James Gunn’s Superman is all set to hit theaters in July 2025 and fans are wondering who could be the main villain or antagonist in the upcoming DCU film. Superman features several prominent characters in its ensemble like Lois Lane, Guy Gardner, and Hawkgirl.

So, who could be the main antagonist or villain of DCU’s Superman? Here are some possible candidates for the role.

Who could be the main villain of DCU’s Superman movie?

The upcoming DCU Superman movie has several possible candidates that can fill the role of the main villain, such as Lex Luthor and Ultraman, among others.

Lex Luthor: He will play an important role in the film and also features in its recently released teaser. This teaser shows him expressing his frustration towards the Man of Steel. The teaser also hints that Luthor has trapped Superman in a cell of some sort, showing the hero trying to break out of it. Moreover, Gunn has cited All-Star Superman as an influence on the upcoming movie, at a press event for the trailer premiere, attended by GamesRadar+. In All-Star Superman, Luthor plays a pivotal role in the story where he concocts an elaborate plot to destroy Superman by exposing him to solar radiation, which not only amplifies the latter’s powers but also gives him only one year to live.

Utraman: Yet another candidate for Superman’s main antagonist is Ultraman. This is because the trailer seemingly featured him. It’s also possible that Ultraman is the one who caused the injuries that Superman had in the opening moments of the trailer.

The Engineer: The Engineer aka Angela Spica could also be a major antagonist or villain in the Superman film. This is considering how both she and Superman have differing ideologies when it comes to imposing justice and peace on the world. Superman is unwilling to cross certain boundaries while The Engineer, who belongs to The Authority, is willing to do anything and everything necessary, even killing, to ensure peace and justice.

Moreover, one of the alternate trailers for the film shown before Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s screening in theaters implied that The Engineer and Ultraman joined forces with Luthor, as they were seen walking beside him in one shot. (via ComicBook)