Recent set photos from the upcoming Superman movie appear to confirm the presence of a major DC villain, despite director James Gunn's earlier suggestions to the contrary. In April 2024, industry insiders reported Ultraman as the film's main antagonist. Gunn subsequently stated that Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, would be the primary villain, seemingly dismissing the Ultraman rumors.
However, new images from the Cleveland.com show a masked figure with a prominent "U" symbol on their chest, strongly suggesting Ultraman's inclusion. The photos depict Superman, played by David Corenswet, in custody, seemingly apprehended by characters including Frank Grillo's Rick Flag Sr. and María Gabriela de Faría's The Engineer, alongside this mysterious individual.
This revelation has sparked debate among fans. Some criticize Gunn for casting doubt on earlier reports, while others defend him, pointing out he never explicitly denied Ultraman's presence, only clarifying Luthor's role as the main antagonist. One reporter clarified their previous statement, specifying that Ultraman was the main antagonist Superman would face in the film, not necessarily the overall primary villain.
The "U" symbol provides compelling evidence, though official confirmation remains elusive. Speculation abounds, with theories suggesting Superman's arrest might be a plot twist related to his evil doppelganger's actions. Until official confirmation, the true extent of Ultraman's involvement remains uncertain, potentially impacting fan trust in future statements regarding DCU rumors.
The film, written and directed by James Gunn, is slated for release on July 11, 2025, and marks the beginning of Warner Bros.' revamped DC Universe, showcasing a new interpretation of Superman while staying true to the character's core values.
Source: Cleveland.com
