Summary
Highlights
James Gunn has been revealing details about 'Superman 2: Man of Tomorrow' through interviews and teasers in 'Peacemaker' season 2. He actively encouraged viewers to watch 'Peacemaker' as it directly sets up the Superman film. The filming of both projects concurrently allowed for easy cameos of Superman actors in 'Peacemaker'.
Nicholas Holt's Lex Luthor cameos in 'Peacemaker' season 2, establishing a connection with Rick Flagg Sr. This partnership is portrayed as a negative development for Superman and metahumans. The teaser shows Lex in Belle Reve prison after the events of the first Superman movie, still recovering from an encounter with Krypto. Krypto does not share Superman's 'no kill' rule.
Lex Luthor initially dismisses Peacemaker but becomes highly interested when he learns about Peacemaker's multiverse key. This key, capable of opening and moving doorways between dimensions, is a perfected version of the dangerous multiverse portals Lex experimented with in the first Superman movie. Lex seeks this superior technology, and it's hinted that it could fall into his hands.
In exchange for tracking Peacemaker's device, Lex Luthor is moved to a non-metahuman prison in Metropolis, placing him near Superman. This move suggests potential scenes where Clark Kent might interview Lex, similar to 'All-Star Superman'. James Gunn describes 'Man of Tomorrow' as featuring Lex Luthor having to be heroic and teaming up with Superman against a greater threat, possibly Brainiac.
Based on clues, including the draft script's cover art, Brainiac is strongly hinted to be the main villain of 'Superman 2'. James Gunn has previously stated Brainiac was intended to be the villain for the first film but was saved. The idea of Lex receiving an 'opportunity for redemption' from Rick Flagg Sr. seems to align with him teaming up with Superman against Brainiac.
James Gunn aims to explore the human side of Lex Luthor in 'Man of Tomorrow', moving beyond his purely evil portrayal in the first film. Gunn finds Lex fascinating due to his unwavering belief in himself, despite Superman's powers, and sees him as an 'underdog' due to his immense ambition and ego. 'Man of Tomorrow' may refer to Lex as much as Superman, signifying the birth of his supervillainy.
Episode 7 of 'Peacemaker' season 2 will feature a cameo by Sidney Haperson, who was Lex Luthor's professor and developed multiverse portal technology for him. This suggests further exploration of Luthor's tech. The finale of 'Peacemaker' will include a significant 'Superman' related scene filmed on the Superman set, possibly a post-credit style teaser revealing more about the upcoming movie's events or characters like Brainiac.
Rick Flagg Sr.'s partnership with Lex Luthor signifies his deepening antagonistic arc in the DCU. Starting as a friend to metahumans in 'Creature Commandos', he becomes increasingly wary and antagonistic towards them and Superman due to events in Jaren Purr. By 'Peacemaker' season 2, James Gunn views Rick Flagg Sr. as a villain, further solidifying his alliance with Lex Luthor.
The Engineer will return in 'Man of Tomorrow', and there might be follow-up on the Jor-El message. The 'Green Lantern' HBO show is described as a more serious, darker dive into deeper mythology compared to 'Peacemaker'. James Gunn has also discussed the new Batman in 'Brave and the Bold', but this is separate from the 'Peacemaker' and 'Superman' connections.