As Superman's premiere approaches and multiple trailers have unveiled glimpses of the film's world, audiences have developed solid expectations for its storyline and diverse cast.
Yet one figure persists as an enigma since his surprise debut in Superman's first trailer: Ultraman.
Writer-director James Gunn offers a radical reinterpretation of this DC Comics icon. Traditionally portrayed as Superman's evil multiverse counterpart bearing striking visual similarities, Gunn's Ultraman breaks from convention.
The film's Ultraman bears no resemblance to Superman aesthetically, sporting militaristic tactical gear with distinctive armored plating. His signature "U" chest emblem remains recognizable despite the overhaul. Early footage suggests his powers still mirror Superman's classic abilities.
Gunn recently unveiled a high-resolution character still showcasing Ultraman's intricate mask design featuring combat goggles. But the masked villain's true identity remains concealed.
Ultraman. pic.twitter.com/KvdcMYL3XZ
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) June 24, 2025
The DC fan community has fiercely debated Ultraman's origins, with theories spanning believable connections (a Superman clone, disguised Boravian agent, Martian Manhunter) to wildly improbable cameos (Henry Cavill's return). Some jokingly suggest Chris Pratt plays the role. IGN's comics analyst Jesse Schedeen proposes parallels to Nuclear Man (Superman IV) or certain Bizarro iterations.
So it's confirmed this is ultraman but who's playing him. pic.twitter.com/1TanQAGBJv
— sonci4536 (@AtikChafik) June 24, 2025
The latest image reignited speculation, with some noting design similarities to Doomsday's armored appearances. While Zack Snyder depicted Doomsday as a monstrous entity in Batman v Superman, earlier comic portrayals showed a more humanoid form.
pic.twitter.com/e97jbFv9yG
— Daniel Guerra (@guerra_daniel) June 24, 2025
Ultraman's full-body concealment serves narrative purpose - Gunn intends his identity to remain secret until the theatrical experience delivers maximum impact.
In an Entertainment Weekly interview, Gunn cryptically confirmed Lex Luthor's involvement in Ultraman's creation, describing him as "Lex's powerful enforcer" while withholding precise details.
The mystery concludes when Superman releases on July 11.
Regarding concerns about superhero fatigue, Gunn recently contrasted Superman's core cast size favorably against Oppenheimer's sprawling ensemble.
