James Gunn’s ‘Man of Tomorrow’ could be on a far greater mission than just reuniting Superman and Lex Luthor to battle Brainiac. The new DC Studios film is poised to be a huge part of the DC Universe, but a new fan theory claims that it could also help set up the Justice League and bring a new character into the DCU for the first time in live-action.
Could The New Frontier Be The Bigger Story For ‘Man Of Tomorrow’?
The theory is based on a popular comic book story, which Gunn has referenced as one of his inspirations for the franchise, called DC: The New Frontier. Even a few ideas from that storyline could have a massive impact on the future of the DCU if the film takes some of those ideas.
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Matthew Lillard has been rumored to be cast as King Faraday, a government agent in DC Comics. But Faraday’s importance is not just in his government links. Faraday has a close relationship with Martian Manhunter in DC: The New Frontier, and this relationship is crucial to the story.
Eventually, several heroes gather to face the Centre, a formidable threat to humanity. That’s a pretty cool idea for ‘Man of Tomorrow’. With Brainiac reportedly serving as the central antagonist, Gunn could borrow the larger concept of different heroes uniting against a threat too dangerous for Superman to handle alone.
Lillard’s role as Faraday, however, hasn’t been confirmed, and there’s no official word on whether Martian Manhunter will make an appearance. Still, it’s hard not to see the possibility, and Gunn is known to appreciate the source material.
Is James Gunn Secretly Setting Up The Justice League?
One other idea is that ‘Man of Tomorrow’ could be a loose remake of The New Frontier, with elements of the Superman-led Brainiac storyline from Panic in the Sky mixed in. In the latter comic narrative, Superman brings other heroes together to take on Brainiac, thereby providing for a greater superhero crossover.
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That influence might be especially important for Gunn’s next film, as she stars in ‘Supergirl’. This would give the DCU the chance to develop towards the Justice League, but not rush into a film based on a team-up. Gunn could introduce the team one by one, rather than in one fell swoop.
There’s also one interesting tidbit from The New Frontier: a chapter called Gods and Monsters. It could just be a coincidence, but it does seem to fit Gunn’s overall style of a DCU filled with superhumans and complex protagonists.
These are only speculations for now, and not confirmed plot details. Yet, if ‘Man of Tomorrow’ is based on The New Frontier, it may be a lot more than a ‘Superman’ sequel. It could be the moment the DCU begins moving toward something bigger.
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