The DC Universe is betting big on practical effects for its upcoming film Superman: Man of Tomorrow (July 2027), with co-CEO James Gunn confirming on Threads that Lex Luthor's warsuit is 100% practical. Recent set videos and photos show Nicholas Hoult wearing the physical suit, reinforcing a philosophy that began with Gunn's The Suicide Squad and has carried into the DCU's latest projects.

Lex Luthor's 100% Practical Warsuit: James Gunn's Threads Confirmation and Set Video Evidence

The DC Studios co-CEO took to Threads to confirm that the warsuit seen in set photos is not CGI-enhanced, according to the source article. the report quotes Gunn's response to a fan question, stating the suit has a “100% practical design.” Subsequent set videos show the suit in motion, with observers noting the immediate sense of weight and physicality that distinguishes it from CGI-reliant costumes.

This commitment to tangible effects is a hallmark of Gunn's filmmaking. Legacy Effects co-founder Shane Mahan previously revealed that when the company was contacted for The Suicide Squad, Gunn explicitly wanted “as many in-camera moments as possible.” The Man of Tomorrow warsuit represents the latest embodiment of that approach.

Why a Physical Suit Adds Weight to the July 2027 Superman Fight

According to the report,the practical nature of the warsuit is especially promising given that the film is expected to feature a Superman vs. Lex Luthor fight, and possibly a team-up against a greater threat. The physical suit should help the armor avoid the “clunky feeling” that CGI-heavy suits can produce in fight scenes, as the source article notes. The presence of real materials on set means Nicholas Hoult can interact with the environment and other actors in a way that digital substitutes might not capture.

The Transformers-esque design of the suit, while exaggerated, benefits from its real-world existence. The weight and heft visible in the set videos suggest a grounded take on the character's armor, potentially making the conflict feel more immediate and visceral.

From Clayface to The Suicide Squad: James Gunn's Long-Standing Practicality Philosophy

This preference for practical effects is not new. The source article notes that Gunn has commented on his belief that the DCU's Clayface design should be practical to look better on screen. That sentiment echoes his work on The Suicide Squad and the Guardians of the Galaxy films, where practical creatures and sets were a hallmark.. The DCU, now over a year into its run, appears to be “a breath of fresh air” by prioritizing varied releases—from the body-horror Clayface to the superhero spectacle of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow—all anchored by a shared commitment to in-camera effects.

Gunn's approach stands in contrast to the DCEU's often-criticized reliance on CGI, suggesting a deliberate effort to differentiate the new franchise. The practical warsuit is a visible symbol of that strategy.

One Open Question: Will the Warsuit Require CGI Touch-Ups in Post-Production?

While Gunn confirmed the design is 100% practical, it remains unclear whether visual effects will be added in post-production for fight sequences or to integrate the suit with digital backgrounds. The source article does not address whether the practical suit will be augmented with CGI for explosions, energy blasts, or wire-removal. Additionally, the full extent of the suit's usage—beyond the teased Superman fight and potential team-up—has not been discolsed. the report notes the suit might appear only in the current film, but future chapters could rely on digital versions if the practical suit is not retained.

These unanswered points leave room for speculation about how the DCU will balance its practical philosophy with the visual demands of a superhero blockbuster.