The release of the first trailer for the film Superman by James Gunn has sparked much speculation, particularly around a mysterious character dressed in black who could be one of the Man of Steel's most formidable enemies.
Since James Gunn and Peter Safran took over as heads of DC Studios, the DC Cinematic Universe (DCEU) has undergone a major overhaul to become the DC Universe (DCU). A reorganization resembling a resurrection, which aims to revitalize the franchise after notable critical and commercial failures (we're looking at you The Flash).
The first chapter of this new universe, entitled « Gods & Monsters »started with the animated series Creature Commandoswhich revealed the first image of the DCU Batman. However, it is the broadcast of the epic trailer trailer of Superman which really ignited the audience. Trailer for James Gunn's Film Offers a Glimpse of Many Superheroes, Introduces a mysterious individual dressed in black, apparently as powerful as the Kryptonian, who could be the main antagonist of the film.
Superman vs Hood-Man
There are several characters in black suits in the trailer, including the one played by Edi Gathegi who we talk about in the link above. However, among the many fan theories, one of the most persistent suggests that the other character in a black suit seen in the trailer could be Ultraman. In the comics, Ultraman is Superman's evil double, so to speak, from an alternate reality called Earth-3.
Leader of the Crime Syndicate, a perverted version of the Justice League, Ultraman possesses powers similar to those of Superman, but with distinct origins and weaknesses. Unlike Superman, who is weakened by kryptonite, Ultraman draws his strength from it, making him the perfect antagonist for the Man of Steel. The fact of seeing Superman bleeding at the start of the trailer also suggests that he would have been exposed to kryptonite, which reinforces the idea of the presence of Ultraman behind this ninja outfit.
That said, there should not be, a priori, any issues between alternative Earths in the film Superman by James Gunn, this Ultraman could therefore have a different origin.
Ulysses 31
Another theory states that this mysterious hooded man could be Ulysses (because the U on the outfit, you see), real name Neil Quinn, who is also a being from another dimension, and was for a time the Superman of an alternate universe. Laser eyes, super strength, super resistance and flight ability, he is also Superman's alter-ego, and is capable of standing up to him in face-to-face duels. Here again, the problem would be to include this character from another dimension in the narrative continuum of the new DCU.
The third option is undoubtedly one of the most attractive: the man in the hood could be Bizarro. This one is a failed clone of Superman, which first appeared in the 1950s in the comics Superboy. Largely inspired by the myth of Frankenstein, this grotesque creature has all the attributes of the Kryptonian, but has an almost childlike mind, malleable and easily influenced.
Given that the trailer for Gunn's film emphasizes the presence of Stagg Enterprises in this universe, and that company's specialty is genetic research, the idea of a Kal'El clone seems entirely appropriate. plausible.
Whether it's Ultraman, Ulysses or Bizarro, the appearance of an evil alter-ego of the Man of Steel could provide a dynamic to deepen the psychology of Superman, forcing him to measure himself not only against a credible physical threat, but also against an embodiment of what he could become if he succumbed to his worst instincts, or if he had received a different education.
In order to know if it's a blonde head with long hair or a clone of David Corenswet who is hiding under the black hood, we will have to wait until July 9, 2025, release date of Superman in French cinemas.
