Superman’s Darkest Secret Unveiled: James Gunn Promises Answers About the Character You Can’t Unsee
Get ready to revisit the eerie corners of the Superman universe, because James Gunn has just dropped a bombshell: Man of Tomorrow will finally reveal the fate of Mr. Handsome, the disturbingly unforgettable character tied to Lex Luthor’s twisted past. But here’s where it gets controversial—is Mr. Handsome a tragic figure, a monster, or something in between? Let’s dive into why this revelation has fans buzzing and critics divided.
Superman, for the most part, was a family-friendly adventure filled with bright costumes, fantastical action, and minimal adult themes. Yet, nestled within its colorful world was Mr. Handsome, a character so unsettling that he became the exception to the film’s kid-friendly rule. Portrayed by Trevor Newlin, Mr. Handsome wasn’t just a sidekick—he was a creation born from Lex Luthor’s childhood experiments, a failed attempt at crafting a human that resulted in something… other. And this is the part most people miss: Mr. Handsome isn’t just a freak; he’s the only being Lex Luthor ever showed genuine affection for, as hinted by the photo on his desk.
Recently, Gunn teased fans with a holiday card featuring Mr. Handsome, sparking speculation about his return in Man of Tomorrow. When a fan asked about his fate after Luthor’s capture, Gunn’s response was cryptic yet promising: “You’ll find out in [Man of Tomorrow].” But what does this mean? Will Mr. Handsome merely be referenced, or will he physically reappear? Given his significance to Luthor—who co-stars alongside David Corenswet’s Superman—and the fact that the holiday card was specifically created for the film’s crew, it’s safe to bet we’ll see more of this eerie character.
Controversial Take Alert: Some fans argue Mr. Handsome is a missed opportunity—a character who could have explored themes of loneliness and humanity but was instead reduced to a horror trope. Others believe his unsettling nature adds depth to Luthor’s backstory. What do you think? Is Mr. Handsome a wasted potential or a brilliantly unsettling addition to the Superman mythos?
Gunn himself has expressed a soft spot for the character, revealing in an X post that Mr. Handsome was created by a 12-year-old Lex Luthor attempting to make a human. “He didn’t come out so well,” Gunn admitted, “but he just might be the only one in the world Lex has any true sentiment for.” This raises intriguing questions: Does Luthor see Mr. Handsome as a failure, a friend, or a reminder of his own hubris? And how will their relationship factor into Man of Tomorrow’s plot?
As we await the film’s July 9, 2027 release, one thing is clear: Mr. Handsome’s return won’t just be a cameo—it’ll be a mirror reflecting Luthor’s darkest impulses. Are you excited to see more of this polarizing character, or do you think the franchise should leave him in the past? Let’s debate in the comments—because whether you love him or hate him, Mr. Handsome is a character you can’t ignore.
