James Gunn puts an end to major casting speculation for Man of Tomorrow.

While we already know several familiar characters will be returning in Man of Tomorrow, the sequel to 2025’s Superman, fans are buzzing about the potential for new cast members. Recently, rumors surfaced that Matthew Lillard, known for his roles in Scream and Scooby-Doo, might be stepping into the role of Barry Allen, the Flash. This speculation reached James Gunn, who addressed it directly.

When a fan inquired on Threads whether Lillard would portray the Flash in Man of Tomorrow, Gunn was straightforward, responding with a simple “No.” The rumor originated from an insider account on X, which claimed that Lillard’s character would have a biracial family and share scenes with Jimmy Olsen, Kat Grant, and Perry White. While these details remain unverified, fans speculated they could hold water if Lillard were indeed cast as Barry Allen.

Some fans connected this theory to the ongoing HBO show Lanterns, which features Hal Jordan, the first human member of the Green Lantern Corps, as an older hero passing the torch to a successor. This led to speculation that Lillard might portray a retired version of Allen, mentoring Wally West. With Gunn’s denial of the rumor, fans are left curious about what role Lillard will take on and whether the Flash will make a return to the big screen soon.

Man of Tomorrow is slated for release on July 9, 2027. According to Gunn, the film will see Lex Luthor and Superman teaming up to confront a greater threat: the notorious villain Brainiac. David Corenswet and Nicholas Holt will reprise their roles as Clark Kent/Superman and Lex Luthor, respectively, with Lars Eidinger joining the cast as Brainiac.

A host of other characters from Gunn’s DC Universe will also make appearances in the film. This includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., María Gabriela de Faría as the Engineer, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Milly Alcock as Supergirl, and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. Alongside Lillard, Andrey Royo and Sinqua Walls have been cast in undisclosed roles. Adria Arjona is also set to appear in Man of Tomorrow, with fans speculating she may be playing Wonder Woman.

While Brainiac serves as the primary antagonist in Man of Tomorrow, there’s a chance Luthor could find himself switching sides.