The summer movie season is heating up, and all eyes are on James Gunn's highly anticipated Superman film. Excitement continues to build as Warner Bros. has unveiled 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. Yet, it's the villains that are stealing the show. The trailer not only introduces Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor but also features characters like 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 various villains and how they intertwine in the narrative.
Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images
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Who Is the Hammer of Boravia?
One of the new faces in the trailer is the imposing, armored Hammer of Boravia. This character, a fresh addition by Gunn, doesn't originate from DC's comic universe but is a unique creation designed to challenge Superman. The Hammer of Boravia was initially hinted at through a faux-Daily Planet article stating, "'Hammer of Boravia' Creates Havoc Downtown," which we now see unfolding in the trailer as he clashes with Superman and unleashes a devastating laser attack.
The Hammer's reliance on advanced technology, particularly a weaponized battlesuit, is evident. Its design echoes the Zaku from the Gundam series, and Gunn's reference to the film's giant monsters as kaiju suggests a strong influence from Japanese media. This blend of Eastern and Western elements, combined with nods to classic Silver Age comics and All-Star Superman, sets the stage for a unique cinematic experience.
From the trailer, we learn that the Hammer represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has recently invaded Jarhanpur. Superman's intervention in this conflict draws the Hammer's fury to Metropolis, causing significant political fallout. This scenario mirrors themes from Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman, exploring the global ramifications of Superman's actions. Gunn's Superman will navigate the complexities of being a global hero while facing international repercussions.
María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer, who had a minor role in the first teaser, now takes center stage. The trailer showcases her nanotech-based abilities, clearly positioning her as an adversary to Superman. Unlike her comic counterpart, a member of the superhero team The Authority, this version of the Engineer aligns with Lex Luthor and eagerly confronts Superman.
The film's narrative explores the tension between Superman's traditional heroism and the more cynical approach of newer heroes, a theme reflected in the Engineer's actions. We see her battling Superman in a baseball stadium and attacking his robotic allies in the Fortress of Solitude, even targeting Krypto. This suggests that she views Superman as a threat to humanity, aligning with Luthor's perspective. Although Gunn once planned an Authority spin-off, this movie marks the beginning of a broader storyline for the Engineer.
Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?
The trailer also features a mysterious, masked figure speculated to be Ultraman, based on the large U emblem and his ability to match Superman in combat. Traditionally, Ultraman from Earth-3 leads the Crime Syndicate of America, an evil counterpart to the Justice League. However, Gunn's film likely reimagines Ultraman as a genetically engineered being similar to Nuclear Man or Bizarro, possibly with a dramatic reveal involving Corenswet behind the mask.
With Ultraman's strength and lack of morality, he emerges as the primary physical threat to Superman, overshadowing Lex Luthor's more indirect manipulations. This suggests a climactic confrontation where Superman must overcome an opponent with his powers but none of his ethics.
Superman vs. Kaiju
The trailer emphasizes the film's grand scale, showing buildings collapsing and Superman battling a kaiju reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or Pacific Rim. This scene connects to an earlier costume reveal where a giant monster loomed over Metropolis. The presence of these creatures raises questions about their origin and purpose, hinting at Lex Luthor's potential involvement in orchestrating a crisis to discredit Superman.
Lex Luthor: Supporting Villain? -------------------------------Despite the array of foes Superman faces, Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, takes a more subdued role. The trailer portrays him as a traditional antagonist who views himself as humanity's savior and sees Superman as a rival for public affection. Lex's disdain for Superman is palpable, referring to him as "it," and his efforts to discredit the Man of Steel are evident through his alliances, possibly with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr.
Lex's approach is more intellectual than physical, manipulating events from behind the scenes while characters like the Engineer and Ultraman engage Superman directly. This suggests that while Lex remains the thematic and emotional adversary, the film's climax will focus on proving Lex's ideological stance wrong, emphasizing Superman's values of kindness, decency, and hope.
Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship
While the villains command much attention, the trailer also sheds light on the relationship between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Lois, already aware of Clark's secret identity, challenges him on the political consequences of his actions, showcasing her role as a journalist before a romantic partner. Their dynamic, initially platonic, evolves into a romantic relationship, as evidenced by a dramatic kiss in the trailer.
Gunn emphasizes Lois's strength and intelligence, ensuring she is not reduced to a damsel-in-distress but rather a formidable counterpart to Superman. This approach promises a nuanced portrayal of their relationship, reflecting the complexities of a journalist in love with a superhero.
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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