Who Are the Villains in James Gunn's Superman?

The summer movie season is in full swing, and the anticipation for James Gunn's "Superman" is reaching a fever pitch. Warner Bros. has just released an exciting new trailer that not only teases the plot but also delves deeper into the dynamic between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. However, it's the villains that are stealing the spotlight, with Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor, María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, Gunn's original creation the Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman making appearances. This raises the intriguing question: who is the true antagonist in Gunn's vision of Superman? Is Lex Luthor taking a backseat to other DCU villains? Let's dive into the array of villains and see how they interconnect in this cinematic reboot.

Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images

View 33 ImagesWho Is the Hammer of Boravia?

The latest trailer introduces us to the Hammer of Boravia, a formidable, armored figure. This character is a fresh addition to the DC universe, crafted by Gunn himself rather than being pulled from the comics. The Hammer of Boravia was first hinted at in promotional materials, with a faux-Daily Planet headline proclaiming, “‘Hammer of Boravia’ Creates Havoc Downtown.” The trailer brings this to life, showing the Hammer clashing with Superman and unleashing a powerful laser attack.

The Hammer's reliance on advanced technology to challenge Superman suggests a soldier in a weaponized battlesuit, reminiscent of the Zaku from the Gundam series. Gunn's reference to the film's giant monsters as kaiju indicates a blend of Japanese influences with the classic Silver Age Superman and the graphic novel "All-Star Superman." This fusion of Eastern and Western elements promises a unique cinematic experience.

From what Warner Bros. has shared, the Hammer of Boravia represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has recently invaded Jarhanpur. Superman's intervention in this conflict has drawn the Hammer's ire upon Metropolis, sparking significant political repercussions, including scrutiny from the US Secretary of Defense. Gunn's "Superman" explores the complexities of Kal-El's role not just within Metropolis but on the global stage, echoing themes from Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman" about the unintended consequences of Superman's actions.

María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, who had a minor role in the first teaser, takes center stage in the new trailer. We get a closer look at her nanotech-based abilities, confirming her antagonistic stance towards Superman. This portrayal marks a significant departure from her comic book counterpart, Angela Spica, who is part of the superhero team The Authority. In the comics, The Authority operates with a more aggressive approach than the Justice League, often disregarding collateral damage and national sovereignty.

Gunn's "Superman" highlights the tension between Superman's traditional heroism and the more cynical, proactive methods of new heroes, a theme also reflected in Superman's costume, which draws from the "Kingdom Come" graphic novel. The trailer shows the Engineer working with Lex Luthor and engaging Superman in combat, from a baseball stadium to the Fortress of Solitude, even targeting Krypto. Her belief in Luthor's cause and her view of Superman as a threat to humanity set the stage for a potential redemption arc, though Gunn's plans for an "Authority" spin-off seem to be on hold.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The Engineer's search for Lex Luthor in the movie leads her to fight alongside a mysterious, masked figure speculated to be Ultraman. The character's "U" emblem and ability to match Superman's strength fuel this theory. However, if this is Ultraman, the film takes creative liberties with the source material.

In the comics, Ultraman is from Earth-3, leading the Crime Syndicate of America, an evil counterpart to the Justice League. Gunn's version might be closer to Nuclear Man from "Superman IV" or certain Bizarro iterations, possibly a genetically engineered being with Superman's powers but lacking his morality. The obscured face suggests a dramatic reveal, potentially with Corenswet behind the mask.

Ultraman appears to be the physical endgame villain, challenging Superman with equal strength but opposing morals, promising intense battles that will test Kal-El's resilience.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The trailer showcases the epic scale of "Superman," with scenes of collapsing buildings and a kaiju reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or "Pacific Rim." Superman's battle against these giant monsters adds another layer to his challenges, raising questions about their origins. Are they a natural occurrence in the DCU, or is someone, perhaps Lex Luthor, orchestrating their attacks to undermine Superman?

A scene from the original costume reveal photo, showing Superman suiting up as a monster looms over Metropolis, is set to play out in the film, with Lois Lane also present. This ties into the evolving relationship between Lois and Clark, which we'll explore further.

While Superman faces numerous foes, Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, seems to be orchestrating events from the shadows. The trailer suggests Lex views himself as humanity's savior, driven by a deep-seated resentment towards Superman's influence. He's working to discredit Superman, possibly in alliance with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr., leading to scenes of Superman imprisoned and beaten.

Lex's role appears more supportive than fans might expect, manipulating other villains like the Engineer and Ultraman to do his bidding while he focuses on tarnishing Superman's reputation. His ultimate defeat may be intellectual rather than physical, setting the stage for a recurring role in the DCU.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship

The trailer also sheds light on the relationship between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Lois already knows Clark's secret, reflecting her intelligence and investigative prowess. The opening scene, reminiscent of the 1978 "Superman" film, focuses more on Lois's journalistic scrutiny of Superman's actions than on romantic tension.

Their relationship evolves from close friendship to romance, as evidenced by a dramatic kiss later in the trailer. Gunn emphasizes a complex dynamic, highlighting Lois's strength and intellect, ensuring she doesn't fall into the damsel-in-distress trope.

Who do you think is the real endgame villain of Gunn’s Superman? Which epic superhero battle are you most excited to see? Let us know what you think in the comments.