SUPERMAN Merchandise Listing Confirms Identity Of Movie's Villain And A Few Other Interesting Additions

SUPERMAN Merchandise Listing Confirms Identity Of Movie's Villain And A Few Other Interesting Additions

A list of Superman merchandise has revealed intriguing new details about the reboot, including confirmation of at least one villain's identity and the fact we're going to see the hero battle...Kaiju?!

By JoshWilding - Oct 26, 2024 11:10 AM EST
Filed Under: Superman

Superman set photos revealed more about the movie than filmmaker James Gunn probably would have liked, including a first look at a mysterious masked villain with a "U" on his chest who we saw make short work of the Man of Steel. 

Much has been said about whether it's Ultraman or Ulysses, but the former has now been confirmed courtesy of an official listing of upcoming "DC Direct" merchandise. 

We still believe "Ultraman" will be a Lex Luthor creation and likely a Superman clone gone wrong (in fact, we'd put money on this being Gunn's take on Bizarro). Lending weight to the theory Lex is a mad scientist is the fact his figure will have a "Baby Kaiju."

There's also a full-sized Kaiju we'd imagine battles the title hero at some point. A few months ago, a description of an early trailer mentioned Supes squaring off with a monster of some sort.

As for who or what "Baby Joe" is, your guess is as good as ours! 

"I have been working out. There’s that bit in 'All-Star Superman' where he talks about his muscles being real and hard work and all that," Nicholas Hoult previously said of his approach to playing Lex. "I kind of took that as a little bit of a fuel for the fire."

"[James Gunn's] ability to keep things fun and alive and try things in the moment," he added, "[is] something I really enjoy."

Check out the full list of upcoming Superman merchandise in the X post below. 

Superman tells the story of Superman's journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.

David Corenswet is playing the Man of Steel, while Rachel Brosnahan has been tapped to star as Lois Lane.

The cast includes Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer.

Supporting characters include Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Pa Kent, Neva Howell as Ma Kent, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, Christopher MacDonald as Ron Troupe, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Milly Alcock as Supergirl.

Superman is currently set to be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.

SUPERMAN Director James Gunn Reveals An Interesting New Detail About Anthony Carrigan's Metamorpho
Related:

SUPERMAN Director James Gunn Reveals An Interesting New Detail About Anthony Carrigan's Metamorpho

SUPERMAN Star Nicholas Hoult Teases Lex Luthor Role As Rumors Swirl About First Trailer Debut
Recommended For You:

SUPERMAN Star Nicholas Hoult Teases Lex Luthor Role As Rumors Swirl About First Trailer Debut

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

1 2
Malatrova15
Malatrova15 - 10/26/2024, 11:07 AM
ok so not Brendan Gleesson on this one -
TheLobster
TheLobster - 10/26/2024, 11:10 AM
But guys James Gunn said it’s not Ultraman and he wouldn’t lie to us
SuperJefe
SuperJefe - 10/26/2024, 11:25 AM
@TheLobster - To be fair, I don’t remember him saying that it wasn’t Ultraman. He just said Lex was the main villain.
TrentCrimm
TrentCrimm - 10/26/2024, 2:05 PM
@SuperJefe -

That's his direct quote more or less, that Lex is the "main villain", he never even mentions the name Ultraman in his statement.

MTTSH even pointed it out back then and said in a tweet "He's just shooting himself in the foot by doing that. Once Ultraman is confirmed, everyone will brand him as a liar."

Gunn is pretty careful with how he words his debunking statements, imo it was just his attempt to misdirect people and hold on to some of the mystery for a bit.
MG0019
MG0019 - 10/26/2024, 2:13 PM
@TheLobster - it’s not about “lying.”

It’s about telling the story, & revealing the story spoiler free as it’s intended to be seen.

James Gunn does not owe you anything. Even if you guess a plot point in someone’s story, that author does not have to tell you the guess is right. That’s not lying.
newhire13
newhire13 - 10/26/2024, 3:33 PM
@TheLobster - Even if he did so what? Why should he spoil the movie?
SuperJefe
SuperJefe - 10/26/2024, 8:06 PM
@TrentCrimm - Agreed. One quote even was something like “why would you want to know before seeing the movie anyways?”
dracula
dracula - 10/27/2024, 1:59 AM
@TheLobster -

Like Nolan "lied" about Talia Al Ghul in dark knight rises

Like Abbrams "lied" about Khan in star trek into darkness

etc

its called saving reveals
RolandD
RolandD - 10/27/2024, 12:47 PM
@TheLobster - others here are right. James Gunn never said that Ultraman wasn’t in the movie. what he said was that Lex Luthor is the primary antagonist. So no lie.
tmp3
tmp3 - 10/26/2024, 11:24 AM
Excited to see what Hoult does as Luthor. Been so burnt out on modern day cbms that i keep forgetting about this + f4 right around the corner. Finally, some good [frick]ing food (theatrically at least)
lazlodaytona
lazlodaytona - 10/26/2024, 11:26 AM
This film is gonna KILL! I mean, at the box-office and quality.
It may seem a td full, but I have faith that Gunn will balance this out perfectly.

Think about it. How many Superman origin stories have we gotten? Movies, television, animation, way back when there was just radio.

We all know the story. So, a smart jumping off place, as Gunn has figured out, is a year-two or three film when other heroes and villains have already come out of the woodwork.

Bring on the Lex suit, Parasite, Bizarro, Guy Gardner, ect. This is going to be fun and inspirational at the same time!
Steel86
Steel86 - 10/26/2024, 5:37 PM
@lazlodaytona - Thank you! I've been saying it for awhile with so many complaining about other supers being in the movie as well. The DCEU just happened and had an origin story and a terrible JL recruiting movie. Superman is like going to a comic story and picking up a book. Everyone knows his origins and his adventures have barely touched on the big screen. We're jumping in and Gunn will tell us were we're at.
lazlodaytona
lazlodaytona - 10/27/2024, 9:35 AM
@Steel86 - I appreciate the response sir!
Thing94
Thing94 - 10/26/2024, 11:29 AM
Kaiju cool big Superman vs monster
HermanM
HermanM - 10/26/2024, 11:54 AM
Can't wait for this movie.

Wonder if the kaju is a sun eater?
MuadDib
MuadDib - 10/26/2024, 12:00 PM
I fluctuate back and forth on how this will turn out, but I’m mostly leaning to it being good. At least that’s the hope, bc if this thing flops, the rest of the DCU could be DoA.

WBD is not doing well, and they need this to be a huge financial success or they’ll pull the plug quick. Sad state of affairs but it’s true.

JustAWaffle
JustAWaffle - 10/26/2024, 12:09 PM
I’m just going to assume this movie will be bonkers awesome until it releases and then make a judgement.
ProfessorWhy
ProfessorWhy - 10/26/2024, 12:19 PM
Apache Cheif would be handy in a kaiju rumble
Forthas
Forthas - 10/26/2024, 12:44 PM
More dumb nonsense about this film. We have gone from the epic visually stunning Man of Steel with an iconic score, to an over bloated, poorly designed justice league film disguised as a Superman film that feartures a Kaiju and a dog from Krypton. Let me know when the Superman and Lex Luthor dance off starts.
newhire13
newhire13 - 10/26/2024, 3:34 PM
@Forthas - It starts right after that Man of Steel sequel
McMurdo
McMurdo - 10/26/2024, 4:24 PM
@Forthas - Man of Steel features a Kal El who lets his dad commit suicide by tornado whilst he watches from 20 feet away. That movie was filled with stupid.
Forthas
Forthas - 10/26/2024, 5:52 PM
@McMurdo - You should rent Man of Steel so you can know of what you are trying to discuss. It is a great film! One of the best CBM's ever made.
ModHaterSLADE
ModHaterSLADE - 10/26/2024, 12:48 PM
Hopefully, I wish more Luthor portrayals leaned into the Mad Scientist concept rather than the ruthless businessman.
NinnesMBC
NinnesMBC - 10/26/2024, 1:48 PM
@ModHaterSLADE - So Nicholas Hoult's Lex will have to lean more into what Jon Cryer's run as Lex did then. That version of Lex was an amalgamation of a cunning businessman that could suit up into his Lexosuit from his watch when it came to getting his hands dirty and also knew about scientific comic book stuff. That'd be cool.
ModHaterSLADE
ModHaterSLADE - 10/26/2024, 2:29 PM
@NinnesMBC - Yeah, Cryers Lex was pretty good actually. He was a good combo of menacing and comedic.
NinnesMBC
NinnesMBC - 10/26/2024, 10:06 PM
@ModHaterSLADE - Indeed. He embraced fully his megalomaniac genius, a deadly but accurate combo. And he had fun being evil.

User Comment Image
PartyKiller
PartyKiller - 10/26/2024, 12:59 PM
James Gunn is trying to jump into a DCU that would be the MCU at around 2018. But there is no small scale Iron Man 2008 or Captain America 2011, to introduce characters/actors and make you care about them. It is going to be jarring and no one will give a [frick] about any of the characters who will be like cosplayers.

He and WB don't want to be Marvel 2008 to 2017. They want to be Marvel Infinity War and Endgame, right from the start. Stupid [frick]ing morons!
RedFury
RedFury - 10/26/2024, 1:27 PM
@PartyKiller - I'm always confused as to why someone like yourself thinks like this. In the world of film and television we've experienced many kinds of movies that drop the audience into an already existing universe. Several giant franchises exist in world's that have their own history. Just because Marvel started the audience off with Iron Man existing in a world where superheroes aren't everywhere, doesn't mean that DC will fail doing the opposite.

Think about it, we've stepped into a storyline in Blade Runner, Star Wars, The Matrix, Game of Thrones, etc... Gunn starting us off with Superman who is already a hero living in a world with other superheroes, is very much like watching Deckard be pit against replicants that give him a run for his money. Or like in Star Wars where we go along for the ride with Luke as he discovers his place in a giant space opera.

What the DCU hinges on is good story telling that stands apart from what the MCU is, and delivers to fans good quality entertainment with characters they love. It being a universe that already exists is not what will make it fail and I wish people would stop using this as a point to detract from the hype. No offense meant.
PartyKiller
PartyKiller - 10/26/2024, 6:36 PM
@RedFury - Your comparisons don't work. Blade Runner was slow and intimate and the movie was not a huge hit. It didn't have dozens of heroes to get to know. Star Wars went to different locales. But it was focused on just a few people & plots. A better comparison to what Gunn is doing would be The Phantom Menace which had way too many important characters suddenly dropped on the audience and too many subplots and unlike A New Hope, spent much too little time letting viewers get to know the characters before putting them in action scenes.

The best way to understand what made the MCU a success is to realize it was a timely hit TV series in theaters. Just like TWD, Sopranos, Seinfeld, Dallas. Each one of those series were created by people who didn't know they would be such hits. Each had a lead and supporting cast and characters people, over time, decided they wanted to follow. If you look back at early episodes you will see early episodes might seem odd and characters might seem different than what you know because it took a bit for the actors and showrunners to figure out how to do the show. Everyone of those hit series and the MCU had to have the perfect person as the lead or they would not have been as big.

NO ONE mapped out the rise of those shows. The shows took off. Right place, right time, right lead. Showrunners and writers adapted to what they had, realizing how to write the actor's portrayals.

No one at Marvel knew in 2008 how big the MCU would be. RDJ had difficulties getting cast as Stark because Marvel could not imagine he would be so popular as Stark, he would carry the MCU as it's biggest draw after having a solo movie were he could flesh out Stark and develop a following. That is the advantage of starting small scale. And small scale allows viewers to develop connections. If Iron Man 2008 had The Avengers in it like Captain America Civil War, it wouldn't have worked.

And I'll also point out that just because one studio created a massive hit superhero series, it does not mean the public wants another one to follow. Execs at WB have acted like they are entitled to Marvel's numbers because DC superheroes are as popular as Marvel superheroes. That is not true.

The MCU was in the right place, at the right time, with the right star. Lightning struck.
ObserverIO
ObserverIO - 10/27/2024, 5:01 AM
@RedFury - It's about the amount of concepts not characters.

So Star Wars is 1) Set in another galaxy where there are aliens and advanced technology 2) There is also a mystical force. Both concepts are explained to us.

The Matrix is one concept and we figure that out through the eyes and experience of the main protaganist.

Blade Runner is set in a future where there are 'Replicants' that are explained to us.

Game of Thrones is a fantasy world where there are kingdoms (quite easy to understand) magic (easy) and dragons. Pretty straightforward stuff really.

Now, I get the point that all of these are fully realised sci-fi/fantasy worlds. But Gun's DCU is modern day Earth, just littered with a million disperate concepts that will more than likely not be explained to us.

It's possible that he could explain the world in the movie with concepts such as the metagene and aliens. He could also point out the connection between the two concepts being that humans aren't as evolved as most extraterrestrial species and those with active metagenes are the minority.

Then the world would work. A good example of this is X-Men (2000) and X-Men: First Class.

If he explains the concepts then it could work, but if he doesn't it flat-out will not work and you can quote me on that.

The only time movie or TV show where "Superheroes" exist without explanation has ever worked is when it's been animated or a parody or both (like The Boys and The Incredibles). It will not work with a DC or Marvel franchise that you want to be successful and for the audience to take seriously and invest in.
RedFury
RedFury - 10/27/2024, 1:11 PM
@ObserverIO @PartyKiller - I appreciate your thought out responses guys, thanks for giving me your perspectives. And I will honestly say I agree with a lot of your points, they make total sense especially coming from where you guys are at. I'd like to just say quickly though that my examples weren't meant to be direct examples in terms of story or characters; but just general examples of movies that bring the audience into something that already exists.

I still think that if Gunn does establish this world and gives the audience answers to questions on how it all works, it'll end up working just as well as all of those other successful franchises. And I have a good feeling we'll get those answers based on how he describes Superman as the introduction to the DCU on the big screen.

So what the success of this movie and the new DCU relies on is good story telling with thought out ideas which I think we're all in agreement on. And it appears Gunn is navigating a thought out plan from the get-go with his writers group (from what we've heard online). Understandably jumping into an already existing world does add to the pressure of getting the audience on board. But don't forget we've had over 16 years of the MCU. Your general audience member already understands cinematic universes and superheroes on a basic level, so a lot of the leg work for the DCU is already done. It just needs to be executed properly.

Creature Commandos will give an introduction to the more outlandish side of the DCU to the hardcore fans like ourselves. Superman will introduce everyone into the new DCU and it's cast, establish Metropolis, and whatever other locations it shows. We'll get a taste of a Green Lantern which will be followed up by a Green Lantern show explaining more about that side of the DCU. So on and so forth.

To me it seems like we'll get the answers we need, and the ones we don't will be answered in more content coming right after. I'm personally excited that we get to step into a realized world from the start. I always thought that was one of the weak points of the MCU, in that the heroes we are introduced too don't have much history if at all, and we have to watch them become the heroes we know while skipping over some major moments in their lives. With Gunn's DCU sure we'll miss out on seeing some stories, but at the same time they'll actually still get to exist in that characters life and be used as canon. Batman will have a big rouges gallery already, and we won't have to see the origin of every one of his villains. The Robins will already have existed and we get to see Nightwing for a change, and Red Hood. And that's just a little bit of Batman stuff. We can apply that to all the characters that will already exist in this world.

Anyways, my hype is showing lol. Sorry for the novel!

ObserverIO
ObserverIO - 10/27/2024, 3:34 PM
@RedFury - A novel worth reading though, thanks for the hope. I'm pulling for Gunn to win, but I'm obviously sceptical and worried, but at the same time excited (but cautiously).
dragon316
dragon316 - 10/26/2024, 12:59 PM
Another lex fight with Superman movie we have had more lex vs Superman than Spider-Man movies put together
DocSpock
DocSpock - 10/26/2024, 1:13 PM

Rosie O'Donell confirmed as the giant manhating lesbian Ghostbusters marshmallow dude kaiju in Superman.

BruceWayng
BruceWayng - 10/26/2024, 1:23 PM
So I guess they are actually going with the New 52 version of Bizzaro, who is actually a premature clone of Superman.

User Comment Image
NinnesMBC
NinnesMBC - 10/26/2024, 1:50 PM
So it was in fact Ultraman. That MyTimeToShine scooper got this one right then.

"Lending weight to the theory Lex is a mad scientist is the fact his figure will have a "Baby Kaiju."

User Comment Image

All in all it sounds like he again will conjure up some kind of monsters, like Jesse Eisenberg's did with Doomsday.
TheJok3r
TheJok3r - 10/26/2024, 2:03 PM
How many characters are going to be in this movie ? I honestly have no idea how Superman is going to get any meaningful screen time, much less character development. It really seems like Gunn is going for quantity over quality here.
AC1
AC1 - 10/26/2024, 2:10 PM
So we're getting yet another movie where Superman faces off against Lex Luthor and/or a villain with the same powers as himself AND we're getting another James Gunn DC movie with a Kaiju-esque villain?

I mean I'm not really complaining, I'm still cautiously optimistic about this movie, James Gunn knows his comics and he's never made a movie I've seen that I didn't like but I'm surprised we're not getting a more unique villain... Unless we are and we just don't know it yet
TheClungerine
TheClungerine - 10/26/2024, 2:18 PM
This feels like less serious version of MOS but with more things stuffed in

Zod = Ultraman
The army = lex and his military
That world engine snake thing = kaiju

Then add all the side characters + JL heroes 😳.

Gunn is good at handling a large cast but this film might be a bit of an overload for the GA.
NoobNoob
NoobNoob - 10/26/2024, 2:39 PM
@TheClungerine - Superman against Lex and the classic monster destroying the city a rip-off of MOS? dude seems like Snyder really gave u a permanent damage
1 2

Please log in to post comments.

Don't have an account?
Please Register.

View Recorder