Matthew Lillard’s MAN OF TOMORROW Character Details Surface, and Fans Have a Theory
We finally have our first clue about who Matthew Lillard might be playing in Man of Tomorrow, and while it doesn’t give away his character’s identity, it does offer a few interesting details to think about.
The Scream icon has joined James Gunn for the upcoming Superman sequel, reuniting the longtime friends after Lillard famously played Shaggy in the live-action Scooby-Doo movies.
Gunn has managed to keep Lillard’s DCU role under wraps, but @AtlantaDCFans has shared some new information about the character and his family:
"Matthew Lillard’s Character in Man of Tomorrow will have a Biracial Family. He will also share scenes with Jimmy Olsen, Cat Grant and Perry White."
Lillard’s character is also reportedly the father of two children between the ages of 7 and 11. Those details don’t exactly scream superhero, but his scenes with Jimmy Olsen, Cat Grant, and Perry White suggest he could have some connection to the Daily Planet.
That still leaves plenty of possibilities, including one of the many lesser-known characters from DC Comics.
Of course, fans already have another idea. One theory making the rounds on social media is that Lillard could be playing an older Barry Allen. It’s speculation at this point, but the family details have given fans something to work with.
If Gunn takes a similar approach to The Flash that the DCU is taking with Lanterns, Barry could be an established veteran while Wally West serves as the universe’s primary Flash. The theory also suggests Lillard’s character could be married to Iris West-Allen and that the two children are Don and Dawn Allen.
Iris has been portrayed as a Black woman in several adaptations, which is another reason fans are connecting the reported biracial family detail to Barry Allen. Still, there’s nothing confirming Lillard is playing Barry, so this one belongs firmly in the fan-theory pile for now.
Gunn is currently deep into post-production on Man of Tomorrow, and I imagine he’ll keep Lillard’s identity secret for a while longer.
For now, Matthew Lillard remains one of the more intriguing wild cards in Man of Tomorrow. Barry Allen would certainly be a fun surprise.