New Man of Tomorrow Details Fuel Matthew Lillard Role Theories

A new character detail connects Matthew Lillard to Daily Planet reporters and major Flash theories.

Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lillard

  • Primary Subject: Matthew Lillard’s Role in Man of Tomorrow 
  • Key Update: Rumors reveal Matthew Lillard's character has a biracial family and scenes with Daily Planet staff, sparking theories that he plays Barry Allen.
  • Status: Leaked
  • Last Verified: September 30, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Reports reveal Matthew Lillard's character has a biracial family and interacts with Daily Planet reporters, leading fans to speculate he portrays Barry Allen.

Matthew Lillard’s character in Man of Tomorrow remains a big mystery, but new details about his potential role are fueling theories about who he is set to play, and it looks like it could be a major one.

Back in May, reports emerged that the original Scream actor would join the cast of the Superman sequel after DC Studios co-CEO and director James Gunn teased their collaboration with a photo of them together.

Since then, fans have come up with several theories about his mysterious role, with one major Justice League hero gaining traction.

Who Will Matthew Lillard Play in Man of Tomorrow?

Matthew Lillard
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Credit: Universal Pictures
Matthew Lillard in Five Nights at Freddy's

X user @ATL DC (Atlanta DC Fans) revealed that Matthew Lillard’s character in Man of Tomorrow will have a biracial family and share scenes with Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), Kat Grant (Mikaela Hoover), and Perry White (Wendell Pierce).

While the post didn’t reveal who Lillard would specifically play, fans have already shared their thoughts on the character and come up with different theories.

Some believe the 56-year-old actor could portray Ted Kord or an entirely original character. However, others are more convinced that he could be Barry Allen, aka The Flash.

“He’s probably Barry Allen then,” @adriansjsjs commented.

“He’d actually make a great Barry Allen ngl especially if Wally is the main Flash,” @antime11o added.

“No actually that makes a lot of sense. Then Wally will be on the Justice League,” @KorgPorg explained.

With Lillard’s role still officially under wraps, fans will have to wait for more details to find out whether he is indeed playing a major DC hero.

Can Matthew Lillard Play Barry Allen in Man of Tomorrow?

Barry Allen
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Credit: DC Comics
Barry Allen

While the theory that Matthew Lillard is playing Barry Allen in Man of Tomorrow may seem wild to many, it could actually work.

In ATL DC’s post, the account revealed that Lillard’s character would interact with Jimmy Olsen, Kat Grant, and Perry White. These three all work for the Daily Planet and are journalists.

In the comics, Barry’s wife, Iris West-Allen, is also a journalist, though she works for Central City’s Picture News.

So, in the second Superman movie, there may be some changes, with Iris possibly working at the Daily Planet or being there for a business matter that could explain Barry’s interaction with the newspaper’s staff.

Regarding the biracial family, Barry’s wife in The CW’s The Flash was played by Black actress Candice Patton.

Kiersey Clemons also played Iris in both Zack Snyder’s Justice League and The Flash movie. That said, there is a chance that a Black actress could play the female character in Man of Tomorrow, making Barry’s family biracial.

It’s also worth noting that Jimmy Olsen will lead the upcoming The People v. Gorilla Grodd series, which will be released after Man of Tomorrow.

Gorilla Grodd is known as one of The Flash’s villains, so the connection between the two projects could potentially support the theory that Lillard is playing Barry – though this has yet to be confirmed.

Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 9, 2027.

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