James Gunn has cast German actor Lars Eidinger as Brainiac, the super-intelligent android villain, in the upcoming Superman sequel, “Man of Tomorrow”. This marks the first live-action appearance of Brainiac on the big screen, bringing one of Superman’s most iconic foes to life.
Brainiac, created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, debuted in Action Comics #242 and is known for collecting knowledge and shrinking cities, including Superman’s home planet Krypton. With Eidinger on board, Gunn’s DCU is set to get even more thrilling. “In our worldwide search for Brainiac in Man of Tomorrow, Lars Eidinger rose to the top,” Gunn wrote on Instagram. “Welcome to the DCU, Lars.”
In “Man of Tomorrow”, David Corenswet’s Superman and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor will team up to face a new threat, likely Brainiac’s intergalactic terror. The movie’s plot is still under wraps, but Brainiac’s history of clashing with Superman makes for an exciting matchup. Production starts April 2026, with a release date of July 9, 2027.
Eidinger joins a growing cast in Gunn’s DCU, which kicked off with “Superman” (2025). The film grossed over $616M worldwide, setting the stage for an epic franchise. With Brainiac on the scene, expect intense battles and cosmic stakes.
What makes Eidinger a great fit? His versatility as an actor and ability to convey intelligence and menace. From theater to film, Eidinger’s experience suggests he’ll bring depth to Brainiac.
