Villains Poll: Top Potential Antagonists to Battle Superman in Zack Snyder’s Film

The inclusion of the Anti-Monitor induces the idea of multiverses. According to DC history (and indeed in science), there exists multiple (if not infinite) universes. In one such universe (or rather, antimatter universe), the evil Anti-Monitor exists. This villain has no redeemable qualities and as such is a malevolent being. The Anti-Monitor is a destructive and fearsome force. The very fact that he has the word “anti” in his name implies that he is iniquitous and the direct opposite of good. The advantage for the use of the Anti-Monitor as a character is that he provides the means to a connected universe of super heroes and villains. Batman, for example, can now be included in an extended DC film universe, as can Green Lantern, Flash and many others. The idea of the existence of extra dimensions and multiverses is not an implausible concept (for this movie) because modern science does indeed theorise about the existence of a multitude of universes. At the very least, he provides a connection between Superman and Green Lantern. Superman might only temporarily incapacitate the Anti-Monitor, which perhaps makes the Anti-Monitor a potential candidate for a recurring villain in a Justice League film as well.

Bizarro is the mirror-opposite and malformed duplicate of Superman. He is as surreal as he is bizarre. Some of his powers are the reverse to Superman’s such as fire-breath and freeze-vision however, his strength and stamina are equal to that of The Man of Steel. Therefore, he is an even match-up for Superman. One idea that gives potential for the use of Bizarro is that initially (after Bizarro makes his public appearance) the citizens of Metropolis can mistake Bizarro for Superman and become terrified. Ultimately, Bizarro represents or embodies the unrestrained power and might of Superman. Imagine what Superman is capable of without self-control and moral guidance? Bizarro essentially describes Superman for whom and what he is: A man of righteous and altruistic values; Someone who is noble, bold and gallant; A hero. The idea of Bizarro is not only an excuse to have Superman fight someone who possesses power on an equal level, but also to explore more fundamentally what happens when great power is in the wrong hands or used unwisely.

The movie's plot becomes intensely cerebral if Brainiac is the antagonist. Brainiac acts by design: He surgically calculates a desired course of action and plans for any possible contingencies. His methods are logical and cognitive. Brainiac has appeared in various forms that include biological and various robotic bodies. He is, in essence, the complete mental opposite of villains such as Bizarro or Doomsday. Brainiac’s presence poses a threat to all humanity. It also ties in to the destruction of Krypton and worlds beyond that of Earth. Defeating this adversary will require intellectual strategy in addition to profuse action sequences, and illustrates that Superman possesses abilities besides that of physical strength and power. Brainiac personifies the concept of humanity versus technology and how quickly technology can become threatening if it developed a conscience i.e. artificial intelligence.

Bruno Mannheim and Intergang menace Metropolis with crime and corruption. The inclusion of Intergang and Mannheim allows for Clark Kent (as a reporter) to actually play an important role in the movie since the Clark Kent persona is extremely relevant to the plot. Imagine Clark investigating the corruption in the city of Metropolis and he uncovers the nefarious nature of Mannheim and Intergang and its affiliates (Lex Luthor and Gotham City’s mob). Mannheim (as in the comics) has ties to the cruel overlord known as Darkseid. A distinct contrast emerges with the use of Intergang and Bruno Mannheim – Intergang symbolises corruption whereas Superman stands for justice.

Darkseid is a powerful and ruthless tyrant. In many respects, he is a counter to Superman's representation of kindness, justice and altruistic morals. This villain represents brutality, cruelty and oppression. Darkseid is the ultimate control freak. He relishes in subverting, humiliating and dominating others. He is a master military strategist and his physical powers exceed those of Superman. This latter quality indeed makes him a superior enemy and formidable foe. Superman would truly have to unleash all of his super potential in order to subdue Darkseid. Superman would be forced to fight Darkseid in order to defend the Earth. Superman denotes hope whereas Darkseid is the embodiment of oppression.

This mindless brute has the dishonourable distinction of killing Superman (in the comics). The monster lacks any kind of logic or intelligence and his actions seem to be driven by primitive instinct. Although the creature is void of any character depth, he would undoubtedly supply a plethora of destruction and profuse action sequences. However, do you really want the entire movie to be a slugfest? In the end, it is the death of Superman that would be profound rather than Doomsday's one-dimensional personality. However, gorging a new Superman movie with elaborate CGI might "doom" the movie's moral integrity. A successful Superman movie needs to supply more than stupendous action - it also needs to deliver a meaningful story. Many comic book movies have failed to deliver elaborate character development and intricate plot narratives because they have essentially allowed action to override the plot. An important aspect to consider is that Doomsday’s origins would have to be explored in order for the audience to understand Doomsday’s character.

What better way to create a link to Superman’s Kryptonian heritage than with The Eradicator. A Kryptonian scientist reprogrammed a computer device that was originally intended to preserve life. He planned to use it as a weapon in order to maintain Kryptonian culture and eradicate others. The weapon possesses extensive knowledge of Krypton. Superman is the last Kryptonian and as such, The Eradicator sought to protect Superman in order to preserve Kryptonian heritage. The Eradicator tried to transform Earth into a new Krypton. The weapon influences Superman’s emotions causing him to be more ruthless. It endeavoured to mould Superman into the ideal Kryptonian. The Eradicator desires that Superman completely disassociating himself from his emotions so as to embrace a totalitarian version of Kryptonian nature (as perceived by the Kryptonian scientist). The Eradicator assumed Superman’s form wherewith it proved to be a brutal version of Superman and was easily compelled to kill. The Eradicator experiences a struggle between its original and helpful nature and its warped and totalitarian reprogramming as eradicator. It is the dual mentality of the Eradicator’s personality that serves to illustrate the capacity of humans for both good and evil. Fortunately, the Eradicator decides to embrace the good and strives to be a hero. In addition, The Eradicator is also a symbol of logic versus individuality.

This candidate bears unrelenting hatred for Superman and revenge motivates his actions. He has sworn allegiances with villains such as Mongul, Sinestro and the Anti-Monitor. He was the supreme commander of the Manhunters and used Green Lanterns as batteries. The Justice League has experienced the full wrath of this villain. Henshaw is driven with fierce emotional loathing even though his biological body is dead and his conscious mind sustained within a robotic body. Henshaw is determined to discredit Superman. He does so by assuming Superman’s appearance and destroying Coast City. This enemy symbolizes unsolicited anger and has no problem with slaughtering innocent humans and aliens. Superman is virtuous and strives to do the right thing, such as not committing murder. Cyborg Superman tries to disassociate his humanity from himself whilst Superman embraces his.

Kalibak is Darkseid's son. He is a bestial brute of a figure. Kalibak could decide to battle Superman in Metropolis in order to please his tyrannical overlord and father. Kalibak may be a precursor to the possible Darkseid saga. The use of Kalibak as prime antagonist in the movie could lead to Superman's encounter with Darkseid in a subsequent movie. Kalibak is an expert combatant and is known (on Apokolips) for his savagery. In addition, Kalibak is a delineation of acts of behaviour without the thought of the consequences. He also desires Darkseid’s power.

Metallo is certainly one of Superman's most arrogant adversaries with his inanimate Kryptonite heart and his false flesh detaching from his metal endoskeleton. He possesses a direct threat to the Kryptonian because of the radiation emitted from the green rock in his chest. John Corben, once a mere human, now has an all-powerful robot body. He becomes devoid of simple human pleasures like touch, taste and smell and instead becomes more machine-like. This arrogant villain is the puppet to Lex Luthor's puppet-master. Luthor is devious and smart enough to use Metallo as a weapon against Superman. The billionaire manipulator cunningly drives Metallo to seek revenge against Superman for the destruction of Metallo's body as well as any failure in his criminal endeavours. Metallo becomes the true embodiment of a man of steel whereas Superman is the more figurative form of this concept. If Zack Snyder's Superman movie is subtitled "The Man of Steel", then perhaps Metallo indeed makes for a fitting foe. Metallo represents those who use great power for their own benefit. This is in direct contrast to the altruistic Superman.

If you are looking for a gladiatorial brawl, then look no further than the ruler of Warworld, Mongul. Like Darkseid, Mongul is tyrannical and takes delight in brutality and violence. Superman, in a way, would be like the underdog taking on the provoker that is Mongul. Simply using Mongul as a tool for someone to fight Superman is not enough for a movie that needs to function on several levels. Mongul uses violence to command the obedience of his citizens and to subjugate them to his rule. However, Mongul does indeed represent the idea of violence and aggression whereas Superman is a symbol of peace.

This impish troublemaker relishes in creating havoc for Superman. He possesses magic, which is capable of harming Superman. Mr Mxyzptlk constantly annoys Superman with his mischief. Superman needs to get the imp to say or write his name backwards in order to defeat him. This character also serves to test Superman's wits, reminding us that Superman has a keen intellect in addition to his raw power. However, there is an important question when it comes to Mxy: What happens when he becomes bored of playing games and decides to be evil. What if the imp is angry at being constantly defeated by Superman and seeks revenge? Mxy may indeed decide to use his magic for depravity. Mxy can easily rearrange Superman’s molecules if he anted. The idea of magic may be a little inconceivable and unbelievable for a live-action Superman movie. However, there is an alternative to the idea of magic: Mxy has the formidable ability to warp reality and thereby proves to be more of a threat than an annoying nuisance. Humans can conceive these abilities to be magic when in fact they more . Perhaps Mxy can be ret conned to be an inter-dimensional being capable of manipulating time, space and reality rather than a magical imp for the purposes of this movie. Mxy can then appear in any form he chooses and not confine his manifestation to that of a four-foot tall imp, especially when he might seek to deride Superman’s character.

This villain is human before an industrial accident transforms him into a power-absorbing leech. He seeks to gain more power only to crave more, often using Superman to temporarily satiate his thirst. This notion can be an extended to metaphorically represent those in power who seek to gain even more power. Greed drives Parasite. Superman becomes vulnerable when Parasite drains him of his energy and power. Parasite has become something less than human whereas Superman, who is an alien, possesses all the physical qualities that make him more than a mere human – a super “human”.