The DC Universe is officially flying high with David Corenswet's Superman, but the conversation is already soaring past his debut. As of today, December 10, 2025, the focus has shifted to the highly anticipated sequel, often rumored to be titled Superman: Man of Tomorrow. While the core cast—David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor—is locked in, fans are actively casting the next wave of iconic characters set to challenge the Man of Steel. This article dives deep into the freshest, most popular fan-casting choices for the sequel, focusing on the major villain and new heroes poised to enter the DCU.
The success of James Gunn's new DC film slate hinges on introducing compelling, fresh takes on classic characters. The fan community, known for their powerful predictions (like Corenswet himself before his official casting), has put forward an incredible list of talent. The biggest debate centers on the main antagonist, Brainiac, a classic Superman foe whose casting will define the sequel's tone.
The Most Wanted: Fan Casting for Brainiac and Key New Heroes
The sequel to the new Superman film is expected to introduce one of the hero's most formidable foes: the Coluan collector of worlds, Brainiac. This character requires a blend of cold, calculating intelligence and menacing alien presence. The fan discussions and industry rumors have produced a fascinating shortlist of actors who could embody the ultimate Kryptonian threat.
1. Brainiac: The Cold, Calculating Collector
Brainiac is arguably the most critical casting decision for the sequel, demanding an actor who can portray genius-level intellect and a chilling lack of humanity. The current buzz has narrowed the field to a few phenomenal candidates, blending rumored shortlists with fan-favorite suggestions.
- Claes Bang: The Rumored Frontrunner
The Danish actor, best known for his chilling portrayal of Dracula in the 2020 series, has been consistently cited in industry rumors as being on the internal shortlist for Brainiac. Bang possesses a commanding presence, a sharp intellect in his eyes, and a deep, resonant voice that would perfectly suit the alien villain's cerebral menace. His performance in The Square highlights his ability to convey cold, detached intensity.
- Matt Smith: The Unconventional Genius
Another name frequently mentioned in the rumored shortlist is Matt Smith, famous for his roles in Doctor Who and House of the Dragon. Smith brings a unique, slightly eccentric energy that could translate into a terrifyingly unpredictable version of Brainiac. Fans suggest his lean, angular features and ability to switch from charming to deeply unsettling make him an inspired, unconventional choice for Vril Dox.
- Sam Rockwell: The Quirky, Dangerous Intellect
Sam Rockwell’s name has also surfaced in the casting discussions. While known for more comedic or morally ambiguous roles, Rockwell has a history of playing highly intelligent, unpredictable characters. His ability to convey a sense of manic genius and underlying danger would make for a truly unique, perhaps more volatile, Brainiac.
- Chukwudi Iwuji: The Authority Figure
A popular fan-favorite, Iwuji is already a James Gunn veteran from Peacemaker and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. His performance as the High Evolutionary showcased his mastery of playing a brilliant, narcissistic, and terrifyingly self-righteous villain. Fans believe his gravitas and booming voice make him an ideal candidate to challenge Superman's moral center.
2. Supergirl (Kara Zor-El): The New Kryptonian
With a full-fledged Supergirl project, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, on the horizon, it is highly likely that Kara Zor-El will be introduced in the Superman sequel first. A recent casting description reportedly sought a "new female hero" in her late twenties with "an edge," fueling speculation that Supergirl is imminent.
- Cailee Spaeny: The Rising Star
Spaeny is a top fan choice, praised for her emotional depth and ability to handle action roles. Her recent work in Priscilla and Civil War demonstrates a range that could capture Supergirl's mix of vulnerability, teenage angst, and immense Kryptonian power. She perfectly fits the profile of a young hero with an "edge."
- Milly Alcock: The Fierce Warrior
Known for her breakout role as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, Alcock has the fiery intensity and warrior spirit that many fans associate with the modern Supergirl, especially the version from the *Woman of Tomorrow* comic book that the DCU is adapting.
Fancasting Other Key DCU Entities and Supporting Roles
While Brainiac and Supergirl dominate the conversation, the sequel will likely introduce several other characters to expand the DCU's topical authority. These roles are critical for grounding the story and setting up future franchises.
3. Jimmy Olsen: Clark's Pal at the Daily Planet
The role of Clark Kent's best pal, the cub reporter and photographer Jimmy Olsen, is a crucial emotional anchor for the Daily Planet setting. The character needs to be earnest, slightly clumsy, and full of heart.
- Thomas Barbusca: The Fan-Favorite Cub Reporter
Barbusca has been a consistent fan-favorite for the role since the initial *Legacy* casting calls. Known for his work in Arrested Development and The Mick, he has the comedic timing and youthful look that fits the traditional 'pal' role. His energy would be a perfect foil to Corenswet’s more measured Clark Kent.
- Noah Jupe: The Earnest Newcomer
Jupe, who has delivered powerful performances in films like A Quiet Place and Honey Boy, could bring a more earnest, slightly more serious take to the character, focusing on Jimmy's journalistic ambition and loyalty to his friends.
4. Other Potential Villains and DC Heroes
The sequel will undoubtedly feature other DC entities, either as secondary antagonists or as new heroic allies. The following actors are frequently mentioned for these key supporting roles.
- Michael Emerson as Lionel Luthor
To further flesh out Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor, fans are clamoring for the introduction of his father, Lionel Luthor. Michael Emerson, famous for his roles in Lost and Person of Interest, has the perfect blend of cold, manipulative intelligence and a sinister corporate persona that would make him the perfect patriarch for the Luthor empire.
- Lee Pace as Vandal Savage
Should the DCU look to introduce a timeless, immortal threat, Lee Pace is a popular choice for Vandal Savage. Pace, a veteran of genre films, has the imposing stature and gravitas to play a villain who has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, making him a compelling challenge for Superman.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Cat Grant
As the Daily Planet's gossip columnist and later a media mogul, Cat Grant needs an actress with undeniable star power and confidence. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a top fancast, bringing the necessary glamour and sharp wit to the Metropolis media landscape.
The Path to Man of Tomorrow: Topical Authority and Future DCU Entities
The transition from Superman: Legacy to Man of Tomorrow represents a significant step in establishing the new DCU’s topical authority. The casting of these secondary characters is just as important as the leads, as they lay the groundwork for future team-ups and spin-offs. The confirmed presence of other DC heroes like Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) in the first film confirms that the sequel will be a true ensemble piece.
The fan-casting debates are a vital part of the film's pre-production buzz, helping to shape the public's expectations for the DCU’s tone and direction. Whether the final choices align with the rumored shortlists (Bang, Smith, Rockwell) or the popular fan demand (Iwuji, Spaeny, Barbusca), the sequel is poised to be an epic confrontation that truly tests the Man of Steel. The anticipation for the official casting announcements for Brainiac and Supergirl is at an all-time high, promising a fresh, unique, and powerful cinematic experience.
