The highly anticipated James Gunn Superman movie redemption could finally bring to the big screen the electrifying showdown between Superman and his mirror-image foe that fans have dreamed about for years. Set to release in 2025, Gunn’s Superman will see David Corenswet as the Man of Steel facing distrust from humanity while Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor harnesses that uncertainty and unleashes Ultraman—an adversary with the same powers as Superman, but a dark heart—with the aim of destroying his Kryptonian nemesis.
This upcoming battle is not the first time Superman has confronted a version of himself in live action. In fact, the idea dates back over four decades to Christopher Reeve’s era, when Superman III first put the hero against a twisted reflection of himself. However, that film’s execution left many audiences longing for something grander, a potential Gunn’s vision is poised to realize with modern effects and deeper storytelling.
Revisiting Superman III’s Iconic but Flawed Duality Fight
The groundwork for the Superman vs. self dynamic was laid in 1983’s Superman III, where Christopher Reeve’s Superman was exposed to synthetic Kryptonite crafted by Gus Gorman. Instead of weakening Superman, the flawed Kryptonite transformed him into an antagonistic, egotistical alter ego. This personality split resulted in a cinematic showdown within a junkyard, pitting the reformed Clark Kent against his own corrupted doppelganger. The battle, while imaginative, blurred the line between reality and psychological struggle, with Clark physically separating from and ultimately defeating the sinister Superman.
Despite being among the most memorable moments of Superman III, the junkyard battle’s impact was hindered by an inconsistent tone and the movie’s overall lackluster narrative. Even so, the scene captured an intriguing internal conflict—Superman’s moral strength tested by his own potential for darkness. This powerful concept, though diluted in the film, set the stage for future explorations of Superman’s internal and external adversaries.
Ultraman: A Dark Mirror to Superman’s Idealism
Throughout Superman’s long history, his adversaries have included several who mirror his abilities or represent corrupted versions of his ideals. General Zod, Faora-Ul, Nam-Ek, Jax-Ur, and Bizarro offer glimpses of villainy that echo Superman’s powers. Among them, Ultraman presents a particularly chilling threat—originating from Earth-3, this evil Superman from an alternate universe possesses the same formidable abilities but is devoid of Superman’s moral compass.
While Superman has faced doppelganger enemies in comics and television, such as Tom Welling’s portrayals of Bizarro and Ultraman in Smallville and Tyler Hoechlin’s Bizarro in Superman & Lois, the cinematic Superman rarely clashes with equally matched evil counterparts. Past films like Superman III and Superman IV’s Nuclear Man only scratched the surface of this dynamic. Gunn’s Superman, with Ultraman as a possible primary antagonist, could finally present a proper physical and philosophical dual between good and evil embodied by the same face.
Ultraman’s Place in Superman’s Cinematic Legacy
Ultraman’s introduction offers an inventive path to build on the junkyard battle’s legacy. Audiences have only seen live-action Ultraman in Smallville, but Gunn’s Superman introduces him as a major player. The nature of Ultraman’s identity remains shrouded in mystery, with his containment suit masking his face and powers rivaling Superman’s. This secrecy has sparked speculation among fans, particularly regarding the actor behind the character, and how his reveal might deepen the story’s emotional complexity.
The film could choose two main directions for Ultraman’s characterization. The first possibility involves David Corenswet embodying both Superman and Ultraman. A dramatic mask removal would reveal Ultraman as a cruel, bloodthirsty version of our hero—offering a direct, visceral echo of Superman III, but reimagined for a modern audience. This would juxtapose Superman’s purity against his own darkest possibilities in a physical and symbolic duel.
The second, more unpredictable path could feature Henry Cavill in the role of Ultraman. Persistent rumors suggest that the former DCEU Superman star may be returning under the villain’s mask. This casting would add layers to the conflict and explain why Ultraman’s identity is initially hidden. The scenario becomes even more complex if Cavill’s Ultraman is actually the Knightmare version of Superman from Zack Snyder’s films, brought into Gunn’s DC Universe through a multiversal rift orchestrated by Lex Luthor. Such a twist would invite a crossover of legacies and pit Corenswet’s hopeful Superman against Cavill’s dark, hardened alter ego—a literal and figurative collision of different cinematic eras.
Why This Showdown Could Redefine the Franchise’s Biggest Battles
The prospect of James Gunn’s Superman finally delivering a true Superman vs. Superman brawl represents more than just a nod to the franchise’s past. Utilizing modern visual effects and skillful performances, the climactic fight could set a new bar for superhero action sequences. Whether audiences witness Corenswet going toe-to-toe with his own reflection or facing down Cavill’s world-weary warrior, the emotional stakes and explosive action would surpass previous attempts, offering the epic spectacle and psychological depth that fans have long sought.
Superman III’s junkyard confrontation, for all its flaws, remains a cult highlight from an otherwise divisive installment. James Gunn, by reimagining this premise through the lens of Ultraman, has the opportunity to redeem not just the idea, but also the entire concept of heroic self-conflict for a new era. The battle holds potential to become the defining moment of the film, solidifying both Corenswet and Gunn’s place in Superman’s cinematic lineage.
The Road Ahead: Release Date and Cultural Impact
James Gunn’s Superman is set to arrive in theaters on July 11th, and anticipation continues to build as casting rumors swirl and fan theories proliferate. The promise of this long-awaited Superman versus Ultraman battle has ignited hopes that the movie will not only revitalize the DCU, but also provide a much-needed redemption of past Superman stories that left viewers wanting. With Hoult’s Lex Luthor orchestrating the chaos and the specter of Ultraman looming, this film may become a cultural touchstone for the superhero genre, reshaping perceptions of what a Superman conflict can deliver.
For those interested in revisiting where it all began, Superman III is available to stream on HBO Max—a reminder of the franchise’s journey and the enduring hunger for the ultimate Superman showdown. As James Gunn continues to rework Superman’s mythos, fans are on the edge of their seats, awaiting what could be the most thrilling chapter yet in the hero’s legacy.
“Why Is James Gunn Using Different Versions of the John Williams Superman Theme?”
—ComicBook.com
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. When Gunn took the job as co-CEO of DC Studios, he started working only with that company. He stopped being part of any Marvel Studios projects.
Gunn, who wrote and directed the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, built strong friendships with the actors from those films.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer still matters to him. However, he has also stated that he is “in some ways, anti-religion.”
