James Gunn’s Superman and Brainiac: Why This Will Further Split DC Fans

James Gunn has confirmed that Lars Eidinger will play Brainiac, the primary villain in the upcoming Superman movie. While Brainiac is a classic Superman enemy, some DC fans might be concerned about this casting choice.

Not because of Brainiac himself, but because of how Gunn is likely to use him.

Brainiac fits Gunn’s ideological storytelling

Brainiac is more than just a powerful enemy; he’s a ruthless and calculating leader who prioritizes logic over feelings and established ways of doing things.

This naturally lends itself to Gunn exploring his usual ideas: powerful organizations are often flawed, institutions can be harmful, and people in charge aren’t always trustworthy.

Brainiac isn’t just a typical science fiction villain; he embodies the dangers of unchecked technological power, the destruction of cultures, and the arrogance of believing one group knows what’s best for everyone else.

That matches the way Gunn has been telling stories across the DCU so far.

Superman as commentary, not myth

Brainiac as symbolism, not mythology

Traditional Superman tales often portray Brainiac as embodying a central struggle: the desire to save and protect versus the urge to destroy, and upholding a lasting heritage versus seeking control.

Brainiac endangers everything – our past, our present, and even our future – but Superman is determined to defend it all.

Under James Gunn, that conflict is likely to be reframed as commentary rather than myth.

Krypton reframed as flawed, not tragic

Forget the idea of Krypton as a perfect society destroyed by disaster. From now on, it will likely be shown as a world with serious problems, stuck in the past, and ultimately insignificant.

Superman is depicted as distancing himself from his family’s traditions and prioritizing his own desires and emotions instead.

Jor-El and the rejection of legacy

James Gunn faced criticism for his depiction of Jor-El in the Superman movie, and similar reactions are expected with his work on Supergirl.

Instead of the traditional portrayal of a wise and heroic figure, Jor-El is now shown as detached and complicit in a flawed system. The Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic, for example, presents him as unstable.

That choice made Krypton feel less tragic and more like something that deserved to be left behind.

What this means with Brainiac

With Brainiac now confirmed as the villain, fans should expect that trend to continue.

Brainiac’s appearance might strengthen the notion that Krypton’s history is best left behind, rather than cherished. It also raises a question about how James Gunn depicted Ma and Pa Kent.

Why longtime should be pushing back

Fans who’ve always seen Superman as a hero embodying classic values – from both his Kryptonian heritage and the lessons learned from the Kents – feel this new direction doesn’t feel true to the character, instead appearing as current social ideas simply packaged with a Superman costume.

The message is strong: family and one’s origins are seen as irrelevant, even a hindrance, and Superman is urged to abandon them and begin a new life.

This new direction for the character emphasizes personal identity and beliefs over traditional values like family and heritage, which is quite different from Superman’s usual portrayal.

Recent movies like Disney’s Predator: Badlands and Sony’s 28 Years Later include themes that some viewers consider to be overly focused on social or political issues.

Why this will divide the fanbase

Brainiac is a strong choice for a villain. He looks impressive, is a formidable intellectual threat, and plays a key role in Superman’s history.

James Gunn’s previous work often features silly humor that diminishes suspense, portrays leaders as antagonists, and packs in so many themes that it distracts from a simple, clear story.

I found James Gunn’s comments fascinating – he admitted he actually connects more with Lex Luthor than Superman. That really got me thinking. It strongly suggests Gunn sees Lex, not Superman, as the character who truly embodies the future, the ‘Man of Tomorrow’ if you will.

Viewers who enjoyed the bold and sometimes controversial choices James Gunn made in Peacemaker and Creature Commandos will likely appreciate this new approach.

If you’re expecting a traditional, respectful take on Superman, this probably isn’t it. This will likely disappoint many international fans who appreciate established stories and familiar characters – the kind of audience that hasn’t been drawn to James Gunn’s new DC Universe plans.

The problem isn’t a lack of good ideas, but rather how those ideas are being chosen. The new film, Man of Tomorrow, seems likely to divide DC Comics fans, but that’s actually the point of James Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe.

2025-12-21 04:32