James Gunn Officially Shuts Down a Major Man of Tomorrow Casting Rumor
James Gunn has officially denied rumors that actor Matthew Lillard will be cast as Barry Allen/The Flash in Man of Tomorrow, the upcoming sequel to 2025’s Superman. The director responded directly to fan speculation on Threads with a simple “No,” putting the rumor to rest.
The casting speculation arose after an unconfirmed account on X claimed that Lillard would portray the Flash character in the film, including details that his character would have a biracial family and share scenes with established characters like Jimmy Olsen, Kat Grant, and Perry White. However, these details remain unverified and have now been contradicted by Gunn’s definitive statement.
Man of Tomorrow is part of James Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe, following his success with the 2025 Superman film. While several familiar faces are confirmed to reprise their DC roles in the sequel, much attention has focused on potential new cast additions. Gunn’s quick dismissal of the Lillard rumor suggests the filmmaking team is actively managing expectations around the film’s casting announcements.
The incident highlights how casting rumors can quickly gain traction on social media, particularly when attributed to “insider” sources. Gunn’s willingness to directly address fan questions on social media demonstrates his engagement with the fan community, even when the news simply confirms what won’t happen in upcoming projects.