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It’s intriguing to consider how the DCEU would have played out if Zack Snyder had chosen to film a directMan of Steelsequel instead ofBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. David S. Goyer was charged with writing a sequel to the 2013 blockbuster the same month it was released, only for it to be revealed shortly after to be the crossover fans have been hoping to see for years instead.
According to Zack Snyder, Brainiac was considered the villain inMan of Steel 2.On July 18, 2025,Man of Steelwas released in theatres, kicking off the DCEU, which currently includes films based on characters such as Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and the Suicide Squad. Despite this, no official sequel toMan of Steelhas been made, and Warner Bros. instead chose to renameMan of Steel 2asBatman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.Snyder then began work on a five-part epic story that would build up to Justice League and its future sequels.
Also Read:‘It works on almost a subliminal level’: Death of Superman Writer and DC Legend Dan Jurgens Says Henry Cavill is Superman Incarnate, Wants Him in More DCU Movies
Zack Snyder Wanted Brainiac as Man Of Steel Sequel Antagonist
Brainiac was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino and debuted inAction Comics #242in July 1958. The character is one of Superman’s most recognizable adversaries, second only to Lex Luthor. Despite his fame, the character has never made it to the big screen. The character was originally intended forSuperman IIIbefore being shelved.
He was also an integral component of Kevin Smith and Tim Burton’s Superman Lives treatment, which never saw the light of day. Despite not starring in a film, the character has appeared on television several times, as well as in the DC Animated Universe. FromSmallville(played byBuffy the Vampire Slayeralum James Marsters), and most recently as the major villain on the short-lived Syfy series, Krypton, BRainiac is not unknown to fans of the live-action DC comics.
Zack Snyderdisclosed plans to employ Brainiac in a sequel toMan of Steelin an interview. Snyder did not say whether this was the original concept beforeMan of Steel 2becameBatman V Superman: Dawn of Justiceor whether it would have come after Justice League. The300director stated,
“We talked about a Brainiac movie…I just think it’s best to give Superman these extraterrestrial challenges because I think you’ve got to be careful with — other than Lex Luthor, because, of course, you have to continue with Lex, because Lex is his real nemesis — but I think you really have to look outside of the Earth for challenges for him because of how powerful he is.”
Related:‘As a young boy, I was running around the garden in a Superman outfit’: Henry Cavill Always Wanted To Play the Man of Steel, Even When He Was Just a Kid
The Brainiac negotiations appeared to have occurred early in the sequel’s development. Man of Steel 2 was announced before the first film was released in theatres, but by the time the film was released, the studio had opted to focus on establishing theJustice Leaguerather than a typical Superman sequel.
Fans Want Zack Snyder Back for Man of Steel 2 With Daniel Craig as Brainiac
With James Gunn and Peter Safran as the current CEOs of DCU and Henry Cavill’s return in the DCU with aMan of Steelsequel currently at works, fans all around the globe have started demanding Zack Snyder’s Superman vision to be fulfilled with Daniel Craig as Brainiac.
Daniel Craig as Brainiac maybe a baseless rumour but either him or Ralph Finnes are literally top tier casting for that role. Both can play ice-cold like nobody else.#ManOfSteel2
— Bendrix 🦁 (@Benjmeister85)July 13, 2025
•Daniel Craig as Mr Freeze•Daniel Craig as Brainiac•Daniel Craig as Reverse Flash•Daniel Craig as himself in the DCEU
🤷🏽♂️@DCComicspic.twitter.com/QvjhVDeNBs
— Joe Taft (@Joe_Taft_)July 07, 2025
Zack Snyder confirmed that Brainiac and Kryptonians from the Phantom Zone ( yes they are alive and kicking) would’ve been the villains in a planned solo Superman movie with Henry Cavill ❤️ 😭pic.twitter.com/GUjGf5BxzZ
— Geralt of North (@Itssan17)August 23, 2025
Zack Snyder says Brainiac and Kryptonians from the Phantom Zone would’ve been the villains in a direct ‘Man of Steel’ sequel 🍿pic.twitter.com/sEdQtGWAyW
— Post Cred Culture (@PostCredPod)June 24, 2025
Zack Snyder’s plan for Man of Steel 2 : " We talked about a Brainiac movie. But I do think that the Kryptonians that are in the Phantom Zone are probably still around. And there was always a possibility for their return. Faora and whoever’s left." (1/3)pic.twitter.com/MMAd3hIxKW
— Sagar ⚒ ⁱⁿ ˢᶜᵒᵗᵗ ˢᵗᵘᵇᵉʳ ᵉʳᵃ (@snyderfanatic)August 25, 2025
https://twitter.com/MakeMOTcampaign/status/1522383052500094976?s=20&t=Hcm0hksqQtpShpZWUiz39g
Also Read:‘It’s different than the DC thing’: Is Zack Snyder Directing Lobo? Jason Momoa Says His Secret Dream Project is ‘The Holy Grail’, Hints Standalone Universe Like The Batman
It’s intriguing to consider how the DCEU would have played out if Zack Snyder had chosen to film a directMan of Steelsequel instead ofBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Fans can now rejoice because Henry Cavill will return as the son of Krypton in theMan of Steelsequel, and he may soon face off against Brainiac.
Source:TheRonin
Rishav Deb Roy
Articles Published :142
Rishav Deb Roy is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Cost and Management Accounts from Chandigarh University and he is also a budding Chartered Accountant aspirant. He has always been passionate about writing and has been honing his skills since a very early age. He uses his writing skills to help businesses create compelling content that engages and informs their audiences. Rishav says he has a passion to research on many things, especially anything related to pop culture. He’s been following them since a very early age and is eager to work on them. Currently, he is working as a Content Writer at Fandomwire.
