Superman Villain Ultraman Possibly Revealed By New Set Photos

Recent Superman movie set photos suggest the presence of a major DC villain, seemingly contradicting director James Gunn's previous statements.

In April 2024, reports surfaced from industry insiders CanWeGetSomeToast and DanielRPK indicating Ultraman as the primary antagonist in the new Superman film. Gunn subsequently clarified on Threads that Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, was the main villain, seemingly dismissing the Ultraman rumors. However, he stopped short of explicitly denying Ultraman's appearance.

New images from Cleveland.com, however, depict David Corenswet's Superman in custody, surrounded by characters including Frank Grillo's Rick Flag Sr. and María Gabriela de Faría's The Engineer, and a masked figure with a prominent "U" symbol on their chest – strongly suggesting Ultraman.

This has led to criticism of Gunn for downplaying the Ultraman reports, with some arguing his phrasing implied Ultraman's absence. DanielRPK clarified his earlier report, stating that while he labeled Ultraman the "main villain," he meant the primary antagonist Superman would face in combat, as the film reportedly omits a confrontation with Lex Luthor.

The "U" symbol provides compelling evidence, though official confirmation remains pending. The arrest scene could be a plot twist, with Superman possibly framed for crimes committed by his evil doppelganger, Ultraman's presence being a late-film reveal.

Until official confirmation, the speculation continues. If Ultraman's involvement is confirmed, it could impact fan trust in Gunn's future comments regarding DCU rumors.

Superman is slated for release on July 11, 2025.

##### Superman (2025)

Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman marks the inaugural film in Warner Bros.' revamped DC Universe, focusing on the iconic superhero. This iteration features a new Man of Steel, succeeding Henry Cavill, aiming to embody the character's classic values of truth, justice, and the American way.

Source: Cleveland.com