Brainiac Image villain
By
TJ Mills
Published 23 minutes ago
TJ Mills is an editor on ScreenRant's Comic team, where she combines her lifelong passion for DC with her analytical background as a former Intelligence Analyst. Since joining ScreenRant in 2023, she has specialized in covering major DC storylines, character evolutions, and industry developments.
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The Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, may still be nearly two years away, with a release date set for July 9, 2027, but fans are already buzzing with excitement. Much of this hype has fueled fans’ sleuthing to uncover every detail about the upcoming movie, including the main villain, who is reportedly Brainiac. And there’s already a clear frontrunner for who should bring the iconic villain to life.
Leaked descriptions of the main villain for Man of Tomorrow reportedly mentioned makeup and prosthetics for the antagonist, suggesting a non-human or alien character, along with a teaser that the movie will feature a “much bigger threat” than the one explored in Superman (2025).
Hamish-Linklater-in-Midnight-Mass-and-Batman-from-Batman-Caped-CrusaderCustom image by Yeider Chacon
Assuming DC aims to spotlight Superman’s most iconic villains, these clues point to Brainiac as the film’s main villain. This inference has, in turn, sparked fan-casting for the role, with one Hollywood name dominating: Hamish Linklater.
Why Hamish Linklater Is the Perfect Brainiac in Superman: Man of Tomorrow
Hamish Linklater’s Father Paul in Netflix’s Midnight Mass
Hamish Linklater standing in church giving a sermon on Midnight Mass
Linklater is a highly versatile actor, known for iconic roles such as Cipher, the charismatic newly appointed Dean of Godolkin University in Gen V Season 2, and Father Paul in Midnight Mass, a priest with a deeply complex and unsettling charisma. He is also already part of the DC family, voicing Bruce Wayne / Batman in the animated series Batman: Caped Crusader (2024–).
Fans of DC know Brainiac is one of the publisher’s most unique and diabolical villains, a highly intelligent alien who largely presents as emotionless. Linklater’s previous roles suggest he is a prime candidate to capture these vibes, combining subtle menace with intelligence in a way that aligns perfectly with Brainiac’s iconic presence.
His performance as Father Paul in Midnight Mass particularly demonstrates Linklater’s ability to convey a strange, unsettling aura. He brings gravitas and emotional depth, qualities essential for nailing a complex villain like Brainiac. Fans can expect him to translate this unique blend of menace and sophistication into a compelling portrayal of the iconic character if he lands the role.
How Hamish Linklater’s Physique and Presence Could Bring Brainiac to Life
Hamish Linklater's Cipher in Gen V Season 2
Hamish Linklater's Cipher holding a knife and looking disinterested in Gen V season 2 YT
In addition to his acting ability, Linklater has a physicality well-suited for Brainiac. At 6′4″ with a lanky, tall build, he can embody the alien presence of Brainiac, making him both imposing and believable in live-action form.
Linklater’s mastery of body language, paired with his vocal range in both voice acting and live-action roles, suggests he could nail Brainiac’s presence. His talent for blending cerebral intelligence and otherly menace makes him a compelling contender to bring one of Superman’s most iconic villains to life in a way that feels authentic and unforgettable.
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