The summer movie season is in full swing, and anticipation for James Gunn's *Superman* is reaching new heights. Warner Bros. has unveiled a fresh trailer that offers a deeper look into the plot and the evolving relationship between David Corenswet’s Superman and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. Yet, the real buzz is around the film's villains. The trailer not only showcases Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor but also introduces characters like María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer, the newly created Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman. This raises the question: Who is the central antagonist in Gunn's *Superman*? Let's delve into the array of villains and how they weave into the narrative.
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Who Is the Hammer of Boravia?
The latest trailer introduces us to the Hammer of Boravia, a formidable, armored adversary. This character, a fresh creation by Gunn, is not drawn from existing DC comics but crafted to challenge David Corenswet's Superman. The Hammer's debut was hinted at through DC's promotional material, featuring a faux-Daily Planet headline about the chaos the character caused downtown.
In the trailer, the Hammer engages in a fierce battle with Superman, utilizing a devastating laser attack. The character's reliance on advanced technology suggests a soldier equipped with a weaponized battlesuit, reminiscent of the Zaku from the Gundam series. Gunn's incorporation of "kaiju" in the film hints at influences from Japanese media, while Superman's design draws from classic Silver Age comics and the graphic novel All-Star Superman. This blend of Eastern and Western elements promises a unique cinematic experience.
According to Warner Bros., the Hammer represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has invaded Jarhanpur. Superman's intervention to halt this conflict brings the Hammer's wrath to Metropolis. The trailer captures scenes of the invasion and the political repercussions Superman faces, with even the U.S. Secretary of Defense scrutinizing his actions. Gunn's Superman will explore the complexities of Kal-El's role as a global force for good, echoing themes from Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman.
María Gabriela de Faría's character, The Engineer, takes center stage in this trailer, showcasing her nanotech-based abilities. Unlike her comic counterpart, a member of the superhero team The Authority, this version of The Engineer is an antagonist to Superman. The film contrasts Superman's traditional heroism with the more cynical, proactive approach of characters like The Engineer, a theme also reflected in Superman's costume design, inspired by Kingdom Come.
The trailer reveals The Engineer working for Lex Luthor, engaging Superman in a baseball stadium and attacking his robot servants in the Fortress of Solitude. Her actions suggest a belief that Superman poses a threat to humanity. While Gunn had plans for an Authority movie, this film may mark the beginning of a broader narrative arc for de Faría's character.
Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?
The Engineer's search for Lex Luthor in the movie introduces a masked figure speculated to be Ultraman. The character's "U" emblem and strength hint at this connection, though the film appears to take creative liberties with the source material. Traditionally, Ultraman hails from Earth-3, leading the Crime Syndicate of America. In Gunn's Superman, he might be reimagined as a genetically engineered being with Superman's powers, possibly disfigured and set for a dramatic reveal.
Physically, Ultraman appears to be the primary threat Superman faces, while Lex Luthor operates more indirectly, suggesting a complex dynamic where Ultraman is the endgame villain.
Superman vs. Kaiju
The trailer showcases the epic scale of Superman, with scenes of toppling buildings and giant monsters, or "kaiju," reminiscent of films like the Monsterverse series or Pacific Rim. The presence of these creatures raises questions about their origins—whether they are a regular occurrence in the DCU or summoned by a mastermind like Lex Luthor.
A scene from the original costume reveal photo, depicting a massive monster terrorizing Metropolis, will play out in the film, with Lois Lane present. This sets the stage for exploring the unique relationship between Lois and Clark.
While Superman faces numerous adversaries, Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, seems to orchestrate events from the shadows. His traditional motivations of viewing himself as humanity's savior and his disdain for Superman's influence are evident. Lex's efforts to discredit Superman, possibly through alliances with characters like The Engineer and Ultraman, suggest a more strategic role rather than direct confrontation.
Lex's indirect approach implies he is the thematic and emotional villain, while Ultraman serves as the physical threat. The film's climax is likely to see Superman proving Lex wrong, emphasizing the value of kindness and hope in a cynical world. Lex's defeat might be intellectual rather than physical, setting the stage for his continued presence in the DCU.
Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship
The trailer also sheds light on the dynamic between Brosnahan's Lois Lane and Corenswet's Clark Kent. Lois already knows Clark's secret, reflecting her intelligence and investigative prowess. The opening scene, reminiscent of the 1978 Superman interview, focuses on Lois's professional scrutiny of Superman's actions rather than romantic tension.
Their relationship evolves from close friendship to romance, as seen in a dramatic kiss later in the trailer. Gunn emphasizes a complex relationship, highlighting Lois's strength and intellect, ensuring she stands as an equal to Superman, not merely a damsel in distress.
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.
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