The summer movie season is ramping up, and the buzz around James Gunn's *Superman* is palpable. Warner Bros. has just dropped a fresh trailer that delves deeper into the plot and the evolving relationship between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. Yet, it's the villains that truly steal 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 an intriguing question: Who is the real villain in Gunn's *Superman*? Is Lex Luthor taking a backseat to other DCU antagonists? Let's dive into the array of villains and how they intertwine in this cinematic universe.
Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images
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Who Is the Hammer of Boravia?
One of the standout newcomers in the latest trailer is the Hammer of Boravia, a formidable, armored figure. If this name doesn't ring any bells from DC's comic universe, don't fret. Gunn has crafted an entirely new villain for David Corenswet's Superman, showcasing his creative direction.
The Hammer of Boravia was first hinted at in DC's promotional materials, with a faux-Daily Planet headline announcing, "'Hammer of Boravia' Creates Havoc Downtown." The trailer brings this conflict to life, showing the Hammer engaging in a fierce battle with Superman and unleashing a devastating laser attack.
This villain appears to use advanced technology to match Superman's strength, donning a weaponized battlesuit reminiscent of the Zaku from the Gundam series. Gunn's nod to Japanese media is evident, not just in the Hammer but also in the kaiju-like giant monsters featured in the film. This blend of Eastern and Western influences promises a unique cinematic experience, even as Superman draws inspiration from classic Silver Age comics and the graphic novel All-Star Superman.
The Hammer represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has recently invaded Jarhanpur. Superman's intervention to halt the war draws the Hammer's wrath upon Metropolis, leading to significant political repercussions. Even the U.S. Secretary of Defense is seen pressuring Superman. This narrative highlights the challenges Kal-El faces in balancing his role as a global protector and the consequences of his actions, echoing themes from Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman.
María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer ----------------------------------After a brief appearance in the initial teaser, María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer takes center stage in this new trailer. We get a closer look at her nanotech-based powers, and it's evident she's no ally to Superman.
This portrayal flips the script on her comic book counterpart, Angela Spica, a member of the superhero team The Authority. In the comics, The Authority operates with a more aggressive and less ethical approach than the Justice League. Gunn's choice to include the Engineer reflects the film's theme of clashing ideologies between Superman's traditional heroism and a new breed of more cynical heroes, a conflict mirrored in the film's costume design, which draws from the Kingdom Come graphic novel.
In the trailer, Angela is shown working with Lex Luthor and eagerly confronting Superman in a baseball stadium and the Fortress of Solitude. She even targets Krypto, though the loyal dog manages to fight back. It seems the Engineer, like Luthor, views Superman as a threat to humanity. Whether her perspective shifts by the film's end remains to be seen, but her role may extend beyond this movie, given Gunn's past plans for an Authority spin-off.
Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?
The Engineer's search for Lex Luthor introduces a mysterious, masked figure speculated to be the DCU's Ultraman. The character's large U emblem and ability to match Superman's strength fuel this theory. However, if this is indeed Ultraman, the film takes significant creative liberties with the source material.
Traditionally, Ultraman hails from Earth-3, where heroes and villains are reversed, and he leads the Crime Syndicate of America. While the film may not explore the DC multiverse, Ultraman could be reimagined as a genetically engineered counterpart to Superman, akin to Nuclear Man or certain Bizarro iterations. The obscured face and body suggest a dramatic reveal, possibly with Corenswet behind the mask.
Physically, Ultraman appears to be the ultimate antagonist, challenging Superman with equal power but lacking his moral compass. The trailers hint at a brutal confrontation, suggesting Kal-El will face a severe beating.
Superman vs. Kaiju
The new trailer underscores the movie's epic scale, with scenes of buildings collapsing like dominoes. Superman's mission to save lives might inadvertently lead to a high body count reminiscent of Man of Steel.
Beyond human adversaries, Superman battles colossal kaiju, reminiscent of those in Legendary's Monsterverse or Pacific Rim. A scene from the original costume reveal photo in 2024, showing a monster attacking Metropolis as Superman suits up, will apparently play out in the film, with Lois Lane also involved.
The presence of multiple kaiju raises questions about their origin. Are they summoned deliberately, perhaps by Lex Luthor, to discredit Superman? Hoult's portrayal of Luthor suggests he's capable of orchestrating such a crisis.
Lex Luthor: Supporting Villain? -------------------------------Superman faces a myriad of foes, but Lex Luthor's role seems more indirect. Rather than confronting Superman in his iconic armor, Luthor manipulates events from the shadows, using other villains to do his bidding.
The trailer portrays Luthor as a traditional antagonist, viewing himself as humanity's savior and resenting Superman's popularity. He's obsessed with discrediting the Man of Steel, possibly even collaborating with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr. A scene shows Superman in a superhuman prison cell alongside Metamorpho, hinting at a political crisis severe enough to land him in jail.
Despite being Superman's arch-nemesis, Luthor's role in this film appears more supportive, focusing on undermining Superman's reputation rather than direct combat. While Ultraman may be the physical threat, Luthor's influence is felt thematically and emotionally. The film's climax likely sees Superman proving Luthor wrong, reaffirming the values of kindness and hope. Luthor's defeat will be intellectual, potentially setting the stage for his continued presence in the DCU.
Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship
While the villains take the spotlight, the dynamic between Lois Lane and Clark Kent is crucial. The trailer's opening reveals that Lois already knows Clark's secret, reflecting her intelligence and investigative prowess.
This scene echoes the iconic interview in the 1978 Superman, but Gunn shifts the focus from romance to Lois's journalistic scrutiny of Superman's actions. Their relationship appears to be one of close friendship initially, though a passionate kiss later in the trailer suggests a deepening bond.
Gunn's vision, as shared during IGN's set visit in 2024, emphasizes a complex relationship between Lois and Clark. He aims to portray Lois as an equal intellectual match to Superman, avoiding the damsel-in-distress trope that has plagued her in past adaptations.
Which villain are you most excited to see in James Gunn's Superman?
The Hammer of Boravia
The Engineer
The Kaiju
Ultraman
Lex Luthor
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the future of the DCU, see every DC movie and series in development.
