James Gunn's Superman: Unveiling the Villains - Ultraman, The Hammer of Boravia, The Engineer

The summer movie season is ramping up, and all eyes are on James Gunn's highly anticipated Superman reboot. Warner Bros. has released a new trailer that delves deeper into the plot and the dynamic between David Corenswet’s Superman and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. However, the real buzz surrounds the villains. The trailer showcases Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, María Gabriela de Faría’s Engineer, Gunn’s creation the Hammer of Boravia, and the enigmatic Ultraman. This raises the question: who is the true villain in Gunn's Superman? Is Lex Luthor taking a backseat to other DCU antagonists? Let's dive into the array of villains and see how they interconnect within the narrative.

Superman: Behind the Scenes Cast and Character Images

View 33 ImagesWho Is the Hammer of Boravia?

One of the standout characters in the latest trailer is the Hammer of Boravia, a formidable, armored figure. This character is a fresh creation by Gunn, not drawn from existing DC comics, which is a bold move considering the vast DC character library. The Hammer of Boravia was first hinted at in promotional material featuring a faux-Daily Planet headline about havoc caused downtown. In the trailer, we see this conflict unfold as the Hammer engages in combat with Superman, utilizing a devastating laser attack.

The Hammer of Boravia seems to rely on advanced technology to match Superman’s strength, wearing a weaponized battlesuit reminiscent of the Zaku from the Gundam series. Gunn’s reference to the film's giant monsters as kaiju indicates a blend of Eastern and Western influences, with Superman drawing inspiration from classic Silver Age comics and the graphic novel All-Star Superman.

The Hammer represents the fictional nation of Boravia, which has recently invaded Jarhanpur, prompting Superman’s intervention and subsequent political fallout. This subplot highlights the challenges Superman faces not only in Metropolis but also on the global stage, echoing themes from Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman regarding the unintended consequences of Superman’s actions.

The Engineer, portrayed by María Gabriela de Faría, takes a more prominent role in this trailer, showcasing her nanotech-based powers. Unlike her comic book counterpart, who is part of the superhero team The Authority, the film's Engineer is clearly an adversary to Superman. The Authority in the comics is known for its proactive and sometimes militant approach, which aligns with the film's theme of contrasting Superman’s traditional heroism with a newer, more cynical brand of heroism. This is reflected even in Superman's costume, which features the angular S logo from the Kingdom Come graphic novel.

In the trailer, the Engineer is seen working for Lex Luthor and engaging Superman in battle at a baseball stadium and the Fortress of Solitude. Her actions suggest a belief that Superman poses a threat to humanity, although her perspective might evolve by the film's end. Gunn's plans for an Authority movie, which has been postponed, hint at a broader storyline for de Faría’s character.

Is Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman?

The Engineer is seen fighting alongside a mysterious masked figure speculated to be Ultraman, due to the large U emblem on his chest and his ability to match Superman’s strength. However, if this is Ultraman, the film seems to be taking creative liberties with the character. Traditionally, Ultraman is from Earth-3, leading the Crime Syndicate of America, a group opposing the Justice League.

In Gunn’s Superman, Ultraman might be reimagined as a genetically engineered being with Superman’s powers, possibly disfigured, setting the stage for a dramatic reveal. Physically, Ultraman appears to be the primary antagonist, challenging Superman's morality and strength.

Superman vs. Kaiju

The trailer emphasizes the film's epic scale, showing buildings collapsing and Superman battling a kaiju reminiscent of those in the Monsterverse or Pacific Rim. The presence of these giant monsters in Metropolis raises questions about their origin and purpose. Could Lex Luthor be behind their rampage, aiming to discredit Superman?

While Superman faces numerous enemies, Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, appears to be orchestrating events from the shadows. His traditional motivations are evident: he sees himself as humanity's savior and resents Superman's influence. Lex's efforts to discredit Superman include possible alliances with ARGUS and scenes showing Superman imprisoned alongside Anthony Carrigan's Metamorpho.

Lex's role seems more indirect, using characters like the Engineer and Ultraman as pawns. His defeat may be more intellectual than physical, with the film likely culminating in Superman proving Lex wrong and reaffirming the values of kindness and hope.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s Relationship

The trailer also sheds light on the relationship between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Lois already knows Clark's secret, reflecting her intelligence and investigative skills. The opening scene, reminiscent of the 1978 Superman film, focuses less on romantic tension and more on Lois's journalistic scrutiny of Superman's actions. Their relationship evolves over the film, culminating in a dramatic kiss, showcasing a dynamic where Lois is an equal partner, not just a love interest.

James Gunn emphasized this dynamic during a 2024 set visit with IGN, noting the complexity of their relationship and Lois's strength as a character who can intellectually challenge Superman.

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.