For decades, one of Superman’s most iconic foes has been trapped in the realm of “almost happened.” Screenwriters have written him, directors have planned him, yet, Brainiac has never truly made it to a live-action Superman movie.
Now, with James Gunn rebuilding the DC Universe from the ground up and ‘Superman’ introducing David Corenswet’s hopeful Man of Steel, the opportunity is too perfect to pass up. ‘Superman 2‘ could finally be the movie that gives Brainiac his due.
Brainiac Is The Greatest ‘Superman’ Villain Who Hasn’t Been Done Justice Yet
In DC lore, Brainiac is no ordinary comic book villain. He’s a hyper-advanced techno-organic being with the ability to control and absorb life forms, entire cities, and even planets. He is more than just a physical threat; he’s an existential one. Where Lex Luthor challenges Superman’s morality and philosophy, Brainiac forces him to confront the very limits of his power. Yet, despite this potential, live-action history has been frustrating.
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Richard Donner once considered him for the Christopher Reeve films, but went in another direction. Tim Burton and Kevin Smith’s infamous Superman Lives script featured Brainiac as a main antagonist. However, the project collapsed before cameras rolled. Bryan Singer reportedly intended to use him for a Superman Returns sequel, but that franchise died after one film. Even in the DCEU, Cavill himself publicly expressed his desire to fight Brainiac in ‘Man of Steel 2’, and fans were ready.
Yet, once again, plans shifted toward crossover chaos, and the solo sequel never happened. In television, Brainiac has appeared, but never in definitive form. ‘Smallville’ gave us James Marsters as a charming but heavily altered version. ‘Superman & Lois’ took its own liberties, reimagining the character as a human genius. None of these interpretations scratched the itch for a fully-realized, big-screen Brainiac.
That’s why Gunn’s DCU is such a golden opportunity. Fans aren’t just asking for him; they’ve been waiting decades. And Gunn himself admitted on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast that Brainiac was “considered” for the first Superman film. That means the idea is already on the table, and possibly still in play.
Why Brainiac Is Perfect For ‘Superman 2’
James Gunn’s first Superman reintroduced the character with heart and humanity, contrasting the hero’s warmth against the cynicism of the world around him. It’s a smart approach, and Lex Luthor as the initial villain makes sense. Luthor forces audiences to focus on Superman’s ideals rather than just his raw power. However, for the sequel, it’s time to test those ideals in a way no human antagonist could.
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Brainiac is tailor-made for that challenge. Where Luthor debates Superman’s place in the world, Brainiac threatens the world itself. His signature move is a nightmare scenario that would push Superman to his physical and moral limits. Even worse, Brainiac can control people, turning innocent civilians into unwilling weapons. Imagine the emotional stakes of Superman having to fight the very people he’s sworn to protect.
Brainiac also offers a perfect counterpoint to Gunn’s vision of Superman. Corenswet’s Clark Kent is set to embody optimism, empathy, and faith in humanity. Brainiac is the polar opposite. He is cold, calculating, and entirely devoid of empathy. The clash between those worldviews could create one of the most emotionally charged battles the DCU has ever seen.
