Lars Edinger to Play Brainiac in James Gunn's "Man of Tomorrow"

Lars Edinger to Play Brainiac in James Gunn's "Man of Tomorrow"

Posted on December 20, 2025 by Neil Cole

Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios today announced that acclaimed German actor Lars Eidinger has been cast as Brainiac in "Man of Tomorrow", the highly anticipated sequel to "Superman" (2025). This marks the iconic supervillain's first appearance in a live-action feature film, continuing the new chapter of the DC Universe under the creative leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Eidinger, known for his dynamic work in European cinema and international television, brings a formidable presence to one of Superman's most cerebral and enduring adversaries. His casting follows a competitive, global search to find the right actor capable of embodying the intelligence and menace of Brainiac, a character with a rich legacy in DC Comics.

Director and co-head of DC Studios James Gunn shared the news on social media, stating, "In our worldwide search for Brainiac in 'Man of Tomorrow,' Lars Eidinger rose to the top. Welcome to the DCU, Lars."

"Man of Tomorrow" reunites key creative elements from "Superman" (2025), with David Corenswet returning as Clark Kent/Superman and Nicholas Hoult reprising his role as Lex Luthor in what promises to be an expansive and character-driven story. Production is expected to begin in early 2026, ahead of a scheduled July 9, 2027 theatrical release.

Brainiac, one of Superman's most formidable foes, has long been a fan favorite in comics, animation, and television adaptations. Eidinger's addition reflects DC Studios' commitment to blending bold casting decisions with a deep respect for the source material as it builds out its interconnected universe.