James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman movie is gearing up to hit theaters in July 2025, and excitement among fans is at an all-time high. With characters like Lois Lane, Guy Gardner, and Hawkgirl confirmed to appear, speculation about the main villain or antagonist has taken center stage. Who will be the major threat to the Man of Steel in this new chapter of the DC Universe? Here’s a detailed look at the potential candidates.
Who Could Be the Main Villain?
As with any superhero film, the choice of villain plays a crucial role in shaping the story. In the upcoming DCU movie, a few names stand out as likely contenders for the role of the primary antagonist. Among them are Lex Luthor, Ultraman, and The Engineer. Let’s dive into why each of these characters could take on Superman and what that might mean for the film’s narrative.
Lex Luthor: Superman’s Greatest Rival
When discussing Superman’s villains, one name always comes to mind: Lex Luthor. Known for his brilliant intellect, wealth, and unrelenting hatred for Superman, Luthor has been the Man of Steel’s most iconic adversary. His potential role in James Gunn’s Superman film seems to be heavily hinted at, especially with his inclusion in the recently released teaser.
In the teaser, Lex Luthor is shown expressing his deep frustration with Superman. One notable scene features him seemingly trapping Superman in a mysterious cell. Superman is seen struggling to break free, adding tension and intrigue to their dynamic. This small glimpse strongly suggests that Luthor will play a significant role in the movie’s story.
James Gunn has also mentioned that All-Star Superman serves as a major inspiration for this film. For those unfamiliar, All-Star Superman is a beloved comic series that sees Luthor devising an intricate plan to eliminate Superman. In the story, Luthor exposes Superman to an intense amount of solar radiation. While this temporarily enhances Superman’s powers, it also sets him on a ticking clock—he has only one year left to live. If Gunn’s movie follows a similar storyline, Luthor’s schemes could have devastating consequences for the Man of Steel, adding layers of complexity and emotional depth to the film.
Luthor’s motivations have always been fascinating. Unlike many supervillains, he doesn’t rely on brute force. Instead, his tactics revolve around manipulation, strategy, and exploiting Superman’s vulnerabilities—both physical and emotional. A Luthor-centric story would not only challenge Superman’s strength but also test his unwavering moral compass.
Ultraman: A Dark Reflection of Superman
Another strong contender for the villainous role is Ultraman, an alternate-universe version of Superman. Unlike the hopeful and inspiring Man of Steel, Ultraman represents everything Superman stands against. He is a twisted, power-hungry version of the character who uses his immense abilities to dominate and control.
There’s speculation that Ultraman might make his debut in this DCU installment due to subtle clues in the teaser trailer. Early scenes show Superman injured and struggling, and some fans believe Ultraman is the one responsible for these wounds. If true, Ultraman’s presence could elevate the stakes significantly.
A confrontation between Superman and Ultraman would be visually stunning and thematically rich. It would pit Superman against a version of himself that represents unchecked power and corruption. This kind of battle would force Superman to confront his own ideals and prove why his approach to heroism matters.
The Engineer: A Clash of Ideologies
The Engineer, also known as Angela Spica, is another name being floated around as a potential antagonist. A member of The Authority, The Engineer’s unique abilities and worldview make her an intriguing candidate. Her character is defined by her willingness to take extreme measures to achieve peace and justice, even if it means crossing ethical boundaries.
Unlike Superman, who firmly believes in preserving life and adhering to a strict moral code, The Engineer represents a more pragmatic—and ruthless—approach. This clash of ideologies could serve as the backbone of the movie’s conflict. Superman’s refusal to kill or impose his will contrasts sharply with The Engineer’s “ends justify the means” mentality.
Hints about The Engineer’s involvement have also surfaced. An alternate trailer shown before Sonic the Hedgehog 3 suggests that she might team up with Lex Luthor and Ultraman. In one particular shot, the three characters are seen walking together, indicating a possible alliance. Such a team-up would create a formidable challenge for Superman, forcing him to face not just physical threats but also philosophical ones.
A Possible Alliance Between Villains?
If Lex Luthor, Ultraman, and The Engineer are all part of the film’s narrative, their alliance could be groundbreaking. Each character brings a unique dynamic to the table:
- Lex Luthor provides the brains, orchestrating the overall plan with his genius-level intellect.
- Ultraman adds raw power, serving as a physical match for Superman.
- The Engineer brings technological innovation and a willingness to push boundaries.
Together, they could create a multi-faceted threat that challenges Superman on every level. This would set the stage for an epic showdown filled with action, emotion, and thought-provoking themes.
What This Means for the DCU
James Gunn’s approach to storytelling has always been character-driven, and this Superman film appears to be no exception. By introducing a complex villain or group of villains, Gunn has the opportunity to redefine Superman’s place in the DC Universe. Rather than focusing solely on Superman’s physical abilities, the film can explore his values, his humanity, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
The potential inclusion of multiple antagonists also signals a shift towards a more interconnected DCU. Characters like The Engineer and Ultraman could serve as bridges to other stories and franchises, laying the groundwork for future films. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor’s involvement ensures a sense of continuity, tying Superman’s personal journey to the larger narrative.
Final Thoughts
While the exact identity of the main villain remains under wraps, the possibilities are undeniably exciting. Lex Luthor, Ultraman, and The Engineer each bring something unique to the table, and any one of them could serve as a compelling adversary for Superman. Whether the film focuses on a single villain or a coalition of foes, one thing is certain: Superman’s return to the big screen is set to be an unforgettable experience.
As we count down to July 2025, fans can look forward to more teasers, trailers, and announcements. Until then, the debate over who will take on the Man of Steel rages on. Regardless of who the villain turns out to be, James Gunn’s Superman promises to deliver a fresh and thrilling take on one of the world’s most iconic superheroes.