Who Are the Villains in Gunn's Superman?

The summer movie season is heating up, and all eyes are on James Gunn's *Superman*. Anticipation for this big screen reboot continues to grow, with Warner Bros. releasing a brand new trailer that offers more insight into the movie's plot and the relationship between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. However, the real buzz is around the villains. The new trailer not only showcases Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor but also introduces characters like María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, Gunn's creation 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 baddies? Let's delve into the various villains featured in *Superman* and how they fit into the narrative.

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 Hammer of Boravia, a formidable, armored character. This isn't a character from the existing DC comics but a fresh creation by Gunn for David Corenswet's Superman to confront. It's a bold move, considering DC's extensive character library. The Hammer of Boravia was first hinted at in DC's promotional materials, with a faux-Daily Planet headline reading “‘Hammer of Boravia’ Creates Havoc Downtown.” The trailer shows the Hammer engaging in combat with Superman and unleashing a devastating laser attack.

The Hammer of Boravia seems to rely on advanced technology to match Superman's powers, appearing as a soldier in a weaponized battlesuit. The design echoes the Zaku from the Gundam series, and Gunn's reference to giant monsters as kaiju suggests a strong influence from Japanese media. This blend of Eastern and Western elements makes Superman a unique cinematic experience. The Hammer represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has invaded Jarhanpur, prompting Superman's intervention and drawing the Hammer's wrath upon Metropolis. The trailer also hints at the political repercussions of Superman's actions, with even the US Secretary of Defense involved. Gunn's Superman will explore the challenges Kal-El faces in being a force for good both in Metropolis and on the world stage, echoing themes from Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman.

María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer

After a brief appearance in the first teaser, María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer takes a more prominent role in the new trailer. We see her nanotech-based powers in action, confirming her antagonistic stance towards Superman. This portrayal contrasts with her comic book counterpart, who is part of the superhero team The Authority. The Authority, though not outright villains, are known for their proactive and sometimes militant approach, often disregarding collateral damage and national sovereignty. This aligns well with Gunn's theme of conflict between Superman's traditional heroism and a more cynical new generation of heroes, a theme also reflected in Superman's costume design, which draws from the graphic novel Kingdom Come.

In the trailer, the Engineer, aka Angela Spica, is seen working for Lex Luthor and eagerly engaging Superman in battle, from a baseball stadium to the Fortress of Solitude. Her actions suggest she views Superman as a threat to humanity, a belief she shares with Luthor. While her character arc might evolve, the trailer sets her up as a significant adversary. Gunn had initially planned an Authority movie to spin off from Superman, suggesting a broader storyline for de Faría's character.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The Engineer is seen fighting alongside a mysterious, masked character, speculated to be the DCU's version of Ultraman. This character sports a large U emblem and matches Superman's strength and durability. However, if this is indeed Ultraman, the film takes creative liberties with the source material. Traditionally, Ultraman is from Earth-3, leading the Crime Syndicate of America, a villainous counterpart to the Justice League. In Gunn's Superman, Ultraman might be more akin to Nuclear Man from Superman IV or certain versions of Bizarro, possibly a genetically engineered being with Superman's powers but without his morality.

Physically, Ultraman appears to be the primary antagonist, setting up a dramatic confrontation with Superman. The masked figure could hint at a significant reveal, perhaps with Corenswet's face behind the mask.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The new trailer emphasizes the film's epic scale, with scenes of buildings collapsing and Superman battling a kaiju reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or Pacific Rim. The trailer also revisits the costume reveal photo from 2024, showing Superman suiting up against a massive monster in Metropolis, with Lois Lane present. The presence of these kaiju raises questions about their origin and purpose. Is Lex Luthor orchestrating a crisis to undermine Superman?

The trailer confirms that Superman faces a variety of foes, but it appears that Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor won't be directly confronting him. Instead, Lex seems to be orchestrating events from behind the scenes, manipulating other villains to do his bidding. His traditional motivation of seeing himself as humanity's savior and his disdain for Superman's influence are evident. Lex's efforts to discredit Superman include possible alliances with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr., leading to scenes of Superman in a superhuman prison cell.

While Lex remains the central antagonist thematically, his role is more supportive, with physical threats like Ultraman taking the forefront. The film is likely to culminate in Superman proving Lex wrong, reinforcing themes of kindness and hope. Lex's defeat may be intellectual rather than physical, setting the stage for his continued presence in the DCU.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship

The trailer also sheds light on the dynamic between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. The opening scene reveals that Lois already knows Clark's secret, reflecting her intelligence and investigative skills. This differs from the comics, where Clark reveals his identity after their relationship deepens. The trailer suggests they are close friends, with potential for romance, as evidenced by a dramatic kiss later on.

Gunn emphasized the complexity of their relationship during a 2024 set visit, highlighting Lois's strength and intellect, which allows her to stand toe-to-toe with Superman. This portrayal avoids the damsel-in-distress trope, presenting Lois as a formidable character in her own right.

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.