The summer movie season is heating up, and anticipation for James Gunn's "Superman" continues to soar. Warner Bros. has 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 spotlight is on the villains, with Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor, María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, the newly introduced Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman taking center stage. This raises the question: who is the true antagonist in Gunn's vision of Superman? Is Lex Luthor playing a secondary role to other DCU villains? Let's delve into the array of villains featured in "Superman" and how they interconnect.

Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images

View 33 ImagesWho Is the Hammer of Boravia?

The latest trailer introduces a formidable new character, the Hammer of Boravia, a heavily armored figure created by Gunn for this film. Unlike other villains drawn from DC comics, the Hammer of Boravia is an original creation, showcasing Gunn's innovative approach to the expansive DC universe.

The character was initially hinted at through a faux-Daily Planet headline about the havoc caused by the "Hammer of Boravia" in downtown Metropolis. The trailer brings this conflict to life, showing the Hammer engaging Superman in combat and unleashing a powerful laser attack. This villain's reliance on advanced technology, particularly a weaponized battlesuit reminiscent of the Zaku from the Gundam series, suggests a strategic approach to challenging Superman.

Gunn's reference to the film's giant monsters as kaiju further indicates a blend of Eastern and Western influences in the movie's design, contrasting with Superman's classic Silver Age aesthetics and elements from the graphic novel "All-Star Superman." The Hammer represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has invaded Jarhanpur, prompting Superman's intervention and subsequent political turmoil. This narrative explores the global challenges Superman faces beyond Metropolis, echoing themes from "Batman v Superman" but with a hopeful twist on international relations.

María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer

Following a brief appearance in the initial teaser, María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer takes a more prominent role in the new trailer. Her nanotech-based powers are showcased, confirming her antagonistic stance against Superman.

In the comics, the Engineer, aka Angela Spica, is a member of The Authority, a team known for its proactive and sometimes militant approach to heroism. Gunn's adaptation flips this script, positioning Angela as a villain working for Lex Luthor. Her confrontations with Superman in a baseball stadium and the Fortress of Solitude, including an attack on Superman's loyal robot and even Krypto, highlight her aggression.

The film explores the tension between Superman's traditional heroism and the more cynical, modern approach represented by characters like the Engineer. This theme is also reflected in Superman's costume, which borrows the angular S logo from the "Kingdom Come" graphic novel. Despite her current alignment, there's potential for Angela's character to evolve, especially considering Gunn's plans for an "Authority" spin-off.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The trailer introduces a mysterious masked figure, speculated to be the DCU's version of Ultraman. The character's large U emblem and ability to match Superman's strength fuel this theory. However, the film appears to take creative liberties with the source material.

Traditionally, Ultraman is an alternate universe version of Superman from Earth-3, leading the Crime Syndicate of America. Gunn's film seems to reimagine him more as a genetically engineered counterpart to Superman, possibly akin to Nuclear Man or some versions of Bizarro. The obscured face and body hint at a dramatic reveal, potentially with Corenswet behind the mask.

Physically, Ultraman appears to be the primary villain, challenging Superman's moral and physical strength. Previous trailers suggest intense battles that will test Kal-El's resilience.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The trailer emphasizes the film's epic scale, with scenes of collapsing buildings and Superman battling kaiju reminiscent of the Monsterverse or "Pacific Rim." A scene from the 2024 costume reveal photo shows Superman preparing to fight a giant monster in Metropolis, with Lois Lane present.

The presence of multiple kaiju raises questions about their origin. Is Lex Luthor orchestrating these attacks to discredit Superman? The trailer suggests this possibility, setting the stage for Lex's manipulative schemes.

While Superman faces numerous threats, Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, seems to take a more indirect approach. Traditional in his motivations, Lex views himself as humanity's savior and resents Superman's influence. He aims to discredit Superman, possibly working with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr., leading to Superman's incarceration alongside Metamorpho.

Lex's role appears more supportive, manipulating events from behind the scenes while characters like the Engineer and Ultraman confront Superman directly. His ultimate defeat may be intellectual rather than physical, setting the stage for future DCU narratives.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship

The trailer also highlights the evolving relationship between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Lois, already aware of Clark's secret identity, challenges him on the political implications of his actions. Their dynamic shifts from friendship to romance, culminating in a dramatic kiss.

Gunn emphasizes Lois's role as a strong, independent journalist, avoiding the damsel-in-distress trope. Her intellectual prowess matches that of Superman and Lex Luthor, adding depth to the film's narrative.

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.