James Gunn's Superman: Unveiling the Villains

The summer movie season is in full swing, and James Gunn's Superman is capturing everyone's attention. The anticipation for this reboot is palpable, with Warner Bros. unveiling a fresh trailer that delves deeper into the storyline and the dynamic between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. However, it's the villains that are stealing the show. The trailer not only features Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor but also introduces characters like María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, Gunn's original creation, the Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman. This raises the intriguing question: Who is the true antagonist in Gunn's Superman? Is Lex Luthor taking a backseat to other DCU villains? Let's dive into the array of villains and how they intertwine in this cinematic universe.

Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images

View 33 ImagesWho Is the Hammer of Boravia?

One of the standout villains introduced in the latest trailer is the Hammer of Boravia, a formidable figure in a bulky, armored suit. This character, a creation of Gunn's, breaks from traditional DC continuity, offering a fresh challenge for Superman. The Hammer was first hinted at in promotional materials with a faux-Daily Planet headline announcing chaos downtown caused by this new threat. The trailer shows the Hammer clashing with Superman, unleashing a devastating laser attack, suggesting reliance on advanced technology to match Superman's powers. The design of the suit draws inspiration from Japanese media, like the Zaku from Gundam, while Gunn's mention of kaiju hints at a broader influence from Eastern storytelling. The Hammer represents Boravia, a fictional nation that recently invaded Jarhanpur, prompting Superman's intervention and subsequent political repercussions, including scrutiny from the US Secretary of Defense. This narrative thread explores the global implications of Superman's actions, echoing themes seen in Batman v Superman, albeit with a more hopeful tone.

María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer

The Engineer, portrayed by María Gabriela de Faría, steps into the spotlight in this trailer, showcasing her nanotech-based abilities. Unlike her comic book version, who is part of the superhero team The Authority, this Engineer aligns with Lex Luthor, positioning herself as an adversary to Superman. Her presence in the film underscores the tension between Superman's traditional heroism and the more cynical approach of modern heroes. The trailer features her battling Superman in a baseball stadium and attacking his robotic allies in the Fortress of Solitude, highlighting her allegiance to Luthor's cause. While her comic counterpart is more ambiguous, this Engineer's actions suggest a clear villainous role, though her journey might evolve as the film progresses.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The trailer also teases a mysterious masked figure, speculated to be Ultraman, due to the prominent U emblem on his chest and his ability to match Superman's strength. Traditionally, Ultraman is from Earth-3, leading the Crime Syndicate of America, but Gunn's film seems to take a different approach. Rather than delving into the multiverse, this Ultraman might be akin to Nuclear Man or certain versions of Bizarro, possibly a genetically engineered counterpart to Superman. The obscured face hints at a dramatic reveal, potentially with Corenswet behind the mask. Physically, Ultraman appears to be the primary antagonist, challenging Superman with equal power but lacking his moral compass.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The trailer emphasizes the epic scale of Superman, with scenes of collapsing buildings and Superman battling giant monsters reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or Pacific Rim. These kaiju add another layer of chaos to Metropolis, raising questions about their origin and purpose. Is Lex Luthor behind this monster invasion, aiming to discredit Superman? The trailer suggests a connection, with Luthor's machinations potentially orchestrating this crisis.

Lex Luthor: Supporting Villain? -------------------------------

While Superman faces numerous foes, Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, seems to operate more subtly. The trailer portrays him as a traditional antagonist, viewing himself as humanity's savior and resenting Superman's influence. Luthor's plan appears to involve discrediting Superman, possibly through alliances with characters like The Engineer and Ultraman. His indirect approach suggests a more cerebral battle, with Luthor's defeat likely to be intellectual rather than physical. This nuanced portrayal positions Luthor as a thematic and emotional adversary, with Ultraman serving as the physical threat.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship

Amidst the focus on villains, the trailer also sheds light on the relationship between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Lois, already aware of Clark's secret identity, engages him in a probing interview, reflecting her role as a sharp journalist. Their dynamic is less about romantic tension and more about intellectual sparring, with Lois challenging Clark on the political ramifications of his actions. The trailer hints at their evolving relationship, culminating in a dramatic kiss, suggesting a deepening bond over the course of the film. Gunn's vision emphasizes Lois's strength and independence, ensuring she is not reduced to a damsel in distress but rather a formidable partner to Superman.

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.

Which villain are you most excited to see in James Gunn's Superman? -------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hammer of BoraviaThe EngineerThe KaijuUltramanLex Luthor

AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the future of the DCU, see every DC movie and series in development.