The summer movie season is heating up, and all eyes are on James Gunn's highly anticipated reboot of Superman. Warner Bros. has recently released a new trailer that delves deeper into the plot and the dynamic between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. However, the real buzz is around the villains showcased in the trailer, including Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor, María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, Gunn's original character the Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman. This raises the intriguing question: who is the true villain in Gunn's Superman? Is Lex Luthor taking a backseat to other DCU antagonists? Let's dive into the array of villains and see 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 in the latest trailer is the imposing, armored character known as the Hammer of Boravia. This isn't a character pulled from DC's extensive comic history, but rather a new creation by Gunn specifically for David Corenswet's Superman to confront. This decision is intriguing, especially considering the untapped potential of DC's character roster.

The Hammer of Boravia was first hinted at in promotional materials, featuring a headline in a faux-Daily Planet newspaper that read “‘Hammer of Boravia’ Creates Havoc Downtown.” The trailer confirms this, showing the Hammer engaging in combat with Superman and unleashing a powerful laser attack. It's evident that this villain relies on advanced technology, sporting a weaponized battlesuit reminiscent of the Zaku from the Gundam series. Gunn's reference to the giant monsters in the film as "kaiju" suggests a blend of Japanese media influence with the classic Silver Age comics and All-Star Superman elements, creating a unique fusion of Eastern and Western storytelling.

From what Warner Bros. has revealed, the Hammer of Boravia hails from the fictional nation of Boravia, which has recently invaded Jarhanpur. Superman's intervention in this conflict has drawn the Hammer's wrath to Metropolis, leading to significant political ramifications. Even the US Secretary of Defense is involved, highlighting the global impact of Superman's actions. This narrative thread echoes the themes explored in Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman, focusing on the repercussions of Superman's global interventions.

María Gabriela de Faría's character, the Engineer, has a more prominent role in this trailer than in the initial teaser. Her nanotech-based powers are showcased, clearly positioning her as an adversary to Superman. This portrayal differs from her comic book counterpart, who is part of the superhero team The Authority. The Authority is often depicted as more proactive and less concerned with collateral damage, aligning with Gunn's theme of contrasting old-fashioned heroism with a new, more cynical breed of heroes. The angular S logo on Superman's costume, inspired by Kingdom Come, further emphasizes this conflict.

In the trailer, the Engineer, or Angela Spica, is seen working with Lex Luthor and engaging Superman in battle at a baseball stadium and the Fortress of Solitude. Her actions suggest she views Superman as a threat to humanity, a belief she shares with Luthor. While Gunn had plans for an Authority movie, Superman appears to be setting the stage for de Faría's character in the broader DCU narrative.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The Engineer is shown searching for Lex Luthor, but she's also seen fighting alongside a mysterious, masked figure speculated to be Ultraman. This character sports a large U emblem and possesses the strength to challenge Superman directly. However, if this is indeed Ultraman, the movie takes a creative liberty with the source material.

In the comics, Ultraman is from Earth-3, where the roles of heroes and villains are reversed. He leads the Crime Syndicate of America, a counterpart to the Justice League. With the complexity of Gunn's Superman, it's unlikely the film will delve into the DC multiverse. Instead, this character might be reimagined as a genetically engineered counterpart to Superman, akin to Nuclear Man from Superman IV or certain versions of Bizarro. The obscured face and body suggest a dramatic reveal, possibly with Corenswet behind the mask.

Physically, Ultraman appears to be the primary antagonist, challenging Superman with similar powers but lacking his moral compass. Previous trailers indicate that Kal-El will face a tough battle against this formidable foe.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The trailer highlights the epic scale of the movie, with scenes of buildings collapsing. Superman's mission to save lives could result in significant casualties if he's not careful. Beyond human adversaries, he also faces giant monsters, or kaiju, reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or Pacific Rim series.

One scene recalls the original costume reveal photo from 2024, where Superman suits up against a massive monster in Metropolis. Lois Lane's presence in these scenes suggests her involvement in the action. The presence of kaiju raises questions about their origins—are they naturally occurring, or is someone like Lex Luthor orchestrating their attacks to discredit Superman?

The trailer confirms that Superman faces a variety of foes, but Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, seems to be operating more as a mastermind than a direct combatant. His motivations are classic—he views himself as humanity's savior, opposed to Superman's influence over the public. Lex's disdain for Superman is evident, even referring to him as "it."

Lex's plan to discredit Superman includes possible collaboration with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr., played by Frank Grillo. At one point, Superman is shown in a superhuman prison with Metamorpho, indicating the severity of his political crisis. Lex's role appears to be more supportive, using allies like the Engineer and Ultraman to engage Superman physically while he works to undermine his reputation.

Ultimately, Lex will likely remain the thematic and emotional antagonist, with Ultraman serving as the physical threat. The film will likely culminate in Superman proving Lex wrong, reinforcing values of kindness and hope in a cynical world. Lex's defeat will be intellectual rather than physical, setting the stage for his continued presence in the DCU.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship

While the villains take center stage, the trailer also explores the dynamic between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. The opening scene reveals that Lois already knows Clark's secret, fitting her portrayal as a brilliant reporter. This scene echoes the iconic interview from the 1978 Superman film but focuses more on the political implications of Superman's actions.

Lois and Clark's relationship in this film appears to be one of close friendship, with hints of romance developing. Their dramatic kiss later in the trailer suggests their relationship will evolve over the course of the movie. Gunn emphasized the complexity of their relationship during a set visit in 2024, highlighting Lois's intelligence and strength as a journalist who can challenge Superman intellectually, much like Lex Luthor.

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.