As a seasoned comic book enthusiast with over two decades of reading DC under my belt, I must say that the roster for “Superman: Legacy” is nothing short of impressive! From the iconic Man of Steel to lesser-known characters like The Engineer and A Massive Kaiju, it seems James Gunn has truly outdone himself in assembling a diverse cast of characters for this film.
After years of anticipation, director James Gunn unveiled the thrilling first teaser trailer for “Superman,” sending fans into a frenzy at the prospect of witnessing the Man of Steel once more on the big screen. The trailer showcases various superheroes and villains, accompanied by a revamped version of John Williams’ iconic score from the original 1978 “Superman: The Movie.” This grand comeback promises to bring the Last Son of Krypton back into action, hinting at an imminent battle. Although familiar faces like Lois Lane (portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan) and Jonathan Kent (Pruitt Taylor Vince) make appearances, some characters remain elusive in their identities.
As a long-time fan myself, I can acknowledge that many of the characters in the trailer might be familiar to those who’ve followed the comics for years. However, for casual Superman or DC fans, some faces might not be as recognizable. As more trailers unfold, I’m sure we’ll learn more about the cast. The teaser starts off dramatically with Superman (David Corenswet) lying injured in a crater, but it truly takes off when Krypto makes his entrance.
Beyond the Iron-Canine character, we also notice Clark Kent and the Daily Planet, alongside Lex Luthor (played by Nicholas Hoult), as well as a number of superheroes. Gunn is renowned for interlinking characters across projects; he achieved this with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, and he’s doing it for the DC Extended Universe too. Therefore, we can anticipate a variety of both virtuous and nefarious characters when the movie premieres. For now, here are the superheroes and villains featured in the initial teaser trailer for “Superman.
Superman
The sequence starts with Superman falling onto the snow, much like in “Dragon Ball Z”, appearing close to his Fortress of Solitude. As red stains trickle from his lips and accumulate in the frosty ground beneath him, it appears that the Last Son of Krypton is in grave danger. However, one thing consistent about Superman is his unyielding spirit. He summons a powerful whistle, which attracts Krypto, who bursts through the snow, eager to aid his companion.
In this rephrased version: Superman gives his cape to Krypto, the dog, and instructs him to tug him back home. The rest of the trailer offers sneak peeks into the potential adventures of Clark Kent and Superman in the upcoming film. Noticeably, David Corenswet’s appearance as Clark Kent contrasts significantly with his portrayal of Superman, emphasizing their distinct identities. Scenes within or near the Daily Planet show him frequently interacting with Lois Lane, suggesting a romantic connection between them. However, it remains unknown whether Lois is aware of Clark’s secret identity as Superman.
It appears plausible that the character portrayed by Corenswet may indeed be Clark Kent, considering the film features Superman fighting multiple characters, suggesting a continuation of Superman’s storyline post his debut. The presence of allies and numerous superheroes further supports this theory. However, the plot remains largely unknown, but given Corenswet’s age and character portrayal, it seems probable that Clark is in his mid-twenties, grappling with his identity in the world.
Krypto
If you’re more accustomed to Superman from movies rather than his comic books, it could come as a surprise that he has a powerful canine companion named Krypto the Superdog who wears a cape. This character was initially introduced in “Adventure Comics” #210, which dates back to 1955. By the time the upcoming movie is released, Krypto will have been around for 70 years. Although Krypto has previously shown up in animated and live-action TV shows, James Gunn’s “Superman” will be the first live-action feature film where he takes center stage.
Gunn often includes animals in his superhero films, usually brought to life using computer-generated imagery (CGI). From the sneak peek, it seems that Krypto in “Superman” is no exception. Although it’s clear that Krypto is animated, it’s hard to deny that he looks incredibly realistic. In the comics and now the movie, Krypto possesses powers similar to Superman’s because, just like his master, Krypto hails from Krypton, although he appears as a white dog.
In many of his initial portrayals, Krypto shared the same superpowers as Superman, even though he wasn’t as powerful or swift, he possessed enhanced senses and was roughly as intelligent as a human. Over time, some aspects about him have evolved, and his appearance has varied across different decades, but Gunn modeled this portrayal on his dog Ozu, whom he adopted soon after starting work on the movie. Interestingly, it was Ozu who prompted Gunn to include Krypto in the script, as he wasn’t originally planned for the role.
Guy Gardner/Green Lantern
Over the decades, numerous Green Lanterns have emerged, with the first one appearing as early as 1940. Today’s Green Lanterns, however, differ significantly, and there are quite a few of them. Situated within Space Sector 2814, Earth is safeguarded primarily by Hal Jordan, who might ring a bell (a nod to the Ryan Reynolds movie). Yet, he doesn’t stand alone in this role. Other human Green Lanterns have been bestowed with power-granting rings, such as Guy Gardner. In the series “Superman,” Nathan Fillion portrays one of these Green Lanterns, and his fans might find him a bit unconventional, to say the least.
Fillion sports an unflattering bowl haircut that transforms his appearance, yet he bears a striking resemblance to Gardner as depicted in the comics, including the hairstyle. Unlike other Earth-bound Green Lanterns, Gardner’s character is marked by an extremely self-centered and arrogant attitude. The Green Lantern rings draw power from a person’s will, and Gardner boasts an abundance of it, earning him recognition as one of the most exceptional Green Lanterns in Corps lore. However, collaborating with him can be tricky at times; he might end up on Team Superman in the upcoming movie.
Briefly appearing, he enters a building with civilians nearby. Superman, visibly upset, stands aside, prompting Gardner to use his ring to dim the windows, providing some privacy for those with superpowers. When it comes to constructs that Gardner favors, there’s quite a variety. He’s well-known for making items like hockey sticks, giant boots, a cosmic motorcycle he enjoys riding, and even a monster truck – his creativity is seemingly limitless, as long as he has the immense willpower to back it up.
Mister Terrific
As a gaming enthusiast, let me share that not everyone might be familiar with Mister Terrific, especially outside the comic book realm. The original Golden Age hero bearing this name was indeed a well-known figure, but in recent adaptations like films, we’re talking about Michael Holt – a character who made his debut in “Spectre” #54, back in 1997. Played by the talented Edi Gathegi, this hero is hard to miss due to the massive “T” symbol proudly marked on his face.
Originally lacking superpowers, this newcomer, Mr. Terrific, primarily operated at street level, relying on his physical prowess and intellect to combat villains. However, he later acquired the ability to render himself invisible to technology. His primary asset, however, is his extraordinary intelligence. He invented the T-Spheres, which are essentially intelligent orbs that he can manipulate for various tasks. Mr. Terrific also possesses additional abilities such as flight, generating force fields, sensing impending danger, invisibility, and more.
Mister Terrific transitioned from a local hero to an international superhero, as portrayed in the trailer, even though he doesn’t seem to have significant actions in the “Superman” teaser. A striking scene is towards the end of the footage where Mister Terrific stands unfazed amidst a group of adversaries, allowing them to exhaust their firepower while a protective half-dome shield encloses both him and the person he’s safeguarding. Suspended above this barrier are objects resembling three T-spheres, implying they may play a crucial part in the movie.
Lex Luthor
Alexander “Lex” Luthor is the original antagonist who has been featured in various iterations and adaptations of Superman’s stories since 1940, making him quite an old-timer. He debuted in “Action Comics” #23, and he’s been a thorn in Superman’s side ever since. Despite Superman’s attempts to collaborate with Luthor on several occasions, Luthor consistently slips back into his villainous role.
In the upcoming “Superman” movie, Nicholas Hoult takes on the role of Lex, and his appearance in the trailer is a perfect fit. Much like his comic book version, Hoult is completely bald for the film, which adds a more intimidating vibe to the young actor. This menacing look might be precisely what the creators intended. In the trailer, Lex appears multiple times, including a scene where he’s examining or admiring a gun while something is off-camera. Another intriguing moment shows him inside the Luthorcorp building, spinning around in a fit of anger as Superman soars past.
Apart from subtle clues, James Gunn and those involved have kept the film’s narrative under wraps, leaving much speculation about Lex’s role. From the trailer, it appears that Lex will either be the main villain or one of multiple antagonists. There is a strong possibility that Lex could be behind the events leading to Superman’s appearance as a bloodied corpse in the teaser’s opening scene. While Lex usually prefers manipulating events from behind the scenes, he may not shy away from confronting his Kryptonian enemy head-on.
Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and her counterpart, Hawkman, have been comic book characters since the Golden Age, and over the decades they’ve undergone numerous changes. Their origin story can be confusing due to these changes, but in recent years it has become more streamlined. The Hawkgirl portrayed in the “Superman” teaser is Kendra Saunders, a modern interpretation of the character. Kendra Saunders was first introduced in “JSA: Secret Files” #1 back in 1999, making her a relatively recent addition to the superhero world.
After dying, Kendra Saunders was taken over by the spirit of the classic Hawkgirl, Shiera Sanders Hall. Equipped with her namesake’s gear, Kendra now assumes the role of the new Hawkgirl. However, Shiera eventually departed from Kendra’s body and moved on to the afterlife. In a sneak peek, we catch a glimpse of Kendra soaring through the city while brandishing her Nth metal mace, which grants her extraordinary power.
This particular scene is the only one where Hawkgirl actively appears, leaving her overall portrayal in the film somewhat ambiguous. During an interview with Young, Bold, and Regal, Merced discussed working on “Superman,” stating that it was a playful, enjoyable experience every day. She would arrive on set, wondering if she’d be flying on wires today or acting alongside Superman, describing the atmosphere as consistently exciting and cool. Although Merced didn’t disclose specific details, her enthusiasm for embodying a DC superhero is palpable.
Ultraman
Ultraman might not be recognized by those who aren’t into comics, but he’s been around for quite some time. He’s essentially the counterpart of Superman from an alternate universe, and unlike our beloved Superman, this one is pure evil. To illustrate, in his world, what we know as the Justice League of America is referred to as the Crime Syndicate of America.
The character first appeared in “Superman Supacomic” #14 back in the 1960s, and since then, he’s undergone some transformations. Although certain sources claim Ultraman will be the villain of the upcoming movie, director James Gunn has confirmed Lex Luthor for that position. The nature of this character in the film remains unclear, except that he’s opposing Superman and is dressed quite differently from his comic book costumes.
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but notice the striking resemblance between the iconic Ultraman and Superman from the comics. While Superman sports an ‘S’ emblem on his chest, Ultraman proudly displays a massive “U”. Although we didn’t get a clear look at Ultraman’s face or front in the trailer, comparing leaked set photos to the new footage reveals they’re one and the same. It’s quite evident that the character clashing with Superman in the stadium is none other than our favorite “U”-emblemed hero. If Ultraman follows his comic book persona, I’d guess David Corenswet might be stepping into those iconic boots.
Kelex
In the teaser, there’s a moment where Superman is inside the Fortress of Solitude, holding the hand of a broken robot. From the image, it’s clear that the robot means something to the Man of Steel — it’s obviously more than the Kryptonian version of a Roomba. While there are many robots featured throughout Superman’s history in print and elsewhere, there’s only one that this could be: Kelex.
In the comic books, Kelex is not just Superman’s automated caretaker at the Fortress; he’s got a rich history. Originally, Kelex belonged to Jor-El, Superman’s father, and came to Earth along with Kal-El in 1986, as depicted in “History of the DC Universe” #1. Over time, Kelex has been both broken down and rebuilt on multiple occasions. In a particular tale, Lex Luthor brings about Kelex’s demise, so it’s possible that this storyline could be featured in James Gunn’s “Superman.
In a sentimental bond derived from Kelex’s link to Superman’s deceased father, Superman finds himself deeply connected to this robot. Although Kelex has made appearances across TV shows, cartoons, and video games, he doesn’t often play a pivotal role in Superman’s non-comic narratives. As for the nature of their relationship, it remains undisclosed. However, it is evident that Superman holds a great deal of affection towards Kelex. If this is indeed Kelex, his destruction could be a painful reminder of Superman’s lost connection to his home planet, Krypton.
Matamorpho
A less familiar figure among the teaser characters is Metamorpho, a Night King-esque superhero who makes a brief appearance in close-up. Unlike most heroes, Metamorpho possesses unique abilities, allowing him to transform into any element found on the periodic table. His first appearance was in “The Brave and the Bold” #57 from 1965, where Rex Mason, his human alter ego, gained superpowers due to an accident orchestrated by his wicked boss.
In the thrilling world of “Superman,” I’m the one who brings life to an intriguing character, although my brief screen time in the trailer might not immediately reveal this. The comic book version of Metamorpho often sports a grey visage, but it’s his striking orange and purple shoulders that serve as a telltale sign of his presence in the teaser footage.
Metamorpho’s abilities are incredibly versatile, as his form is capable of changing not only its shape but also adopting various elemental attributes. For instance, he can transform his arm into iron for use as a hammer, or change parts of himself into pure Kryptonite – an element that doesn’t exist on Earth’s periodic table, but Metamorpho possesses the power to transform his body into any encountered element. In usual circumstances, he would be a hero rather than a villain in the upcoming movie, but he has strayed from the path of righteousness on several occasions throughout his history.
A Massive Kaiju
In the preview for “Superman: Legacy,” a colossal, dragon-like creature resembling a kaiju wreaks havoc on what appears to be Metropolis. The beast confronts Superman and exhales a vast stream of fire approximately 150 feet long. Despite being surrounded by the monster’s fiery blast, this poses only a minor inconvenience for Superman, as he is unaffected by regular flames (unless they are magical). His primary concern at this moment is moving the beast away from bystanders to protect the innocent.
As a die-hard fan, I can see that the teaser reveals this colossal monster isn’t exactly cuddly, implying it’s been set loose by the movie’s main antagonist. While it shares some similarities with certain DC Universe titans, this beast doesn’t seem to be a direct copy of any specific character. However, director James Gunn might have drawn inspiration from existing characters or even created this monster exclusively for the film. There’s always a chance he was influenced by characters we don’t know yet!
The Engineer
As an avid fan, I’m excited to share that Maria Gabriela De Faría is set to grace our screens as the Engineer in “Superman”. However, her appearance might have slipped past your notice during the teaser trailer. With a keen eye, you might just spot her if you look closely – she’s the figure standing under the “R” on the glass walkway connecting the Luthorcorp buildings in the shot. Fans speculate that this is the DC character, but her movement is subtle, making her hard to spot even with a magnifying glass. So, keep your eyes peeled!
In the expansive DC Comics universe, the character known as The Engineer made her debut in “The Authority” #1, which was published in 1999. This remarkable figure, Angie Spica, possessing one of the highest IQs in the DC Universe, opted for a life-altering experiment by injecting herself with nanotechnological robots that replaced her bloodstream. Miraculously, instead of claiming her life, this transformation granted her extraordinary powers. Among these abilities are flight, the creation of force fields, invincibility, and even time travel.
In contrast to her heroic portrayal in the comics, it’s been established that The Engineer is a villain in the movie. However, it’s uncertain if she holds the top position. She might be partnering with or serving under Lex Luthor, a character known for his intelligence, or could be devising her own scheme against Superman. At present, we don’t know which scenario is true, but the film “Superman” will feature numerous powerful figures, and The Engineer is one of the most dangerous among them.
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2024-12-20 18:31