The summer movie season is heating up, and the buzz around James Gunn's "Superman" is palpable. Warner Bros. has just released a thrilling new trailer, offering a deeper look into the plot and the evolving relationship between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. However, the real intrigue lies with the villains. The trailer not only showcases Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor but also introduces characters like María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, Gunn's original creation the Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman. This prompts an essential 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 and their roles in this cinematic universe.
Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images
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Who Is the Hammer of Boravia?
The latest trailer introduces us to the Hammer of Boravia, a formidable, armored character. While the name might not ring any bells for comic fans, this is because Gunn has crafted an entirely new villain for Corenswet's Superman to confront. This choice is intriguing, given the extensive DC character roster, most of which remains untapped by the DCU.
The Hammer of Boravia was first hinted at through promotional materials, including a faux-Daily Planet headline proclaiming, “‘Hammer of Boravia’ Creates Havoc Downtown.” The trailer brings this conflict to life, showing the Hammer clashing with Superman and unleashing a powerful laser attack.
It's evident that the Hammer of Boravia uses advanced technology to challenge Superman, appearing as a soldier in a weaponized battlesuit. The design evokes the Zaku from the Gundam series, and Gunn's reference to the film's giant monsters as kaiju suggests a blend of Japanese and Western influences. While Superman draws inspiration from Silver Age comics and "All-Star Superman," this movie promises a unique fusion of styles.
From what Warner Bros. has revealed, the Hammer represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has invaded Jarhanpur. Superman's intervention to stop this war brings the Hammer's wrath upon Metropolis. The trailer captures scenes of the invasion and the political fallout Superman faces, with even the US Secretary of Defense involved. This narrative explores the challenges Kal-El faces not just within Metropolis but on a global scale, echoing themes from Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman."
The Engineer, portrayed by María Gabriela de Faría, plays a more significant role in this trailer than in the first teaser. We get a closer look at her nanotech-based powers, confirming she's no ally to Superman.
In a twist from her comic counterpart, who is part of the superhero team The Authority, the DCU's Engineer is aligned with Lex Luthor. The Authority in the comics is known for its proactive, sometimes militant approach, making them an intriguing addition to Gunn's narrative, which explores the tension between Superman's classic heroism and a more cynical modern perspective. The angular S logo on Superman's suit, inspired by "Kingdom Come," reflects this thematic conflict.
The trailer shows the Engineer battling Superman in a baseball stadium and attacking his robot allies in the Fortress of Solitude, even targeting Krypto. Her belief in working against Superman, viewing him as a threat to humanity, sets the stage for potential character development. While Gunn once planned an "Authority" movie, "Superman" might be the beginning of a larger arc for de Faría's character.
Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?
The Engineer's search for Lex Luthor in the film introduces a mysterious masked figure speculated to be Ultraman. The character's U emblem and ability to fight Superman support this theory, but the movie appears to take creative liberties with the source material.
Traditionally, Ultraman from Earth-3 leads the Crime Syndicate of America, an evil counterpart to the Justice League. However, with the film's focus on other elements, it's unlikely to explore the DC multiverse extensively. Instead, Ultraman might be reimagined similar to Nuclear Man from "Superman IV" or certain versions of Bizarro, possibly a genetically engineered being with Superman's powers but without his morals. The obscured face hints at a dramatic reveal, potentially with Corenswet behind the mask.
Physically, Ultraman appears to be the ultimate antagonist, challenging Superman's strength and morality. Previous trailers suggest a brutal confrontation, with Kal-El facing significant challenges.
Superman vs. Kaiju
The trailer highlights the movie's grand scale, with scenes of buildings collapsing. Amidst human threats like the Hammer of Boravia and the Engineer, Superman also battles kaiju reminiscent of those from the Monsterverse or "Pacific Rim."
One scene recalls the initial costume reveal photo from 2024, showing Superman suiting up as a giant monster threatens Metropolis. The presence of Lois Lane in these scenes adds to the narrative. The question remains: Why are these creatures attacking? Is it a typical event in the DCU, or is someone, perhaps Lex Luthor, orchestrating this chaos to undermine Superman?
Superman faces numerous foes, but the trailer suggests that Hoult's Lex Luthor operates more subtly. Rather than confronting Superman directly, Lex uses other characters to do his bidding.
Lex's motivations remain traditional; he views himself as humanity's savior and resents Superman's influence. His disdain for Kal-El is evident, referring to him as "it." Lex's efforts to discredit Superman include potential alliances with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr., leading to scenes where Superman is imprisoned alongside Metamorpho and beaten by guards.
While Lex remains Superman's arch-nemesis, his role in this film seems more supportive, manipulating events from the shadows. The ultimate battle may be with Ultraman, but Lex's thematic and emotional conflict with Superman will be central. The film is likely to affirm Superman's values of kindness and hope, with Lex's defeat being intellectual rather than physical, setting the stage for his continued presence in the DCU.
Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship
Amid the focus on villains, the dynamic between Brosnahan's Lois Lane and Corenswet's Clark Kent deserves attention. The trailer reveals that Lois is already aware of Clark's secret identity, reflecting her intelligence and investigative skills.
The opening scene, reminiscent of the 1978 "Superman," shifts the focus from romance to the political implications of Superman's actions. Lois, a reporter first, challenges Clark on these issues. Their relationship appears to be one of close friendship, evolving into romance as the film progresses, evident from their dramatic kiss in the trailer.
Gunn has emphasized the complexity of the Lois/Clark dynamic, highlighting Lois's strength and intellect, ensuring she is not reduced to a damsel-in-distress. This approach promises a fresh take on their relationship, aligning with the film's broader themes.
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.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the future of the DCU, see every DC movie and series in development.
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