Superman Villain Ultraman Possibly Revealed By New Set Photos

New Superman movie set photos appear to confirm earlier reports of a major DC villain's appearance. Interestingly, director James Gunn previously suggested these reports were inaccurate.

In April 2024, industry insiders CanWeGetSomeToast and DanielRPK reported Ultraman as the main antagonist in the new Superman film. Gunn, however, countered on Threads, stating that Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor was the primary villain, advising fans to only trust information directly from him. While Gunn didn't explicitly deny Ultraman's presence, his statement implied otherwise.

Recent set photos from Cleveland.com, however, seem to contradict this. Images by David Petkiewicz and a video by Josh Duke depict Superman (David Corenswet) in custody, seemingly apprehended by Frank Grillo's Rick Flag Sr., María Gabriela de Faría's The Engineer, and a masked figure with a prominent "U" symbol on their chest – strongly suggesting Ultraman. Gunn has yet to comment.

This has led to some criticism of Gunn for casting doubt on accurate reports, while others defend him, pointing out he never explicitly denied Ultraman's involvement, only clarifying Luthor's role as the main villain. DanielRPK clarified his "main villain" statement referred to Ultraman as Superman's primary opponent in combat, as Lex Luthor reportedly doesn't directly confront him in the film.

The "U" symbol provides strong circumstantial evidence, though official confirmation is still pending. The arrest could be a plot point, with Superman potentially framed for crimes committed by his evil counterpart, a reveal saved for the film's climax. This could explain Gunn's previous statements and the villain's masked identity.

This remains speculation. Fans will need to await official confirmation. However, if Ultraman's presence is confirmed, it could impact the credibility of Gunn's future comments on DCU rumors.

Superman is slated for release on July 11, 2025.

##### Superman (2025)

Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman is the inaugural film in Warner Bros.' revamped DC Universe, focusing on the iconic superhero. This new iteration of the Man of Steel, replacing Henry Cavill, embodies the classic ideals of "truth, justice, and the American way."

Source: Cleveland.com