EDITOR: A previous version of this story interpreted our conversation as confirmation Superman: Man of Steel is the start of DC's next animated universe. Warner Bros. Animation has since clarified that this is not the case.
DC's animated movie Justice League Dark: Apokolips War was a major milestone for the studio, closing out the DC Animated Movie Universe. The film left many of its major heroes dead in a final battle against Darkseid, with the Flash traveling back in time to create a more hopeful vision of the DCAMU.
Since then, there has been much speculation on how Warner Bros. Animation will reboot the animated cinematic universe. While we still don't know if Barry Allen's time-traveling run resulted in the creation of Superman: Man of Tomorrow's reality, the film represents a new beginning for the Man of Steel in animated film.
While speaking with CBR ahead of the movie's release, director Chris Palmer hoped that the animated film would not be a standalone tale like Superman: Red Son, but rather the launch of a new vision of the DC Universe, with Superman front and center to kick off with a retelling of the Man of Steel's origins for a new generation.
"The films were winding down from the previous arcs, the stories being for the past ten years for Warner Animation," Palmer told CBR. "In searching for [a way to] launch the first film [in a new direction], Superman seemed like the big character to go with."
While Palmer was reluctant to confirm if there are future stories planned starring his version of Superman, he similarly couldn't elaborate on the details or whether additional DC superheroes will receive their own starring feature films before the next chapter in Clark Kent's life arrives, though he did say he hoped "there will be an announcement soon." In the meantime, Palmer says he hoped to make his take on the Last Son of Krypton and the hero's world brighter and more visually distinct than the previous animated movie universe that began with 2014's Justice League: War.
"This film is obviously a lighter take -- Apokolips War is pretty dark, obviously -- Superman in blue skies in a shiny, new Metropolis," Palmer continued. "Even visually, there's that feel of a new beginning, starting with a younger Clark, as well. Starting with his first year on the job rather than a well-established Superman already in the suit helps with that."
Directed by Chris Palmer, Superman: Man of Tomorrow stars Darren Criss as Clark Kent/Superman, Zachary Quinto as Lex Luthor, Alexandra Daddario as Lois Lane, Brett Dalton as Lobo, Ryan Hurst as Rudy Jones/Parasite, Ike Aamadi as Martian Manhunter, Neil Flynn as Jonathan Kent and Bellamy Young as Martha Kent. The film arrives on digital HD on Aug. 23 and on Blu-ray and 4K UHD on Sep. 8.