Although "Man of Steel 2" has yet to enter its production phase, there are already numerous speculations as to who the movie will feature as its big bad to be pitted against Superman (Henry Cavill). While the Man of Steel has battled lots of opponents in the comic books and in his other incarnations, one name has persisted, though, to be "Man of Steel 2's" villain: Brainiac.

According to the latest reports, it is possible for Brainiac to be featured as "Man of Steel 2's" main villain as, after all, he is one of Superman's most formidable opponents. Allegedly, the movie sequel will feature the alien warlord stealing the Kryptonian codex featured in the first "Man of Steel" movie from Superman.

To the uninitiated, the codex contains all the genetic information of the Kryptonian race which was embedded in the then baby Kal-El/Superman by Jor-El (Russel Crowe) before sending him to Earth in the first "Man of Steel." It also became the bone of contention between Superman and General Zod (Michael Shannon) when they battled in the said movie. 

Rumors about Brainiac being the villain in "Man of Steel 2" is not new, though. A few months ago, it was reported that the alien warlord will be the movie's big bad, indeed. Allegedly, he and Superman will even clash with each other twice: First, inside Brainiac's spaceship, where he holds Superman's cousin, Kara/Supergirl, captive, and second, on Earth.

It is said that it will be another DC superhero, Martian Manhunter, who will chase Brainiac to Earth as the alien warlord captured the former's family and race, too. Once on Earth, Brainiac and Superman will clash anew, and, this time, the Man of Steel will get some help from the Justice League members in defeating Brainiac.

While rumors about Brainiac being the villain in "Man of Steel 2" is nothing short of exciting, unfortunately, they are nothing but rumors at this point in time, which can only be confirmed when the movie arrives.

As Warner Bros has booked one showing date each for 2018 and 2019 for two unknown movies, and, with the 2018 playdate believed as reserved for Ben Affleck's "The Batman," it is most likely that "Man of Steel 2" will arrive in the theaters in 2019.