC film that begins a separate animated continuity often called the Tomorrowverse. Man of Tomorrow (2027) is a live-action continuation of the 2025 James Gunn film.
DC’s animated-movie guide lists the 2020 movie under the Tomorrowverse. The two productions are not the same film and are not chapters of one storyline.
What Do We Know About the Man of Tomorrow Story?
James Gunn has explained that the story brings Superman and Lex Luthor into an uneasy collaboration against a much larger threat. That is a confirmed broad premise — not a reason to assume they will suddenly become friends.
Entertainment trade coverage has identified Brainiac as the larger antagonist. As of November 2, 2026, details of how the character fits into the finished movie remain limited, so online plot breakdowns and fan theories should not be mistaken for a complete official synopsis.
For readers who want to avoid spoilers, the only essential setup is that Superman and Lex already have a complicated adversarial relationship in the 2025 movie. Variety’s September 2025 reporting covers Gunn’s explanation of their reluctant partnership.
Who Is Returning in Man of Tomorrow?
- David Corenswet — Superman/Clark Kent. He leads the new live-action Superman continuity.
- Nicholas Hoult — Lex Luthor. The character is central to the sequel’s announced premise.
- Rachel Brosnahan — Lois Lane. She portrays Lois in Superman (2025) and has been reported as part of the continuing cast.
Additional characters and casting details may be announced before release. The final character roster is best checked against DC Studios announcements, not fan-made posters or unverified casting lists.
Should You Watch Peacemaker or Other DCU Shows First?
You don’t need to watch every connected DCU production before the Superman sequel. Series such as Peacemaker season two and the animated Creature Commandos help build out the larger shared world, but they are optional background viewing for someone primarily interested in Superman and Lex Luthor.
If you enjoy connected-universe storytelling, explore those series after you’ve watched Superman (2025). If you prefer a short movie marathon, stick to the two-film preparation plan above.
Where Can You Watch Superman (2025) and Supergirl (2026)?
Streaming and digital rental availability depends on your country, subscription, and date. Check the official services or digital storefronts available in your region rather than relying on an older streaming guide.
For U.S. and Canadian readers, searching the exact film title on your preferred streaming service or digital store is a straightforward way to check whether it is included with a subscription, available to rent, or available to buy.
How Much Time Should You Set Aside?
The essential preparation is just Superman (2025). An expanded watch session adds Supergirl (2026). You do not need to commit to the full DCEU filmography, an animated continuity, or every DCU TV episode.
A good approach is to watch the 2025 film first, then choose whether you want the optional expanded-universe movie based on your interest. This keeps the marathon manageable for first-time viewers.
Man of Tomorrow (2027) Frequently Asked Questions
Is Man of Tomorrow Superman 2?
It is a sequel to Superman (2025), but its announced title is Man of Tomorrow, not simply Superman 2.
What is the Man of Tomorrow release date?
DC announced a theatrical release date of July 9, 2027. Recheck official scheduling closer to release.
Do I need to watch Supergirl (2026)?
Not necessarily. It shares the new DC Universe, but Superman (2025) is the essential preparation for the follow-up.
Is Henry Cavill in Man of Tomorrow?
The announced lead Superman in this continuity is David Corenswet. Henry Cavill’s earlier films take place in the separate DCEU.
Is the 2020 animated Superman: Man of Tomorrow connected?
No. The similarly named animated feature belongs to a different continuity.
Does Man of Tomorrow have an official trailer?
Look to DC Studios’ verified channels and DC.com for an official trailer. Many online videos labeled “official” are fan edits or speculative compilations; their existence is not proof of a studio release.
The Bottom Line
If you want to be ready for Man of Tomorrow without watching everything DC has ever made, start with Superman (2025). Add Supergirl (2026) for extra background, and then head to the sequel when it opens on July 9, 2027.
This approach gives you the relevant continuity without treating older Superman movies, animated projects, or unrelated DC stories as required homework.
Sources and Editorial Notes
- DC — Superman Sequel Coming to Theaters in 2027 (official announcement and release date).
- DC — Superman (2025) (cast and DCU introduction).
- DC — Supergirl (2026) (release and film details).
- DC — Live-Action Superman Viewing Order (DCEU versus DCU).
- DC — Animated Superman Viewing Order (2020 animated film).
- Variety — James Gunn on Superman and Lex Luthor’s Story (reported premise).
- Variety — October 2026 Production Update (reporting on production and antagonist).
Last updated: November 2, 2026. This is an independently written, spoiler-light viewing guide. The featured image is AI-generated editorial artwork, not an official DC Studios movie poster.
