MAN OF TOMORROW: James Gunn’s Holiday Card Features Mr. Handsome
James Gunn has a habit of dropping fun surprises, and with Christmas almost here, he’s delivered a holiday treat that has DC fans talking. A festive card tied to Man of Tomorrow has made its way online, and while it’s meant as a seasonal thank-you to the film’s crew, it may also be hinting at the return of one of the strangest characters introduced in Superman.
That character is Mr. Handsome, the unsettling creation audiences met inside Lex Luthor’s Pocket Universe. Played by Trevor Newlin, Mr. Handsome was used as part of a floating platform system to transport prisoners. He didn’t get much explanation in the film itself, but that changed once Gunn started talking about him after release.
“When people ask me my favourite character from Superman, it just might be Mr. Handsome. Lex created Mister Handsome in a Petri dish when he was 12 - he was trying to make a human.”
Gunn went on to explain the twisted emotional connection between creator and creation.
“He didn’t come out so well, but he just might be the only one in the world Lex has any true sentiment for, as evidenced by the photo on his desk.”
With Christmas Day less than a week away, Gunn shared a holiday card made by Man of Tomorrow’s art department for the movie’s crew. It’s a playful, very Gunn-style piece of artwork featuring Mr. Handsome. Many fans are taking it as a sign that the character isn’t done in the DCU.
Of course, it’s obvious that Mr. Handsome was eventually going to return, especially if this is one of Gunn’s favorite characters. This big question on my mind is… What’s in the box!?
There’s still some mystery surrounding his fate. Lex’s Pocket Universe nearly wiped out Metropolis, and it’s fair to wonder if Mister Handsome survived that chaos. Still, if he truly means that much to Lex, now an imprisoned LuthorCorp CEO, it wouldn’t be surprising if he found a way to keep his creation safe.
Story-wise, Man of Tomorrow is going to take Lex Luthor in a wild new direction. In the film, Lex is expected to attempt heroics, and it will see him team up with Superman to face Brainiac. Whether that alliance lasts is anyone’s guess, but it’s clear Gunn is interested in pushing Lex into uncomfortable territory, morally and emotionally.
Written and directed by James Gunn, Man of Tomorrow stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl, and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag, Sr. Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and John Cena as Peacemaker are also expected to show up.
Beyond that, Gunn has been carefully managing expectations. Reports suggest DC Studios is searching for its Wonder Woman, though Gunn hasn’t commented. As for Brainiac, Gunn recently announced that Lars Eidinger will be taking on the role.
For now, fans can enjoy the holiday card and speculate about what it means. Man of Tomorrow arrives in theaters on July 9, 2027.