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 film's plot and the dynamic between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. However, it's the villains that are stealing the show, with Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor joined by María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, the newly introduced 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 interconnect in this cinematic universe.

Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images

View 33 ImagesWho Is the Hammer of Boravia?

The latest trailer introduces the Hammer of Boravia, a formidable, armored figure created by Gunn as a new adversary for Superman. This character, not drawn from existing DC comics, was first hinted at in promotional materials featuring a faux-Daily Planet headline about havoc caused downtown. In the trailer, we witness the Hammer clashing with Superman and deploying a devastating laser attack. The Hammer's reliance on advanced technology, reminiscent of the Zaku from Gundam, suggests a soldier in a weaponized suit. Gunn's nod to Japanese media influences, including references to kaiju, adds a unique Eastern-Western fusion to the film. The Hammer represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has invaded Jarhanpur, prompting Superman's intervention and drawing political scrutiny from the U.S. Secretary of Defense. This subplot explores the global challenges Superman faces in maintaining peace and justice beyond Metropolis.

María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer

After a brief appearance in the first teaser, María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer takes center stage in the new trailer. Her nanotech abilities are showcased, positioning her as a formidable opponent to Superman. Unlike her comic book version, who is part of the superhero team The Authority, this Engineer works with Lex Luthor, eager to confront Superman. The trailer depicts her in action at a baseball stadium and the Fortress of Solitude, even clashing with Superman's loyal robot, Krypto. The Engineer's role highlights the film's theme of contrasting Superman's traditional heroism with a new, more cynical breed of heroes, a theme also reflected in Superman's costume design inspired by Kingdom Come.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The trailer also introduces a mysterious, masked figure alongside the Engineer, sparking speculation about the presence of Ultraman. The character's U emblem and ability to match Superman's strength fuel this theory. However, if this is Ultraman, the film takes creative liberties, reimagining him as a genetically engineered counterpart to Superman, possibly with a disfigured appearance. Traditionally from Earth-3, Ultraman leads the Crime Syndicate, but Gunn's version may lean more towards a Nuclear Man or Bizarro-like figure. Physically, Ultraman appears to be the primary antagonist Superman faces, suggesting a battle against a morally compromised clone.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The trailer emphasizes the film's epic scale, showing Superman battling massive kaiju, reminiscent of the Monsterverse or Pacific Rim. These scenes, including one from the initial costume reveal photo with a monster looming over Metropolis, raise questions about the origins of these beasts. Is Lex Luthor orchestrating this chaos to discredit Superman? The presence of these creatures adds another layer of action and spectacle to the film.

While Superman faces numerous foes, Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor seems to operate more subtly. The trailer portrays him as a traditional villain, viewing himself as humanity's savior and despising Superman's influence. Lex's indirect approach involves discrediting Superman, possibly through alliances with ARGUS and characters like the Engineer and Ultraman. A scene shows Superman imprisoned with Metamorpho, indicating Lex's political machinations. Although Lex remains the thematic and emotional antagonist, Ultraman appears as the physical threat, setting the stage for Superman to reaffirm the value of hope and decency.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship

The trailer briefly shifts focus to the relationship between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Lois, portrayed as a brilliant and skeptical journalist, already knows Clark's secret identity, adding depth to their dynamic. Their initial interaction reflects more on the political implications of Superman's actions than romantic tension, though a later kiss suggests their relationship will evolve. Gunn emphasizes Lois's strength and intellect, ensuring she remains a pivotal figure beyond the typical damsel-in-distress trope.

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.