The summer movie season is heating up, and all eyes are on James Gunn's highly anticipated Superman reboot. Warner Bros. has released a new trailer that offers a deeper look into the plot and the dynamic between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. However, the real buzz surrounds the villains, with the trailer showcasing Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor, María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, Gunn's original creation the Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman. This raises the question: who is the true antagonist in Gunn's Superman? Is Lex Luthor taking a backseat to other DCU villains? Let's delve 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 newcomers in the latest trailer is the Hammer of Boravia, a formidable, armored character. This isn't a character from the DC comics but a fresh creation by Gunn, designed to challenge David Corenswet's Superman. 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 this conflict unfolding, with the Hammer engaging Superman and unleashing a powerful laser attack.

The Hammer of Boravia appears to use advanced technology to match Superman's strength, resembling a soldier in a weaponized battlesuit reminiscent of the Zaku from the Gundam series. Gunn's reference to the film's giant monsters as kaiju suggests a blend of Japanese media influences with the classic Silver Age comics and the graphic novel All-Star Superman. This fusion of Eastern and Western elements promises a unique cinematic experience.

According to Warner Bros., the Hammer of Boravia represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has recently invaded Jarhanpur. Superman's intervention in this conflict draws the Hammer's wrath upon Metropolis, leading to significant political repercussions, including scrutiny from the US Secretary of Defense. Gunn's Superman explores the challenges Kal-El faces not only within Metropolis but on the global stage, echoing themes from Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman about the unintended consequences of Superman's actions.

María Gabriela de Faría's character, The Engineer, plays a more prominent role in this trailer, showcasing her nanotech-based powers and her clear opposition to Superman. In the comics, The Engineer, aka Angela Spica, is part of The Authority, a proactive and militant superhero team. Gunn's film uses this character to highlight the clash between Superman's traditional heroism and the more cynical approach of modern heroes, a theme also reflected in Superman's costume, which draws from the graphic novel Kingdom Come.

In the DCU, Angela works for Lex Luthor and is eager to confront Superman, as seen in scenes at a baseball stadium and the Fortress of Solitude. Her actions suggest she views Superman as a threat to humanity, though her perspective might evolve by the film's end. Gunn's plans for an Authority movie, though currently on hold, indicate a broader storyline for de Faría's character.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The Engineer is seen fighting alongside a mysterious, masked figure speculated to be Ultraman, due to the large 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, an evil counterpart to the Justice League. However, Gunn's film seems to take a different approach, possibly reimagining Ultraman as a genetically engineered being similar to Nuclear Man or Bizarro.

Given the film's focus, it's unlikely to delve into the DC multiverse. Instead, Ultraman might serve as the primary physical antagonist, challenging Superman with equal power but lacking his moral compass. This confrontation promises intense action, with Superman likely facing significant physical challenges.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The trailer highlights the epic scale of the film, with scenes of buildings collapsing and Superman battling a kaiju reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or Pacific Rim. This monster problem adds another layer to Superman's challenges, raising questions about why these creatures are attacking Metropolis. Is Lex Luthor behind this, aiming to discredit Superman?

A scene from the original costume reveal photo, showing Superman suiting up as a monster looms over Metropolis, will be featured in the film, with Lois Lane also present. This underscores the film's focus on the relationship between Lois and Clark, which we'll explore further.

The trailer suggests that Superman will face numerous adversaries, but Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, may not be among those he directly battles. Instead, Lex seems to be orchestrating events from behind the scenes, using characters like The Engineer and Ultraman to do his bidding.

Lex's motivations remain traditional; he views himself as humanity's savior and resents Superman's popularity. His actions in the film, including possible collaboration with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr., aim to discredit Superman, even leading to Kal-El's imprisonment. While Lex is Superman's arch-nemesis, his role in this film appears more thematic and intellectual, setting the stage for future confrontations in the DCU.

Lex's defeat in Gunn's Superman will likely be more about proving his worldview wrong than a physical showdown, emphasizing Superman's values of kindness, decency, and hope in a cynical world.

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, showcasing her intelligence and investigative skills. This scene, reminiscent of the 1978 Superman film, focuses more on the political implications of Superman's actions than on romantic tension.

Lois and Clark's relationship in the film appears to be one of close friendship initially, evolving into romance as evidenced by a dramatic kiss later in the trailer. Gunn emphasizes Lois's role as a strong, independent journalist, avoiding the damsel-in-distress trope and allowing her to intellectually challenge Superman as effectively as 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.