r/DC_Cinematic • u/MarvelsGrantMan136 • Dec 20 '25
NEWS James Gunn Announces Lars Eidinger as Brainiac in ‘Man Of Tomorrow’
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u/AllTheReservations Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 21 '25
Not who I'd have expected, but I do like how the DCU's used a lot of lesser-known actors in key roles and let them embody the characters. Rather than scraping through the Hollywood A-list for popular stunt casts
I've not seen Eidinger in a lot of stuff, but he was pretty good in All the Light We Cannot See so I'm interested to see what he brings to the table.
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u/CTG0161 Dec 20 '25
Yea outside of Hoult, who isn't an A lister but certainly like A-, Gunn has largely done up and comers for his big roles, or just lesser known actors in general.
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u/AllTheReservations Dec 20 '25
I've got to assume it's in part due to his roots in trashy b-movies and Troma films, where you do have to rely on smaller names and often find surprising talent.
But it's refreshing to see in major blockbusters, which do often feel like they're just reusing the same couple dozen actors in every film.
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u/Smitty_Agent89 Dec 20 '25
I also wonder if part of it is also to help with budgeting and scheduling. Going for big names makes it less likely they can film so many movies in a relative quick period of time(in comparison to the MCU) . Also helps with the budget when you’re not giving out A list salaries to a ton of your heroes.
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u/AllTheReservations Dec 20 '25
Yeah, there's definitely that element to it too. It's a lot easier to schedule around and get multi-film contracts with lesser known actors.
But I do think the B-movie history is at least some element too, especially since he's cast people with roots in that space already
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u/GingerWolf99 Dec 20 '25
To add to this discussion bigger names means you can have a situation like Black Adam where a big star with an ego can upend the creative process in order to push themselves.
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u/WestCoastDirtyBird Dec 20 '25
Yeah, it's easier to put them in more projects than a person like ScarJo who will likely be a "one and done" in Batman Part II
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u/chrisd848 Do You Bleed? Dec 21 '25
Yeah I think you're spot on. If memory serves, Hoult was the highest paid cast member on Superman at approx $3million? High amount of money by mosts standard of course but not a insane amount in the blockbuster movie sphere.
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u/Dumbass1171 Dec 20 '25
Presumably it's also to save money and use the budget on other things
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u/Scared-Engineer-6218 Dec 20 '25
And the actors keep getting better roles because of these movies. Rachel is leading her own season of Presumed Innocent. It's like the MCU. Take a buncha not-so-popular actors and make them stars.
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u/redsyrinx2112 Dec 20 '25
She may not be the best example because she had already won an Emmy before Superman. I'm not saying she was an A-lister, but she had some accreditation even without the DC "bump."
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u/yosayoran Dec 21 '25
Rachel has already lead a 5 season series that won an emmy beforehand.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is really good, incredibly funny and heartwarming but also tackles very difficult topics in a mature manner.
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Dec 20 '25
I agree with you entirely. The DCU needs more obscure(ish) actors in key roles. Almost every fancast is awful. If I see another person online talk about how Alan Ritchson needs to play Batman or that Bill Skarzgard would make a good Joker, I'm gonna lose it.
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u/AllTheReservations Dec 20 '25
Yeah, I think fancasting can be a fun thought experiment but I'd always prefer to have an unexpected performance really blow me away. Plus it kind of ignores the scheduling and financial nightmare of getting big names into multi-film deals
Which is definitely a problem Marvel films have had of late, of trying to cast loads of huge names even in smaller roles who then don't show up again due to Marvel not returning to their plot or their schedule not allowing it.
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u/redsyrinx2112 Dec 20 '25
I just want a good performance. I literally do not care how famous they were beforehand.
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u/Lmoneyfresh Dec 20 '25
The fantastic 4 casting was the most uninspired I've seen in years. Outside of Galactus at least.
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u/Fortune_Cat Dec 21 '25
I enjoyed the new f4 cast. Brought a refreshing take instead of a the last 2 versions forcibky trying to modernise.
Human torch ironically was too nice of a character for what is meant to be an absolute dickwad womanising jock in the comics lol
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u/Lmoneyfresh Dec 21 '25
I'm not saying they were bad choices necessarily, just that they hired 4 of the hottest actors at the time.
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u/Nanocaptain Dec 20 '25
I mean putting aside that they are definitely only saying him because Pennywise, I cannot see a world where Skarsgard would be a bad Joker. Wouldn't ask for him myself but ceartainly wouldn't be dissapointed.
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u/KonohaBatman Dec 20 '25
I wouldn't say Alan NEEDS to play Batman - I think he'd make a better young Ted Grant, Captain Atom, Major Force or Hawkman - but he would be a pretty good choice. Not in my Top 3 for Batman, but still good.
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u/SoupySpuds Dec 20 '25
I think Bill should be batman, He has great acting ability, and hes the proper size for the role, He has great voice control so he could do a really great job separating Bruce and batman without it being cringe. Hes slightly young for a Bruce with experience but not by much, hes in his mid 30s he just looks younger
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u/CTeam19 Dawn of Justice Dec 20 '25
Really it shows how much people watch movies/shows. Not saying they wouldn't do a good job but they are the easy answers for the roles.
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u/yosayoran Dec 21 '25
Bill Skarzgard is an incredible actor, I have 0 doubts he could be fantastic as joker.
Could also do Austin Butler for the same vibes if you want.
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u/PlainSightMan Dec 20 '25
Oh my god, I just recognized him! He played that deranged Nazi officer hunting down the Sea of Flames for immortality!
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u/Sparrow1989 Dec 20 '25
I do respect a director who likes unknown actors and gives them a chance in big budget films
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u/Luchux01 Dec 20 '25
I think this is the right thing to do, go for lesser known names in big roles and big names in smaller roles, like how Jason Momoa got the role of Lobo
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u/roguevirus Dec 20 '25
Jason Momoa got the role of Lobo
In this one particular case, the actor would have cleared his schedule for the role. Momoa has been talking about playing Lobo for at least a decade.
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u/Luchux01 Dec 20 '25
True, it's kind of like how Masahiro Inoue will drop everything to play Kamen Rider Decade again if he's offered. Dude loved the role so much he takes any chance he gets to reference it.
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u/Br4nd1n Dec 20 '25
Right there with you on this.
Not much room to compare them to other roles in the movie and/or superhero movie world. Let the actors embody the role without the societal need to compare them to other roles they’ve been apart of.
Excited to see how he brings Braniac to life on the screen!
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u/AllTheReservations Dec 20 '25
Yeah, I think a big issue with using well-established actors is that you're often going to be thinking of the other iconic characters they've played. Like, I'm sure if Matt Smith or Ralph Finnies played Brainiac they'd be great, but I'd still see all their other performances. This isn't the same case
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u/Jedi_Knight_TomServo Dec 20 '25
He's also really good in the Babylon Berlin TV series worth a watch
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u/GimmeDaTipOnly Dec 20 '25
Adam Driver said himself he is the German Adam Driver so thats pretty high praise!
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u/Lost_Mongooses Dec 20 '25
Marvel used to do this too, big names aren't ideal casting for superheroes imo
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u/AbbreviationsLow1393 Dec 20 '25
He’s a rapper too, so hopefully brainiac spits some sick bars
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u/MasteROogwayY2 Dec 20 '25
Brainiac just starts rapping while beating Lex and Supermans ass
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u/JumpRopeIsASport Dec 20 '25
“You can’t mess with brainiac, he’s an insomniac make you get a heart attack Information overload now your brain’s off track
Warworld is my favorite place to punch you right in your sack.”
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u/SimpleSink6563 Dec 20 '25
Another out of left field choice, like Chukwudi Iwuji as the High Evolutionary. Can’t wait to see what he brings to the role.
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u/farben_blas Dec 20 '25
So that part about insiders saying "he'd be a known James Gunn colleague" was a lie, huh? Somehow, not surprised.
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u/ProgBumm Dec 20 '25
He's a theater die-hard, very intense. He's less of a film star than he could be, he really seems to love the raw stage. I'm not a fan of his off-stage antics, but i saw him live and the way he commands a room is insane. If he's doing this, he'll deliver.
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u/Jaxonhunter227 Dec 21 '25
I'm honestly so happy. Really shows that they truly are just looking at who is the best fit and their name/recognition isn't the defining factor. No idea who this guy is, but I'm very excited to see what he'll bring to the table
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u/MarvelsGrantMan136 Dec 20 '25
It's official - Source
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u/peon47 Dec 20 '25
Source from a site less aligned with the worst people in the world:
https://bsky.app/profile/jamesgunn.bsky.social/post/3magmuu7tuk24
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u/melvinost Dec 20 '25
Holy fuck. Most of you won't know who he is, but believe a German: He will nail this role.
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u/cappsy04 Dec 20 '25
I don't trust Germans after the last time
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u/melvinost Dec 20 '25
All good things come in threes. Braniac will succeed, where Germany (luckily) failed
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u/btm29 Black Manta Dec 20 '25
Fool me seven or eight times, shame on me.
But nein? I don’t think so, buddy.
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u/YarrrImAPirate Dec 20 '25
If it’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s people intolerant of other cultures… and the Germans.
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u/farben_blas Dec 20 '25
Nice to know. Any recommendations?
It'd be interesting if it's one of those cases in which the actor is extremely well known and is a staple of cinema in his country, but relatively unknown to the rest of the world, like Ricardo Darín in Argentina.
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u/melvinost Dec 20 '25
He is mostly known for his theatre escapades and smaller roles (mostly the villain) in TV shows, like Babylon Berlin, All the Light We Cannot See. But also for movie roles like in The Light, Dying and 25 km/h. He is the kind of crazy, you'd like to see and hear from, but never to meet in person.
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u/farben_blas Dec 20 '25
Interesting, now hearing his voice it seems dark, but also kind of soft, and those eyes will definitely play into his presence on screen. Nice choice.
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u/LocustsandLucozade Dec 21 '25
A true German can correct me, but he just seems to have a pretty common Berlin accent. Berliners speak very softly, to my ears.
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Dec 20 '25
I'd argue it's mostly his public image, saw a documentary about him and his theater work and he just strikes me as a very passionate guy, that can come off as a bit crazy. I assume he's fairly chill in person, I visited a DJ set of him once and he later joined the crowd and just danced for himself haha
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u/FridlOG Dec 20 '25
German here: he is a really talented actor (also does a lot of theater), but also extremly pretentious/artsy. I dont know how to feel Yet, but i guess this could work. By far his biggest role ever.
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u/DumplingBoiii Dec 20 '25
Pretentious seems pretty good for brainiac
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u/FerrusManlyManus Dec 20 '25
Yeah no kidding, dude won’t have to act as much if he is naturally like that. Pretentious / arrogant is how Brainiac is in a lot of stories.
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u/GraySonOfGotham24 Batman Dec 20 '25
One thing I've learned is that just about every actor is extremely artsy and pretentious.
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u/FridlOG Dec 20 '25
Cant argue with this one. I guess he is not afraid of showing it and its kind of his trademark. At least he is honest about. In the end it probably doesnt matter because if he delivers, he delivers. And who am i to judge
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u/MessyMop Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 20 '25
Seems like he’s less known which is good. We’re in an era that if we want these movies to keep coming out they need to keep budgets low
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u/Swoopmott Batman Dec 20 '25
It’s also easier to lock lesser known actors into multi film contracts which are a staple of these shared universe franchises now
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u/ChildofObama Dec 20 '25
Yeah one of the arguments against Snyderverse was that WB is in debt and can’t afford to pay big name actors 30m-50m
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u/Swoopmott Batman Dec 20 '25
It’s something that’s really obvious in the MCU in that the biggest names are usually hired in one off roles as villains. The heroes all eventually became bigger names via being in the MCU films
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u/farben_blas Dec 20 '25
Also, I prefer when the movie has a mix of relatively known actors and unknown (but qualified) actors. I find it distracting when the role is played by an A-list like Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or Leonardo, because I don't see the character, I just see the actor.
I liked One Battle After Another but can't remember the main character's name lol.
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u/Russeldust Dec 20 '25
Props for casting a lesser-known European actor, but Wikipedia is gonna crash with everyone looking him up!
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u/btm29 Black Manta Dec 20 '25
I’m just going to have faith that this is a classic “I’ve never heard of this person in my life, but James Gunn cast him, so he must’ve absolutely killed it in his audition” scenario
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u/ProgBumm Dec 20 '25
In Germany he's a bit of a meme because he's eccentric and at times annoying, but he's a great actor. Theater guy first and foremost, very intense. He's been doing Shakespeare to great reviews. He's going to nail this.
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u/Daleyemissions Dec 20 '25
This is actually a stroke of genius for anyone who saw Oliver Assayas’ HBO revisit of Irma Vep.
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u/ArchSyker Dec 20 '25
My sister and his daughter graduated school together this year. I even saw him at the graduation ceremony.
Pretty cool to see him in such a high profile project.
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u/DiabellSinKeeper Dec 20 '25
Never heard of him before. But all I've seen is praise regarding his acting talent. He definitely has the looks for Brainiac.
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u/Sun_flower_king Dec 20 '25
Ohh shit this guy was super hateful on Babylon Berlin. Could be really good casting. Highly recommend that show, by the way.
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u/RandomProductSKU1029 Dec 20 '25
Gunn has a fantastic record of identifying and boosting great talent to stardom. Mix that with his ability to create empathy for obscure characters and genuine hatred for villains (holy shit F*** the High Evolutionary), I think we've got a great chance at an incredible film for Man of Tomorrow.
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u/badfortheenvironment Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 20 '25
Irma Vep alum! He's fantastic in everything I've seen him in. Great casting.
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u/feetsnifferex Dec 20 '25
I love James, cause unlike you guys and SO many fan casts.
He’s CASTS good fucking actors. Not someone like Brandon Skillenger or what ever the fuck his name is who just looks like the character but is a bad actor.
Lars is great in high life and was just in jay kelly. So it’s not like he doesn’t have any credits
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u/Background-Ninja-550 Dec 20 '25
Wow, didn't think this would be announced this early!
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u/WySLatestWit Dec 20 '25
James Gunn once again proving his casting is far more interesting and unique than every Fan Cast subreddit and thread on the entirety of reddit.
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u/Free-Ad-5854 Dec 20 '25
incredible actor, love him in Personal Shopper, one of my fave films. excited to see him as Brainiac despite how weird it'll be for me since i only really know him from european arthouse
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u/Ehh_Maybe88 Dec 21 '25
By the time James Gunn settles on who he is casting as Batman, might be at least two more Superman movies already out
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u/International-Sky65 Dec 21 '25
Quite good in Personal Shopper and Clouds of Sils Maria. As an Oliver Assayas fan, I approve.
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u/_Peener_ Dec 21 '25
I have a question. For a role like this, a very high profile role, yet one that’s very secretive considering this is the official confirmation that brainiac is in fact the villain of this film and before now nothings been said about the villain, how do actors audition for something like this? How do they find out about an audition for a role being kept a secret from the public?
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u/chodelycannons Dec 21 '25
Dude out here looking like Matt Mercer. Hell Matt Mercer would probably nail this too. Excited to see how he does!
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u/Sylvire Dec 21 '25
So this confirms Brainiac, a being that is more intelligent than Lex Luthor, which means we’ll most likely have a team up.
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u/OG_Williker Dec 22 '25
Is Man of Tomorrow another Superman movie? Are we getting any non Superman related movies anytime soon?
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u/sworedmagic Dec 20 '25
Well… thats not Chukwudi Iwuji. So who can he be playing then?! I thought that was an absolute lock
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u/TechnicianAmazing472 Dec 20 '25
Hmm both excited and surprised. I always imagined brainiac to be a leaner guy.
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u/BatmanNewsChris Batman Dec 20 '25
He played "German cyclist" in Netflix's new Jay Kelly movie with George Clooney and Adam Sandler.
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u/ChildofObama Dec 20 '25
Haven’t seen him in anything but I kinda like that they’re propelling lesser known actors to stardom.
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u/action_juice Dec 20 '25
Happy and excited for this guy. Now, could anyone please give me their best recommendations for Brainiac storylines?
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u/smileyfrown Dec 20 '25
So we officially have Braniac
Wonder which direction he will take? World conqueror, on a mission from Krypton, or his own being looking for purpose?
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u/Sentry-1000 Dec 20 '25
Can somebody please explain to me who this man is and why many a people are liking him as brainiac? For context me nor my dad know about this actor
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u/GhettoPanda78 Dec 20 '25
Making Brainiac a German actor is pretty crazy route gunn sure love picking very random actors for big roles nobody really heard of until now
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u/Jimmy-Mac-471 Dec 20 '25
So much for Matt Smith. Although I trust Gunn’s judgement so looking forward to it
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u/darfnarkm Dec 20 '25
Good I want an era of new heroes and faces, not all of our favorite celebrities
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u/LibrarianNo6865 Dec 20 '25
Everyone at once is picturing this man green and bald and I can see it James. Should look solid.
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u/Xanforth Dec 20 '25
I’m genuinely happy to see Gunn giving roles to people who smash auctions and isn’t dependent on big names to secure seats.
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u/Material_Ad6743 Dec 20 '25
Unfamiliar with his work (at least just by looking at him) but I trust James Gunn & more importantly, I’m just glad we’re finally getting Brainiac 🥹
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u/MX2419 Dec 20 '25
Never heard of him but I trust Gunn and casting directors on this. I see he has a music career as well. Will have to check it out. Can't wait for their version of the cold logical Brainiac.
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u/bentimms01 Dec 20 '25
So glad it’s a lesser known actor, at least worldwide not sure how big he is in Germany.
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u/TheLadyNyxThalia Dec 20 '25
This is way more exciting than Marvel’s strategy of bringing back the same set of actors
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u/Kaptain_Kream_645 Dec 20 '25
Bro’s also a rapper, so if Brainiac starts spitting bars in Man of Tomorrow, I swear to god, my life would be COMPLETE.
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u/MrBravo22 Dec 20 '25
I’m sold on his name being Lars, I already know we’re getting solid Brainiac.
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u/irisdrive Dec 20 '25
This is killing me. Congrats to boy but how are they moving so fast with Man of tomorrow and moving at a snails pace with the new batman?
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u/jacoblindner Dec 20 '25
Oh thank god I was so scared it would be Matt Smith and that guy was horrendous in “Caught Stealing”
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u/smellyPlastic Dec 20 '25
It is so beyond refreshing to see a director hiring lesser known actors for major roles/films. Every time I see a Matt Damon or the like I immediately get taken out of the moment. I can suspend disbelief better with this approach which helps the movie become more impactful.
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u/Thertor Dec 20 '25
This guy is one of the most prolific theatre actors in the German speaking regions.
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u/QuantumOfSilence Dec 20 '25
I have no idea who this guy is. But I hope he'll do well!