Unlikely Allies: Why a Superman and Lex Luthor Team-Up Might Be The Most Exciting Part of "Man of Tomorrow"

The announcement of James Gunn's new DC film, "Man of Tomorrow," has sent a charge of anticipation through the world of superhero cinema. While a new Superman movie is thrilling on its own, the subtle hint of a potential team-up between the Man of Steel and his greatest enemy, Lex Luthor, is what truly sets this project apart. This isn't just a bold new direction for the cinematic universe; it's a deep dive into one of the most complex and fascinating rivalries in all of fiction.

For those who see Superman and Lex Luthor as eternal enemies, it may come as a surprise that their history is filled with moments of reluctant alliance. These instances, found across decades of comics, animated shows, and even video games, are not just rare occurrences. They are pivotal stories that reveal new facets of both characters, often under the direst of circumstances. A shared, universe-threatening foe is often the only thing that can force them to set aside their animosity for a greater good, or at least for Luthor's own self-serving interests. Let's explore some of the most prominent examples that could inspire "Man of Tomorrow."

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When Worlds Collide: The First Iconic Team-Up

In one of the earliest instances of a genuine truce, Superman #164 (1963), by writers Jerry Siegel and Edmond Hamilton, a drought-ridden alien world faces destruction. Desperate, its people seek out the "two greatest minds on Earth," bringing Superman and Lex Luthor to their dying planet. Recognizing that only their combined abilities can save the world, the two arch-enemies agree to a truce. Luthor, using his scientific genius, works with Superman's immense power to reverse the planet's fate. This tale established a template for future team-ups, proving that even the most bitter enemies could find common ground.

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A Fading Sun and A Final Act of Heroism: The Final Night

In the 1996 crossover event The Final Night, written by Karl Kesel, a mysterious alien known as the Sun-Eater arrives and begins to devour Earth's sun, plunging the planet into a perpetual winter. With Superman's powers fading and humanity facing extinction, Lex Luthor, ever the pragmatist, puts his ego aside for a final, desperate attempt to save the world. He offers his technology to the heroes, building devices and working with a weakened Superman. His assistance is essential in the plan to defeat the Sun-Eater, but his motivations are rooted in his belief that if the world is to be saved, it should be because of his genius, not just Superman's.

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United Against Universal Annihilation: Our Worlds at War

When the cosmic conqueror Imperiex, a being of pure entropy, begins destroying planets on a collision course with Earth in the 2001 crossover event Our Worlds at War, a massive creative team including writers Jeph Loeb and Joe Casey chronicled the battle. In this crisis, President Lex Luthor finds himself in the unthinkable position of having to work with Superman, the Justice League, and even Darkseid to defend the planet. Luthor's strategic brilliance is put to the test as he coordinates a global military response, showcasing his unwavering belief that he, and only he, can truly lead humanity to victory against a threat that dwarfs his rivalry with Superman.

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Lex Luthor, Justice Leaguer?! The New 52 Era

Following the events of the Forever Evil storyline, Lex Luthor makes the shocking move of joining the Justice League in the Justice League comic series (2013-2016), primarily written by Geoff Johns. This prolonged and uneasy alliance forces the team to accept one of their most dangerous enemies into their ranks. The arc explores the constant tension and mistrust between Luthor and his new teammates, particularly Superman, as Luthor tries to prove he can be a hero while the League questions his every move. This period offers a deep and fascinating look into Luthor's psyche as he grapples with what it means to be a "hero."

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A Common Foe, A Desperate Alliance: Doomsday Returns

In Action Comics #958 (2016), written by Dan Jurgens, the monstrous Doomsday returns to Metropolis, forcing an uneasy alliance between the newly returned pre-Flashpoint Superman and the New 52's Lex Luthor, who is now operating as a hero. Luthor, wearing a suit with the "S" shield to honor the New 52 Superman, finds himself fighting alongside the man he has always viewed as his greatest obstacle. The two put their differences aside to face the common threat, with Luthor's strategic mind and technology working in tandem with Superman's raw power.

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Trapped in a Dreamscape: Justice League Unlimited

Even in the animated series Justice League Unlimited, the two were forced to work together. In the series finale, Destroyer (2006), written by Dwayne McDuffie and directed by James Tucker, the entire Justice League, along with the Legion of Doom, must unite to fight against the cosmic tyrant Darkseid. The focus of the episode hones in on the ultimate conflict as Superman, Lex Luthor, and Batman face Darkseid in a final, climactic confrontation. This ultimate team-up sees Luthor give up his life's work to save humanity, and even though he has his own twisted motivations, he ultimately stands alongside Superman to face a power greater than both of them.

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A potential Superman and Lex Luthor alliance in "Man of Tomorrow" would be a game changer, offering an unpredictable dynamic that can lead to captivating character development. It acknowledges the rich history of their relationship and opens the door for a truly modern and deeply engaging take on the Superman mythos.

Which of these iconic alliances do you hope to see influence the film's storyline?

7 Shocking Twists in Thunderbolts* That Changed the MCU Forever

For a while now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has felt like it’s been stuck in a holding pattern. With scattered storylines, delayed payoffs, and a growing sense of uncertainty about what comes next, fans have been waiting for something—anything—to shake up the status quo. Enter Thunderbolts*. What looked like a ragtag mission featuring some of the MCU’s most unlikely allies turned out to be a pivotal moment in the franchise. Not only did it deliver unexpected twists and high-stakes drama, but it also planted seeds for the MCU’s future in ways that can’t be ignored. Here are 7 ways the events of Thunderbolts* changed the MCU forever.

SPOILER WARNING FOR ALL THINGS THUNDERBOLTS*

1. Red Hulk’s Fury Enabled Valentina’s Ascension

Thunderbolts takes place after the events of Captain America: Brave New World, where President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross goes full Red Hulk and unleashes chaos on Washington, D.C. The aftermath is devastating—not just in terms of destruction, but in the trust shattered at the highest levels of government. Ross is forced to step down, leaving behind a fractured administration and a gaping power vacuum at the top.

That vacuum is exactly what Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has been waiting for. Now operating as Director of the CIA, she quickly moves to tighten her grip on influence. With Ross gone, Val erases whatever shady paper trails connect her to the darker side of OXE Corp, dodges impeachment, and emerges politically unscathed. In fact, she’s more powerful than ever—arguably the most dangerous non-powered player in the MCU.

But power without a symbol is just a shadow. And Val’s next move makes her intentions crystal clear…

2. Earth’s Mightiest PR Stunt

With the dust still settling from Ross’s resignation, Valentina seizes the moment and steps into the spotlight. In front of the press—and the world—she unveils her boldest play yet: the New Avengers. It’s a full-on rebrand of her black-ops squad, and it includes U.S. Agent, Red Guardian, Ghost, Yelena, Bucky, and maybe even Bob. Yes, that Bob.

According to Val, she’s been working on this team “for quite some time,” but it’s clearly a calculated PR stunt—meant to restore public faith in superhero oversight while laundering her own shady past. And thanks to a one-year time jump, we see just how far the brand has come. The team now sports official insignia, public support, and government backing. Unlike the Avengers of old, this squad doesn’t answer to Nick Fury or act independently. They work for the U.S. government, with Valentina calling the shots.

In her own words, “Righteousness without power is just an opinion.” And now, with both power and public favor, Valentina’s vision is in full motion. But not everyone in the superhero community is going to be thrilled about this…

3. A New Team, a New Conflict: Sam Wilson's Avengers

Sure, Earth has a new set of Avengers, but that doesn’t mean the former members are down with this rebranding. In a post-credit scene, Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, makes it clear that he isn’t on board with the idea of the New Avengers carrying the same name as the iconic team he was once a part of. According to Sam, the Avengers aren’t meant to be government puppets, and after all the history they've shared, he doesn’t believe they should be tied to Valentina's agenda.

Bucky, as always, has a nuanced take on the situation. He and Sam had a talk about it, but in his words, “it did not go well.” It’s an interesting dynamic, and even more intriguing is the possibility that Sam may form his own version of the team—one that operates outside the government's influence, especially when it comes to Valentina’s grip on power. A showdown over the very name of the Avengers might be brewing, and it could open the door for Sam to assemble his own crew.

This idea of Wilson’s Avengers comes straight from the comics, where we saw Steve Rogers lead his own “Secret Avengers” while Norman Osborn formed his Dark Avengers. The potential lineup for Sam’s team is wide open: Thor, Shang-Chi, Doctor Strange—just to name a few. But the implications are bigger than just who makes the cut. Could we see another Marvel Civil War?

We’ll have to keep watching to find out.

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4. Ticking Time-Bob

Although Thunderbolts shows that the team has managed to subdue the Void side of Bob’s personality, make no mistake—the threat is far from gone. Bob, now part of the New Avengers, is seen hanging out in their shiny new headquarters. He claims he doesn’t transform into the Sentry anymore, but only because he can’t be the Golden Guardian without releasing the Void. It’s a chilling statement, and with it comes the haunting question: when—not if—will the Void return?

We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of what Bob can do as a hero, but the same can be said about the terrifying darkness the Void can bring. If Bob’s dark half re-emerges, the destruction could be catastrophic, and it’s clear that the stakes are high. Yelena, fully aware of Bob’s potential for both heroism and chaos, has sworn to keep him close. But is it wise to keep such a volatile figure within a government-backed super team? Valentina may think so, but the real question remains: how long before Bob’s inner demons break free again, potentially endangering everyone he’s supposed to protect?

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5. The Superhero Arms Race Heats Up

The race to build the perfect hero began with Steve Rogers. Ever since the U.S. turned a skinny kid into Captain America, the rest of the world has been trying to catch up. Bruce Banner, Red Guardian, and even Bucky Barnes were all products of this long-running push to weaponize superhumans.

Thunderbolts confirms what we've suspected for years: that race is far from over. Valentina may have wiped OXE Corp off the map, but she freely admits other nations are already developing enhanced individuals of their own. This isn’t hypothetical — it's happening now.

America’s New Avengers aren’t just about optics — they’re a strategic countermeasure. A way to stay ahead in a world where nations like Wakanda, Ta Lo, and even the Talokanil already have powerful champions at their disposal. It’s no longer about who has the strongest army — it’s about who has the strongest heroes.

What happens when those heroes are forced to pick sides? When countries deploy metahumans like missiles? We’re not just watching the next phase of global politics unfold — we might be seeing the early days of a powered cold war.

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6. Avengers?! We Have A (Space) Problem!

While Valentina’s shiny new Avengers seem ready to tackle any terrestrial threat she throws their way, there’s one battlefield they’re suspiciously being kept away from: space. In the final moments of the film, Yelena casually mentions a growing “space crisis”—something she and the rest of the team haven’t been briefed on. The fact that even her sharp instincts are being left out of the loop suggests something massive is unfolding beyond Earth’s atmosphere… and someone doesn’t want them knowing about it. So what exactly is happening in the stars? And why has Valentina chosen to keep her own hand-picked team in the dark?

The state of Cosmic Marvel is murky. Nick Fury is still operating from the S.A.B.E.R. satellite with his Skrull wife, presumably monitoring galactic affairs. A newly assembled variant of the Guardians of the Galaxy is still patrolling the cosmos. The Hulk has returned from outer space with a son, bringing his own mysteries back to Earth. Even more curious? Both Star-Lord and Captain Marvel, two of the MCU's most seasoned cosmic veterans, are currently grounded on Earth. With them out of orbit, it’s entirely possible a new threat has risen in their absence.

Whether this is setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday, Nova, Fantastic Four, or something completely unexpected, one thing is clear: Valentina is choosing not to inform her “Avengers” about it. And when your boss keeps you out of the biggest fight in the galaxy, it usually means you’re being protected… or you're being used. Whatever the reason, the cosmic storm is coming—and the New Avengers are the last to know.

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7. Fantastic Fourshadowing

The biggest bombshell in Thunderbolts comes during its final post-credits scene — and it’s a moment that could reshape the MCU forever.

A mysterious ship breaches Earth’s atmosphere, caught on a satellite feed. It’s sleek, retro-futuristic, and nothing like anything we’ve seen in this timeline. As the rocket turns, it reveals a symbol no one could mistake — a glowing “4” emblazoned across its hull. At that exact moment, Michael Giacchino’s mischievous Fantastic Four: First Steps score swells, confirming what fans have long been waiting for: Marvel’s First Family has officially arrived. The scene cuts out, but the implications couldn’t be more urgent.

From the First Steps trailer, we know Reed Richards and his team have been battling Galactus, Eater of Worlds, after receiving a dire warning from his herald, Shalla-Bal. If the Fantastic Four have crossed into this universe, then something critical has happened. Either Galactus won, and they had no choice but to flee their doomed dimension — racing here in a desperate bid to regroup, survive, and warn whoever will listen, or Galactus was defeated, but in the aftermath, something even worse is rising — a threat powerful enough to shake the multiverse and send Marvel’s most brilliant minds looking for reinforcements. One thing is clear, their sudden arrival isn’t a cameo. It’s a countdown. However this team factors into the future of the MCU… I’m sure it’ll be fantastic.

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The MCU is on the brink of a monumental shift, and it’s impossible to know exactly what comes next. With new power structures emerging, and global superhuman forces being unleashed, the landscape is forever changing. Will the heroes of today be able to keep up with the escalating threats, or will the world be torn apart by the very powers they’ve unleashed? One thing is certain: things will never be the same. The clock is ticking, and as these dangerous games unfold, the MCU is headed for a future where nothing is guaranteed, besides the fact that all these roads…lead directly to Doom.

5 Things You Might Have Missed In The Birds of Prey Trailer

The film Birds of Prey is flying into theaters in a month, and Harley and her crew seem poised to make an impact when it does. The film, originally green-lit after fans enjoyed Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, seems to be a female-centric action comedy with a bit of an edge to it. Set to the tunes of Björk’s It's Oh So Quiet, a new trailer has arrived, and it gives us more of a hint of what’s to come when Birds of Prey hits the big screen.

Although it's less than three minutes, the trailer shows more of the film than we have seen before, giving us motivations, teasing set pieces, and hinting at enough comic book related Easter eggs for us to get excited. DC’s latest entry into the comic book movie genre looks to be more adult than previous entries, but what will Birds of Prey be about? How close to the comics will this adaptation be?

All these questions and more will be answered as we do a deep dive into the latest Birds of Prey Trailer and point out five things you might have missed!

The Proof is in the (lack of) Puddin’

The last time we saw Harley Quinn, she was being broken out of prison by her enigmatic boyfriend The Joker at the end of Suicide Squad. While many believed the devilish duo would get away and live happily ever after, there seems to be trouble in paradise. Harley and “Mistah J” are on the outs at the beginning of BOP, as explained by Ms. Quinzel. Although Harley claims the split was amicable, odds are Joker tossed her aside as he has done many times in other incarnations of the couple. Free from that ever-toxic relationship, Harley doesn’t seem to take it well, opting to stuff her face on the couch before trying to venture out on her own (and killing her boo?).

Conspicuous by his absence is the man who brought Joker to life in Suicide Squad, Jared Leto. Leto’s take on the Clown Prince of Crime was mostly panned by critics, although the actor went to great lengths (supposedly) to bring something original to the character. When a Harley Quinn spinoff film was announced after Suicide Squad, it seemed like an easy guess that the former Oscar winner would be returning alongside Margot Robbie to reprise their roles of Joker and Harley respectively. For good or ill, it seems Leto is not going to be in this film. They even go so far as to hint at his death.

Birds of a Feather

So, why have the women in this film decided to team up? At first glance, the team of Cassie Cain, Huntress, Black Canary, Renee Montoya, and the ever-unpredictable Harley Quinn seems hobbled together, but the women are on the same side for a reason. From what we can gather all these women have drawn the ire of Roman Sionis the crime boss known as Black Mask. 

According to the narration, Cassie stole something from Sionis, Renee who is a cop, is trying to put him behind bars. Rumor has it Harley is protecting the young Cassie from harm and Huntress gets on Roman’s radar by killing an associate of his. Black Canary who is shown in the trailer singing in Black Mask’s nightclub, seemingly betrays him at some point in the film (for reasons that are unclear) making her a target as well.

Harley and her cohorts are seemingly the Birds of Prey in name only. The group who debuted in 1996 originally consisted of Barbara Gordon aka Batgirl/Oracle and Dinah Drake aka Black Canary. The two urban crime fighters were joined by Helena Bertinelli, The Huntress, when Gail Simone took over the series in 2003 and that’s the trio most associate with the Birds of Prey moniker, meaning Harley Quinn and her crew have some big shoes to fill.

(M)Ask and You Shall Receive

Roman Sionis, who goes by the supervillain name Black Mask, is set to make his live-action debut as the big baddie in Birds of Prey. The mobster and crime lord, played by Ewan McGregor in the film, has been a menace since his debut in 1985. Once it was announced that McGregor was bringing Sionis to life, speculation started to run rampant about whether McGregor would don his trademark black mask. Fans waited with bated breath, but sadly most Birds of Prey’s promotional material had Ewan sans-mask.

Fortunately for us die-hards, we finally see Black Mask in all his glory when Ewan McGregor dons the disguise for the first time in cinematic history, completing his classic comic book look in the trailer. What’s the story behind the mask you ask? In the comics, Roman was a wealthy and spoiled child who eventually falls in love with a woman his parents didn’t approve of.

When he realizes they will never approve of this woman, a young Sionis sets the family mansion on fire killing both his parents. Lacking the business acumen of his parents, Roman runs his parent’s company into the ground before he is removed from the board. Sionis, having nowhere else to go, chooses a life of crime. The mask he wears is sculpted from broken pieces of his father’s black casket and serves as a morbid reminder of the past he destroyed.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roller Derby

After the success of Joker in the fall of 2019, Warner Bros was said to want to make more R rated comic book films in the future. Birds of Prey looks to earn its R rating with some adult material scattered throughout its 120-minute runtime. Having been described by the MPAA as having strong violence and language throughout, with some sexual and drug material, we wondered what form these more adult scenes would take.

These grittier elements are all apparent in the trailer as we explicitly see a scene where Harley inhales pure cocaine, causing the anti-heroine to plunge herself into a drug-fueled fight scene. Not only is this one of the first instances of a real-life drug existing in a DC film, but the idea that the protagonist of this film would be on cocaine while engaging in copious amounts of violence proves this isn’t your grandma’s superhero movie. As far as the sex is concerned, Black Mask is long-rumored to be homosexual in this movie, a first for Roman Sionis, and Renee Montoya is canonically a lesbian, both issues to be addressed in the film presumably.

The film also seems to be going for a bit of fun, as showcased by a scene in which Harley seems to be in some sort of Roller Derby. We sure were surprised when some merchandise was shown of Harley wearing the skates and helmet, but we’ve yet to see how the Roller Derby fits into the plot.

A Declaration of Emancipation

Harley Quinn, as a character, has always been someone tethered to her more popular beau Joker. Their poisonous connection is an integral part of Harley’s backstory, but Birds Of Prey proves it isn’t her defining one. The name of the game is emancipation (the act or process of being set free), which seems to be a motif that will be apparent throughout the movie. Not only does Harley wish to be “free” of her ties to the Clown Prince of Crime but hopes to be freed from the image she created for herself while dating the madman.

Ms. Quinzell, who since leaving her main profession as a psychiatrist, hasn’t experienced life without Mistah J, making this a huge deal. Fortunately, Harley will not be alone in her quest for freedom. Renee Montoya feels shackled by her limitations as a detective, while Huntress who grew up in a life of crime, is also looking for a way out. Black Canary and Cassie both seem to have ties to Black Mask, and hope to release themselves of his company.

The villain himself could be hiding his true self behind the Black Mask moniker for all we know. We also see a hyena being kept as a pet. What are the chances Harley felt the hyena deserved a new lease on life too? Here’s hoping for a Bruce Wayne the Hyena prequel in 2021.