Comics legends tease Lex Luthor’s iconic suit for James Gunn’s sequel ‘Man of Tomorrow’

James Gunn’s Superman movie is one of the most comic-book-feeling films in years, and today he announced the sequel, Man of Tomorrow, set for release on July 9, 2027. For comics fans, that title means a great deal, but Gunn also paired the announcement on Bluesky with Jim Lee art featuring Lex in a very iconic suit not yet seen in the movies. But wait, Jorge Jimenez also offered up a tease on Instagram, along with Nicholas Hoult sharing Mitch Gerads’ rendition.

That’s right, the green mech suit may be appearing in the next film! Check out the art below.

A Classic Superman Moniker Reimagined

“Man of Tomorrow” has deep roots in Superman’s history—it was used early on (notably as far back as the 1939 New York World’s Fair comics) to evoke Superman’s hopeful, future-oriented ethos. The title was also famously part of Alan Moore’s Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?, a final curtain call in the pre-Crisis Superman mythology.

By choosing Man of Tomorrow, James Gunn signals a return to that aspirational essence—Superman as a beacon of optimism, progress, and possibility. The first film framed Superman as rebellious in his selflessness. He was someone who defines ‘punk rock’ by refusing to put himself first.

Linking Today’s Movie to Classic Reads

With the film likely drawing on themes from celebrated comics like All-Star Superman, Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?, or Superman: Birthright (even if indirectly), the title becomes a respectful nod to that lineage

Lex Luthor’s super suit, for humans of tomorrow?

Comic nerds like myself are going to be very happy to see the green super suit in the next film. Lex’s battle armor debuted in Superman #282 (1974), designed by Curt Swan and Bob Oksner. Its purpose was Luthor’s answer to Superman’s overwhelming power, giving him superhuman strength, flight, force fields, and built-in weaponry. It leveled the playing field, turning a brilliant but normal man into a physical threat to the Man of Steel. He already moved in that direction with the first film when he introduced the Hammer of Boravia. It’s likely Lex needs to take the punching into his own hands.

Here are some key moments in which the suit appeared in the comics.

• Bronze Age (1970s–1980s): The suit became Lex’s standard combat look, reinforcing his role as a mad scientist with direct physical menace.

• John Byrne’s Man of Steel (1986): Recast Luthor as a corporate mogul, so the suit was used sparingly, often as a “last resort” when Lex needed to fight directly.

• 1990s: Stories like Superman: The Man of Steel and Action Comics often featured the suit as Lex’s go-to in crises. It was also a staple of the animated series (Superman: TAS, Justice League).

• 2000s–2010s: The armor sometimes took on Kryptonian design elements, emphasizing Lex’s obsession with outdoing Superman at his own game.

• Recent Comics: The suit has been modernized, sometimes sleeker or bulkier, but it remains a symbol of Lex’s ego—his belief that with enough tech, he can surpass an alien god.

By calling the upcoming film Man of Tomorrow, James Gunn isn’t just giving it a cool name, but he’s signaling a tonal reset. It’s a declaration that this isn’t about legacy or darkness, but about hope and humanity. It tells fans to expect a Superman who stands for tomorrow’s promise, rooted in optimism, not nostalgia. It’s the perfect mantra for a hero who’s always looked forward.