David Corenswet: Man of Tomorrow Is the DCU's Empire Strikes Back

Screen Rant reports that David Corenswet, who plays Superman in the DCU, compared the upcoming "Man of Tomorrow" to "The Empire Strikes Back" in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

Corenswet said the excitement of re-meeting Superman, Lex Luthor, and Lois Lane in the sequel mirrors the feeling of catching up with Luke, Han, and Leia at the start of the second Star Wars film. Director James Gunn, he explained, wanted to bring the characters into a second phase where relationships have changed and stakes are higher.

"The thing that I thought of was the opening of Empire Strikes Back and how every time I watch that movie I'm so excited when you re-meet Luke and Han and Leia."

The actor elaborated that Gunn described Superman and Lex, and Clark and Lois, as being in more established situations after about two years have passed since the first movie. Gunn previously confirmed that timeline lines up with the real-world gap between "Superman" and "Man of Tomorrow."

That framing suggests a darker tone than the first film, at least at the start. But Corenswet specifically referenced the opening of "Empire," not its famously bleak ending. The DCU also differs from the Star Wars trilogy by releasing other projects between chapters, including "Peacemaker" season 2, "Supergirl," "Lanterns," and "Clayface," so the overall arc is not a direct parallel.

"Man of Tomorrow" hits theaters on July 9, 2027. Corenswet's comparison gives fans a clear vibe for what to expect from the characters when they return.

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• The Empire Strikes Back