Hold onto your capes, Superman enthusiasts – James Gunn has just unleashed a thrilling revelation about the destiny of one of the DC universe's most unsettling figures, promising to unravel the mystery in his upcoming sequel! But here's where it gets controversial: Could revisiting this character spark debates on what makes a villain truly 'human'? Let's dive into the details and explore why this announcement has fans buzzing with a mix of excitement and unease.
James Gunn, the visionary director behind the 2025 Superman reboot, has officially confirmed that his follow-up film, Man of Tomorrow, will shed light on the ultimate fate of Mr. Handsome – the bizarre and deeply disturbing companion to Lex Luthor, played by the talented Trevor Newlin. While the original Superman movie maintained a largely family-oriented vibe, with fantastical action, vibrant costumes, and minimal adult language, it had one glaring outlier that sent chills down viewers' spines: Mr. Handsome. This creature wasn't just a sidekick; he embodied a nightmarish exception to the film's otherwise wholesome tone, making him a standout element that left audiences both fascinated and horrified.
Recently, Gunn shared a festive Holiday card on social media, prominently featuring Mr. Handsome. You can check out the original post here for yourself – it's a clever teaser that hints at his potential comeback in the 2027 sequel, where Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor will share top billing with David Corenswet's Superman. Given Mr. Handsome's deep bond with Luthor, his post-villainy whereabouts have lingered as an unresolved plot point, much like a loose thread in a superhero tapestry that begs to be tied up.
The confirmation came when a fan inquired about Mr. Handsome's status after Luthor's defeat in the first film. Gunn's response was straightforward and teasing: 'You'll find out in [Man of Tomorrow].' This sets the stage for speculation, and there are two main ways this could play out. The first possibility is that the film might simply reference Mr. Handsome, disclosing his current situation without putting him front and center on screen. The second, and arguably more probable option, is that he'll make a full-fledged appearance, especially considering his significance to Luthor and Gunn's deliberate holiday card – crafted specifically for the Man of Tomorrow crew by art director Sam Avila, complete with a caption wishing 'Happy Holidays (and Hanlidays!)'. It seems the odds are stacking up in favor of Mr. Handsome stepping back into the spotlight.
And this is the part most people miss: Why all the hype around this creepy creature? Mr. Handsome isn't merely a spooky side character; he's a pivotal piece of Lex Luthor's backstory and emotional world. As Gunn himself elaborated in a post-release tweet, he's the villain's sole true friend, a being Luthor concocted in a lab Petri dish at the tender age of 12 while attempting to create a human. The experiment didn't go as planned – resulting in something far from ideal – yet it forged a unique connection, evidenced by the photo of Mr. Handsome proudly displayed on Luthor's desk. For newcomers to the Superman lore, think of it like a tragic origin story: Lex, the brilliant but isolated genius, found companionship in this malformed creation, blurring the lines between creator and companion in a way that adds layers to his character. But here's where it gets controversial – does this make Mr. Handsome a symbol of Luthor's humanity, or does it raise ethical questions about tampering with life in such a flawed manner? Some fans might argue it's a brilliant exploration of loneliness and morality, while others could see it as unnecessarily disturbing for a superhero film.
Mark your calendars: Man of Tomorrow hits theaters on July 9, 2027, and it's poised to deliver on these teasers in style.
What do you think, fellow fans? Are you thrilled about the potential return of Mr. Handsome, or does the idea of delving deeper into his story make you uneasy? Did his appearance in the first Superman resonate with you, or would you prefer to leave him in the past? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree that Gunn's choice highlights Luthor's vulnerabilities, or is this just a gimmick that could overshadow the hero's journey? I'd love to hear your take and spark some lively debate!
About The Author:
Daniel Klissmman is a dedicated entertainment journalist with bylines at Movie Pilot, CBR.com, Cinemark, and AMC Theatres. His passion for superheroes is unmatched, and he dreams of someday teaming up with Moon Knight for an epic adventure.
