With Superman's release approaching and multiple trailers circulating, we've gained substantial insight into the film's storyline and characters—except for one intriguing figure who emerged mysteriously in the first trailer: Ultraman.
Director James Gunn presents a radically different interpretation of Ultraman compared to his DC Comics counterpart—traditionally depicted as Superman's evil alternate-universe doppelgänger. Gone are the cosmic parallels; Gunn's version sports military-inspired tactical gear adorned with his signature U emblem while retaining formidable Super-like abilities.
The Masked Enigma
Gunn recently unveiled a high-resolution image showcasing Ultraman's distinctive masked appearance—complete with weathered goggles—igniting fresh speculation about his true identity.
Ultraman. pic.twitter.com/KvdcMYL3XZ
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) June 24, 2025
The DC fandom has theorized endlessly about Ultraman's origins, ranging from plausible explanations (a Superman clone, Martian Manhunter in disguise) to wild guesses (Henry Cavill's surprise return). Some fans humorously suggested Chris Pratt's involvement, while IGN's comics expert Jesse Schedeen noted similarities to classic antagonists like Nuclear Man or Bizarro.
So it's confirmed this is ultraman but who's playing him. pic.twitter.com/1TanQAGBJv
— sonci4536 (@AtikChafik) June 24, 2025
Doomsday Parallels?
The latest image prompted comparisons to Doomsday—particularly Zack Snyder's monstrous interpretation versus the character's more humanoid debut in Superman: The Man of Steel #18. This deliberate concealment suggests Gunn intends Ultraman's revelation to be a pivotal theater moment.
pic.twitter.com/e97jbFv9yG
— Daniel Guerra (@guerra_daniel) June 24, 2025
Gunn offered cryptic hints about Ultraman's background, vaguely confirming Lex Luthor's involvement during an Entertainment Weekly interview: "He's essentially Lex's enforcer—exceptionally powerful." This aligns with earlier speculation positioning Ultraman as Luthor's twisted Superman equivalent.
Audiences won't wait long for answers—Superman arrives July 11. Addressing concerns about overcrowding, Gunn countered: "Oppenheimer handled triple our speaking roles seamlessly."
