The summer movie season is heating up, and all eyes are on James Gunn's latest directorial venture, Superman. The anticipation for this much-awaited reboot is palpable, with Warner Bros. dropping a brand new trailer that offers a deeper look into the plot and the evolving dynamic between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane.
However, it's the villains who are stealing the show. The trailer not only features Nicholas Hoult's portrayal of 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 raises a compelling question - who is the real antagonist in Gunn's Superman? Is Lex Luthor taking a backseat to other DCU villains? Let's delve into the array of villains featured and understand how they intertwine within the narrative.
Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images
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Who Is the Hammer of Boravia?
A standout from the latest trailer is the imposing, armored figure known as the Hammer of Boravia. If you're unfamiliar with this name, don't worry - Gunn has crafted an entirely new adversary for David Corenswet's Superman, steering clear of the vast DC comic universe's existing characters.
The Hammer of Boravia was first hinted at through DC's promotional materials, specifically a faux-Daily Planet headline proclaiming "'Hammer of Boravia' Creates Havoc Downtown." The trailer brings this to life, showcasing the Hammer engaging in fierce combat with Superman and deploying a formidable laser attack.
It's evident that the Hammer relies on advanced technology to match Superman's might, appearing as a soldier encased in a heavily weaponized battlesuit. The design evokes comparisons to the Zaku from the Gundam series. Gunn has also mentioned the inclusion of kaiju-like creatures, suggesting a blend of inspiration from Japanese media with the classic Silver Age Superman and the graphic novel All-Star Superman. This film promises a unique mix of Eastern and Western influences.
From what Warner Bros. has disclosed, the Hammer represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has recently invaded Jarhanpur. Superman's intervention to halt this war attracts the Hammer's ire towards Metropolis. The trailer depicts these events and the political repercussions Superman faces, even drawing the attention of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Gunn's Superman will undoubtedly explore the challenges Kal-El faces not just within Metropolis but on the global stage, striving to protect all while inadvertently sparking international incidents. This theme echoes elements from Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman, though hopefully without tragic outcomes like Jimmy Olsen's fate in the original film.
María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer ----------------------------------After a brief appearance in the initial teaser, María Gabriela de Faría's character, The Engineer, takes center stage in the new trailer. We're treated to a closer look at her nanotech-based abilities, signaling her adversarial stance towards Superman.
In an interesting twist, The Engineer, or Angela Spica, diverges from her comic book persona. Originally part of the superhero team The Authority, Angela's portrayal in the comics isn't villainous per se, but rather more proactive and militant than the Justice League. This fits well with Gunn's narrative, which explores the clash between Superman's traditional heroism and a new wave of more pragmatic heroes, a theme also reflected in Superman's costume, borrowing the angular S logo from the graphic novel Kingdom Come.
The trailer clearly positions Angela as an ally of Lex Luthor, eagerly engaging Superman in combat at a baseball stadium and attacking his robotic allies in the Fortress of Solitude. Even Krypto isn't spared her wrath, though he manages a counterattack. It seems Angela, like Luthor, views Superman as a threat to humanity. Whether her perspective shifts by the film's end remains to be seen, but her character could be setting the stage for a broader storyline in the DCU.
Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?
The Engineer's search for Lex Luthor in the movie also involves her teaming up with a mysterious, masked figure sparking speculation about the character's identity. The prevailing theory suggests this could be the DCU's version of Ultraman, hinted at by the large U emblem and his ability to match Superman's strength.
Traditionally, Ultraman is an alternate-universe version of Superman from Earth-3, leading the Crime Syndicate of America. However, Gunn's film likely won't delve into the DC multiverse. Instead, Ultraman may be reimagined similarly to Nuclear Man from Superman IV or certain Bizarro iterations, perhaps as a genetically engineered mimic of Superman. His obscured face could hint at a dramatic reveal, with Corenswet possibly behind the mask.
Physically, it appears Ultraman, not Lex, may be the film's ultimate adversary. Superman will face a foe with equal strength but lacking moral compass, likely leading to intense battles as suggested by previous trailers.
Superman vs. Kaiju
The new trailer emphasizes the film's grand scale, with scenes of collapsing buildings underscoring the high stakes. Superman's commitment to saving lives might inadvertently lead to a significant body count in Metropolis, reminiscent of the Man of Steel's climax.
Kal-El isn't just battling human antagonists; he's also contending with giant monsters, or kaiju. The trailer features him fighting a beast reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or Pacific Rim films. Another scene recalls the 2024 costume reveal photo, showing Superman suiting up against a colossal monster in Metropolis, with Lois Lane present.
The presence of these kaiju raises questions about their origins and purpose. Is someone, perhaps Lex Luthor, orchestrating these attacks to undermine Superman?
Lex Luthor: Supporting Villain? -------------------------------The trailer promises Superman a host of adversaries, yet it seems Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor won't directly confront him. Instead, Lex appears content to manipulate from the shadows, using characters like The Engineer and Ultraman to challenge Superman physically while he works to discredit him.
Hoult's Lex embodies traditional motivations, viewing himself as humanity's savior and resenting Superman's popularity. His disdain for Superman is so profound that he refers to Kal-El as "it." Lex's efforts to tarnish Superman's image may involve collaboration with ARGUS and Rick Flagg, Sr., leading to scenes of Superman in a superhuman prison, facing brutal treatment from guards.
This suggests Lex plays a more indirect role than expected, yet remains the film's thematic and emotional antagonist. While Ultraman presents the primary physical threat, Lex's true defeat will likely be intellectual, not physical, leaving room for his continued presence in the DCU.
Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship
Amidst the focus on villains, the trailer also sheds light on the relationship between Brosnahan's Lois Lane and Corenswet's Clark Kent. The opening scene reveals Lois already knows Clark's secret identity, fitting for a character portrayed as a brilliant and intrepid journalist.
This initial interaction echoes the iconic interview scene from the 1978 Superman, yet Gunn emphasizes Lois's role as a reporter over romantic tension, allowing her to challenge Clark on the political implications of Superman's actions.
The trailer suggests Lois and Clark share a close friendship, though their relationship evolves, culminating in a passionate kiss. Gunn's comments on the set highlight the complexity of their dynamic, emphasizing Lois's intelligence and strength as she engages with Superman on an intellectual level, avoiding the damsel-in-distress trope often seen in past adaptations.
Who do you think is the real endgame villain in Gunn's Superman? Which epic superhero battle excites you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on the future of the DCU, see every DC movie and series in development.
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