The summer movie season is heating up, and all eyes are on James Gunn’s upcoming film, "Superman." The anticipation for this big-screen reboot is palpable, especially with Warner Bros. releasing a brand-new trailer that offers deeper insights into the plot and the dynamic between David Corenswet’s Superman and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. Yet, the spotlight undeniably shifts to the villains, with the trailer showcasing Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor alongside intriguing characters like María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer, Gunn's original creation, the Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman. This raises a crucial question: who is the central antagonist in Gunn's "Superman"? Is Lex Luthor taking a backseat to other DCU villains? Let's delve into the array of villains featured in the film and understand how they intertwine.

Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images

View 33 ImagesWho Is the Hammer of Boravia?

The latest trailer introduces a formidable character known as the Hammer of Boravia. This isn't a familiar name from DC comics; rather, it's a fresh villain crafted by Gunn for David Corenswet’s Superman to confront. Despite the vast array of characters available in the DC universe, Gunn’s decision to create a new villain is intriguing.

The Hammer of Boravia was initially hinted at in DC's promotional materials, featuring a faux-Daily Planet headline about the character wreaking havoc downtown. In the trailer, we witness this clash, with the Hammer engaging Superman and unleashing a devastating laser attack. The Hammer appears to rely on advanced technology to match Superman's might, sporting a battlesuit reminiscent of the Zaku from the Gundam series. Gunn's inclusion of giant monsters labeled as "kaiju" suggests a blend of inspiration from Japanese media, while Superman's portrayal draws from classic Silver Age comics and the graphic novel "All-Star Superman." This film promises a unique fusion of Eastern and Western storytelling elements.

According to Warner Bros., the Hammer of Boravia hails from the fictional nation of Boravia, which has recently invaded the neighboring country of Jarhanpur. Superman's intervention to halt this war draws the Hammer’s ire towards Metropolis, leading to scenes of conflict and political tension. Even the US Secretary of Defense is involved, underscoring the global implications of Superman's actions. This narrative thread echoes themes from Zack Snyder’s "Batman v Superman," exploring the repercussions of Superman's global interventions.

María Gabriela de Faría's character, The Engineer, takes a more prominent role in this trailer compared to the initial teaser. We see her wielding nanotech-based powers, clearly positioning herself as an adversary to Superman.

In the comics, The Engineer, or Angela Spica, is part of the superhero team The Authority, known for their proactive and sometimes militant approach, contrasting with the Justice League. Gunn's film seems to leverage this dynamic to explore the clash between Superman's traditional heroism and a new, more cynical breed of heroes. This tension is visually represented in Superman's costume, with the angular S logo borrowed from the "Kingdom Come" graphic novel.

In the film, The Engineer aligns herself with Lex Luthor, actively engaging Superman in combat, from a baseball stadium to the Fortress of Solitude. Her actions suggest a belief that Superman poses a threat to humanity. While Gunn had planned an "Authority" spin-off, the focus here remains on how The Engineer fits into the larger narrative of "Superman."

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The trailer also introduces a masked character speculated to be Ultraman, marked by a large U emblem and formidable strength. Traditionally, Ultraman hails from Earth-3, an alternate universe where heroes and villains swap roles, leading the Crime Syndicate of America.

However, Gunn's adaptation seems to take a different route, potentially reimagining Ultraman more like Nuclear Man from "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" or certain Bizarro iterations. The character's obscured face hints at a possible genetic experiment gone awry, setting the stage for a dramatic reveal. Physically, Ultraman appears to be the ultimate adversary for Superman, challenging him in a battle that promises to be intense and consequential.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The trailer emphasizes the epic scale of the film, showcasing scenes of destruction and chaos in Metropolis. Superman isn't just fighting human adversaries like the Hammer of Boravia and The Engineer; he's also battling massive kaiju reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or "Pacific Rim" films.

A scene from the original costume reveal photo, showing a monster attacking Metropolis, is brought to life in the film. The presence of these kaiju raises questions about their origins and motives. Could Lex Luthor be orchestrating this crisis to undermine Superman?

While "Superman" features a host of enemies, Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, appears to be operating behind the scenes. His motivations align with traditional depictions, viewing himself as humanity's savior and resenting the public's adoration of Superman.

Lex's plan to discredit Superman is evident, potentially involving alliances with ARGUS and characters like Rick Flagg, Sr. A scene showing Superman imprisoned alongside Metamorpho highlights the political crisis he faces. Lex's role seems more supportive than confrontational, manipulating events and characters like The Engineer and Ultraman to challenge Superman directly. While Lex remains the thematic and emotional adversary, Ultraman emerges as the physical threat. The film is likely to culminate in Superman proving Lex wrong, reinforcing themes of hope and decency.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship

The trailer also provides a glimpse into the relationship between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. From the outset, Lois is aware of Clark's secret identity, reflecting her intelligence and investigative prowess. The dynamic between them is less about romantic tension and more about Lois challenging Clark on the political ramifications of his actions as Superman.

While their relationship starts as a close friendship, the trailer hints at a romantic development over the course of the film. Gunn emphasizes that Lois is not just a love interest but a formidable intellectual counterpart to Superman, avoiding 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.