In the development of the latest Superman film, director James Gunn disclosed that Brainiac was among the villains considered before Lex Luthor was finalized for the project. This insight came during an interview, where Gunn confirmed Brainiac’s role as a potential antagonist during the film’s early planning stages.
Brainiac, an alien villain known for his cold intellect and advanced technology, is infamous for bottling entire cities after shrinking them, often destroying the rest of the planet without hesitation. His blend of intellectual and technological threats makes him a unique challenge for Superman, not just physically but mentally as well.
Unconfirmed Role of Mister Mxyzptlk
Fans spotted a reference that suggested the inclusion of Mister Mxyzptlk, a chaotic fifth-dimensional imp known in Superman lore. In one scene, Superman casually remarks to Lois Lane that the Justice Gang can handle the trouble because it’s “just a dimensional imp,” while Guy Gardner aggressively confronts the menace with a large baseball bat. Despite this apparent nod, Gunn clarified that Mister Mxyzptlk was never actually considered for the film‘s villain lineup.
Potential for Bizarro and Ultraman’s Return
The discussion then shifted to whether Bizarro or Ultraman, Superman’s mirror-image foe, could appear. Gunn responded ambiguously, admitting uncertainty about future plans. He stated,
“Well, we’ll have to see where we go next,”
and when pressed further said,
No, it means I just don’t know what the hell I’m doing next.
This open-ended response leaves the possibility of these characters’ involvement uncertain but not ruled out.
Additionally, Gunn recently told Entertainment Weekly that Lex Luthor’s early introduction to Ultraman resulted in his features being slightly off, hinting at the potential for Bizarro’s emergence. The suggestion that his time in a black hole could further alter his appearance indicates that the filmmakers might be setting the stage for Bizarro’s debut in future projects.
Implications for Future Superman Storylines
James Gunn’s revelations highlight a broad range of villain concepts considered to shape Superman’s cinematic universe. While Lex Luthor remains the primary antagonist for now, the potential inclusion of cerebral threats like Brainiac and dystopian figures such as Bizarro could deepen the complexity of future storylines. The director’s candid uncertainty about upcoming projects signals a period of open creative direction, leaving fans eager for what may come next in Superman’s expanding world.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and has shared that prayer is still important to him. However, he has also expressed that he is “in some ways, against religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, the director believed his career had ended. However, in 2022, James Gunn and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, allowing Gunn to work on a new superhero project.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman film was inspired by Ozu’s style. Gunn grew up in a Catholic home and still finds prayer significant in his life. However, he has also expressed being “in some ways, anti-religion.”
