The next chapter of DC’s rebooted universe keeps getting bigger. James Gunn’s Superman follow-up, Man of Tomorrow, has already stacked its cast with heroes, villains, and familiar faces from across DC lore. Now, another recognizable name has entered the mix. Matthew Lillard, whose career stretches from ’90s cult classics to modern horror hits, will join the film in a still-secret role. His casting also raises more questions around a sequel already carrying major expectations after Superman helped revive DC at the box office.
Matthew Lillard Joins James Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow
Lillard has joined the cast of Man of Tomorrow, the upcoming sequel to Superman from DC Studios. James Gunn will direct, produce, and write the film, with David Corenswet returning as Clark Kent and Superman.
DC Studios has not revealed who Lillard will play, according to Deadline. The studio has not commented publicly on the casting. Production on the film is already underway ahead of its July 9, 2027, release.
Lillard joins an ensemble packed with major DC characters and returning cast members. Nicholas Hoult returns as Lex Luthor, while Rachel Brosnahan reprises her role as Lois Lane. Skyler Gisondo also returns as Jimmy Olsen.
The sequel expands the DC roster even further with Lars Eidinger playing Brainiac, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. Sara Sampaio returns as Eve Teschmacher. Adria Arjona has also joined the film as Maxima, alongside Aaron Pierre in an undisclosed role.
Lillard’s addition comes during one of the busiest stretches of his career in years. He recently returned as Stu Macher in Scream 7, joined Season 2 of Cross, and showed up in the latest season of Daredevil: Born Again. He also stars in A24’s upcoming adaptation of Carrie.
Why Matthew Lillard Still Connects With Audiences
Lillard has spent decades building one of the most recognizable careers in modern genre entertainment. He broke out in Scream before turning Shaggy into a live-action staple in the Scooby-Doo films. Over time, he became a familiar face across horror, comedy, animation, and television.
That longevity matters. Audiences still respond to Lillard because he brings the same energy to genre roles that made them memorable in the first place. His recent return in Scream 7 reminded viewers of the affection that still surrounds Stu Macher, nearly 30 years after the original film debuted.
Lillard recently addressed the long-running fan conversation surrounding Stu and Billy Loomis in Scream. During an interview with Den of Geek, he embraced the interpretation many fans have discussed for years.
“Somebody called us ‘the First Husbands of Horror,'” Lillard said. “I think the two of us really glommed onto that.”
He also spoke directly about what the interpretation means to some viewers.
“If there’s a kid out there who needs these two characters to be gay because they’re a horror fan, and that somehow makes them feel seen, then I will stand chest-out and say they’re two gay young men, and there’s nothing you can f***ing do about it,” he said.
The comments spread quickly online because they reflected the same openness that has kept Lillard relevant across generations of fans. He understands the emotional connection audiences build with genre stories. That connection has followed him from Scream to Five Nights at Freddy’s and now into DC’s expanding cinematic universe. Man of Tomorrow now adds another major franchise to that legacy.
Matthew Lillard Adds More Attention to DC’s Next Chapter
With production underway and anticipation already building, Man of Tomorrow continues to position itself as one of DC Studios’ biggest projects of the next few years. Lillard’s casting only brings more attention to the sequel ahead of its 2027 release. Gunn has also kept major story details under wraps, which continues to fuel speculation around how Lillard fits into the expanding DC universe.
What role do you think Matthew Lillard should play in Man of Tomorrow?
