Villains in James Gunn's Superman: Ultraman, The Hammer of Boravia, The Engineer

The summer movie season is heating up, and anticipation for James Gunn's Superman is soaring. 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, the spotlight is firmly on the villains, with the trailer showcasing Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor alongside new characters like María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer, the Hammer of Boravia, and the mysterious Ultraman. This raises the question: who is the true villain in Gunn's Superman? Let's dive into the film's array of antagonists and how they intertwine with the Man of Steel.

Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images

View 33 ImagesWho Is the Hammer of Boravia?

A striking newcomer in the latest trailer is the Hammer of Boravia, an armored behemoth created by Gunn as a fresh adversary for Corenswet's Superman. This character, not drawn from existing DC comics, was first hinted at through a faux-Daily Planet headline about havoc in downtown Metropolis. The trailer shows the Hammer clashing with Superman and unleashing a powerful laser attack, indicating a reliance on advanced technology to challenge the Man of Steel. The suit's design echoes the Zaku from Gundam series, while Gunn's reference to the film's giant monsters as "kaiju" suggests a blend of Eastern and Western influences. The Hammer represents Boravia, which has invaded Jarhanpur, prompting Superman's intervention and drawing political scrutiny from the U.S. Secretary of Defense. This setup underscores the global challenges Superman faces, echoing themes from Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman.

María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer

María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer, who barely appeared in the first teaser, now takes center stage in the new trailer. Her nanotech-based abilities are showcased as she confronts Superman, aligning herself with Lex Luthor. This portrayal contrasts with her comic book version, a member of The Authority, a team known for its proactive and sometimes controversial methods. The film explores the tension between Superman’s traditional heroism and the more cynical approach of characters like the Engineer, evident even in Superman's costume, which features the angular S logo from the graphic novel Kingdom Come. The Engineer's battles with Superman in a baseball stadium and the Fortress of Solitude highlight her role as a formidable foe, yet her alignment with Luthor suggests a complex moral stance.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The Engineer's search for Lex Luthor in the movie introduces a mysterious masked character speculated to be Ultraman, due to the prominent U emblem and his ability to match Superman in combat. Traditionally, Ultraman hails from Earth-3, leading the Crime Syndicate of America in a universe where heroes and villains are reversed. However, Gunn's film likely reimagines Ultraman as a character with Superman's powers but none of his morals, possibly genetically engineered. The trailer suggests Ultraman could be the film's ultimate physical antagonist, pushing Superman to his limits.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The trailer emphasizes the film's epic scale, with scenes of collapsing buildings and Superman battling a kaiju reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or Pacific Rim. This ties back to an earlier costume reveal photo showing a monster terrorizing Metropolis. The presence of these giant beasts raises questions about their origin and purpose, with Lex Luthor potentially orchestrating their attacks to discredit Superman.

Lex Luthor: Supporting Villain?

Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, appears to be orchestrating the chaos from behind the scenes rather than directly confronting Superman. His traditional motivation to prove himself humanity's savior drives him to manipulate public perception against Superman. The trailer hints at his collaboration with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr., culminating in Superman's imprisonment alongside Metamorpho. While Lex remains the thematic and emotional antagonist, Ultraman emerges as the primary physical threat, setting the stage for a battle of ideals rather than just brute force.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship

The trailer also sheds light on the relationship between Brosnahan's Lois Lane and Corenswet's Clark Kent. Lois is already aware of Clark's secret identity, reflecting her intelligence and journalistic prowess. Their dynamic is less about romantic tension and more about Lois challenging Clark on the political ramifications of his actions. The trailer hints at their evolving relationship, from close friends to romantic partners, as seen in a dramatic kiss. Gunn emphasizes Lois's strength and independence, 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.