James Gunn's Superman: Unveiling the Villains

The summer movie season is heating up, and all eyes are on James Gunn’s highly anticipated film, Superman. The excitement continues to build as Warner Bros. unveils a new trailer that offers deeper insights into the plot and the evolving relationship between David Corenswet’s Superman and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. However, the real buzz surrounds the villains showcased in the trailer, including Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer, Gunn’s original creation the Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman. This article delves into these villains and their roles in Gunn’s Superman, exploring how they intertwine to create a compelling narrative.

Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images

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Who Is the Hammer of Boravia?

One of the standout characters introduced in the latest trailer is the Hammer of Boravia, a formidable figure clad in an imposing armored suit. James Gunn has crafted this character as an original villain for David Corenswet’s Superman to confront, diverging from the vast DC comics library. The Hammer of Boravia was first hinted at in promotional material, featuring a faux-Daily Planet headline about the chaos caused downtown. The trailer brings this conflict to life, showcasing the Hammer's fierce battle with Superman, highlighted by a devastating laser attack.

The Hammer of Boravia’s reliance on advanced technology to challenge Superman suggests 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 indicates a blend of Japanese media influences with the classic Silver Age comics and All-Star Superman graphic novel aesthetics. This fusion of Eastern and Western elements promises a unique cinematic experience.

From the trailer, we learn that the Hammer of Boravia represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has invaded neighboring Jarhanpur. Superman’s intervention in this conflict draws the Hammer’s wrath upon Metropolis, sparking significant political repercussions, including pressure from the US Secretary of Defense. This narrative thread underscores the challenges Superman faces in balancing his role as a global protector with the international consequences of his actions. Gunn’s film echoes themes from Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman, focusing on the unintended consequences of Superman’s heroism, albeit with a fresh perspective.

María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer emerges as a significant antagonist in the new trailer, showcasing her advanced nanotech-based powers. Unlike her comic book counterpart, who is part of the superhero team The Authority, this Engineer is firmly positioned against Superman. Her allegiance to Lex Luthor and her eagerness to confront Superman highlight a shift from the comics, where The Authority operates with a more proactive and militant approach than the Justice League.

The trailer depicts the Engineer battling Superman in a baseball stadium and attacking his loyal robot servants in the Fortress of Solitude, even targeting Krypto. This portrayal suggests she views Superman as a threat to humanity, aligning with Luthor’s perspective. Gunn’s film explores the tension between Superman’s traditional heroism and the more cynical, modern approach embodied by characters like the Engineer. Her angular S logo, borrowed from the Kingdom Come graphic novel, further emphasizes this theme.

While Gunn had considered a spin-off film focused on The Authority, Superman appears to be setting the stage for a broader narrative involving de Faría’s character. Whether the Engineer will undergo a change of heart remains to be seen, but her role in the film is undoubtedly pivotal.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The Engineer’s search for Lex Luthor in the trailer is accompanied by a mysterious, masked figure speculated to be Ultraman. The large U emblem on his chest and his ability to match Superman’s strength and durability support this theory. However, Gunn’s interpretation seems to deviate from the traditional Ultraman from Earth-3, a world where heroes and villains are reversed, and Ultraman leads the Crime Syndicate of America.

Given the complexity of Gunn’s Superman, it’s unlikely the film will explore the DC multiverse in depth. Instead, this Ultraman might resemble Nuclear Man from Superman IV or certain versions of Bizarro, possibly a genetically engineered being mimicking Superman’s powers. The obscured face and body could hint at a dramatic reveal, potentially featuring Corenswet behind the mask.

Physically, Ultraman appears to be the ultimate adversary in Gunn’s Superman, presenting a challenge that tests Superman’s strength and moral compass. Previous trailers suggest Kal-El will face significant physical trials, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The scale of Gunn’s Superman is further emphasized by scenes of massive destruction, with buildings collapsing like dominoes. Superman’s commitment to saving lives is put to the test as he battles not only humanoid villains but also gigantic monsters reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse and Pacific Rim films.

A scene from the original costume reveal photo, showing Superman suiting up as a massive monster terrorizes Metropolis, is brought to life in the trailer, with Lois Lane also present. The presence of these kaiju raises questions about their origins and purpose. Is Lex Luthor orchestrating a crisis to discredit Superman, or is there another force at play? The trailer hints at a complex plot involving these colossal threats.

While Superman faces a multitude of adversaries, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor seems to operate more as a mastermind behind the scenes. His traditional motivations of seeing himself as humanity’s savior and viewing Superman as a threat to his vision are evident. Lex’s disdain for the public’s admiration of Superman drives him to discredit the Man of Steel, possibly even collaborating with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr.

The trailer shows Superman imprisoned alongside Metamorpho and beaten by guards, indicating the political crisis he faces. Lex’s role appears more supportive, manipulating events and using allies like the Engineer and Ultraman to challenge Superman physically while tarnishing his reputation. While Lex remains the thematic and emotional antagonist, Ultraman emerges as the primary physical threat. The film’s climax will likely see Superman prove Lex wrong, reinforcing the values of kindness, decency, 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

The new trailer also sheds light on the dynamic between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. The opening scene reveals that Lois already knows Clark’s secret identity, a testament to her intelligence and journalistic prowess. This setup contrasts with the romantic tension seen in the 1978 Superman film, focusing instead on Lois’s role as a reporter challenging Clark on the political ramifications of his actions.

The trailer suggests a close friendship between Lois and Clark that evolves into romance, culminating in a dramatic kiss. James Gunn emphasized the complexity of their relationship during a set visit in 2024, highlighting Lois’s strength and intellect as equal to Superman’s physical power. This portrayal ensures Lois remains a dynamic character, far removed from the damsel-in-distress trope seen in previous adaptations.

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.