Man of Tomorrow: Brainiac actor compares his Superman enemy to 'an incarnation of Satan'

Actor Lars Eidinger, who plays Brainiac in the upcoming Superman sequel, has shared his take on the iconic villain with the press. In an interview, Eidinger stressed that his interpretation of Brainiac is comparable to 'an incarnation of Satan'. It offers a fascinating look at the role Eidinger will play in the upcoming film directed by James Gunn.

Brainiac's role in the DC universe

Brainiac is one of the most notorious villains in the Superman universe and is often portrayed as a massive threat with alien powers. In the context of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Brainiac represents a growing challenge for Superman, who will once again be played by David Corenswet. Eidinger emphasized that the film's theatrical quality helped him shape his performance as the villain, allowing him to lean into a more performative style that goes beyond realism alone.

Different views on good and evil

In his comments, Eidinger refers to the way James Gunn approaches stories about good and evil, with a tendency toward allegory. He describes Brainiac as a character with a 'biblical' menace. That level of complexity adds a Shakespearean dimension to the performance, inviting reflection on the deeper psychological themes embedded in the character.

Filming and future plans

Man of Tomorrow, which will continue the new direction of the DCU, has already had its first round of filming, which began in April 2026. While the release is more than a year away, there is already plenty of speculation about the roles of other characters such as Lex Luthor. Eidinger also said he has already stood close to the set and seen an actor in the Superman costume in an intense setting, giving him a sense of the essence of fiction.

Audiences can look forward to the first footage of Brainiac and his interactions with Superman as the film continues building toward its long-awaited release. With Eidinger's intriguing performance, Gunn's creative direction, and Corenswet's return to the screen, Man of Tomorrow is shaping up to be a project that will keep many fans talking.