Superman: The Hammer of Borovia is the New Threat in This New Trailer
Marcus Thompson 
Considered the official kickoff of James Gunn’s new DC Universe, the trailer for the upcoming Superman film has been released. To general surprise, this new preview has opted for an expansive approach, offering more than 3 minutes of footage—something that was not anticipated. The trailer begins on a refined note, with a journalistic tone, showing a face-to-face interview between Clark Kent and Lois Lane, seemingly in the midst of a tense discussion. The scene sets the stage: this is not about an undisputed savior but a man in uniform who must account for his actions. When questioned about “illegally entering a country,” Superman responds that he prevented a war. This exchange is dry and tense, indicating the direction Gunn has chosen: to portray Superman as a character who is both radiant and constantly scrutinized, including by those who believe in him.
A SUPERHERO YES, BUT TREATED AS A HUMAN
This moral trial, more of a confrontation of opinions rather than physical combat, lies at the heart of this first trailer. Superman is not yet facing a cosmic threat but public opinion, political power, and collective fear. And perhaps that’s even more dangerous for him. In any case, James Gunn appears to set the stage right away: this Superman is not an icon detached from the world; he acts alone, without consulting the President, doing what he believes is right, risking diplomatic tensions. The parallel is clear: this Superman operates as a whistleblower, a vigilante taking responsibility for his actions in a cynical world. A bold idea, especially within a superhero genre accustomed to immediate glorification.
This approach is evident in Gunn’s staging: intimate when capturing Clark’s doubts and grandiose when showcasing the visual power of the character. The film is a complete spectacle, as this first trailer clearly demonstrates: mid-air battles, massive destruction in Metropolis, lasers, supersonic collisions, and special effects are omnipresent and most importantly, flawlessly executed. James Gunn does not hesitate to employ audacious visual choices to give his film a distinctive signature. One immediately noticeable element is the use of wide-angle lenses, a technique that imbues the film with unique depth and perspective. This choice may appear risky, but it works beautifully here, emphasizing the grandeur of the characters and action scenes while imparting an extra cachet to the overall piece. It transcends the ordinary; this visual effect seamlessly integrates into the universe Gunn aims to create—one that is both epic and intimate—adding another layer to the film’s visual dimension in this reimagined Superman.
THE HAMMER OF BOROVIA: NEW THREAT
Beyond introducing a new adversary, the film features an iconic lineup of villains: Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult with confidence in his brief trailer appearance; The Engineer, played by María Gabriela de Faría; and possibly Ultraman, whom some speculate is concealed within Boravia’s Hammer armor. James Gunn appears to be challenging Superman not just with a single unique foe but with multiple distorted reflections of the hero’s own ideology, implying both a moral and physical conflict.
Superman will have support in this upcoming battle. The initial trailer indicates that James Gunn plans to anchor his film within the established DC universe populated by well-known heroes. Joining Superman are Hawkgirl (played by Isabela Merced), Green Lantern/Guy Gardner (portrayed by Nathan Fillion), and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), a highly intelligent but often underestimated hero from DC lore. This group will assist Superman in addressing threats with significant geopolitical implications, while also establishing the foundation for a shared universe that aims to endure. Gunn’s interest extends beyond Superman himself to what he symbolizes within a broader and more intricate world…
We should also acknowledge Krypto, the faithful dog endowed with Kryptonian powers. A personal note from the director: Krypto’s design is inspired by his own pet, adding a layer of affection and authenticity to this canine character who, it’s important to remember, is capable of combat. What Gunn presents here goes beyond an origin story; it establishes a team dynamic where each character, including unexpected ones, appears to play a vital role in facing the looming threats.
In brief, this new trailer makes one want to believe in DC Studios’ latest project. James Gunn appears to have a clear vision, which he has effectively communicated in the span of just over three minutes. The first trailer for his reimagined Superman film offers more than three minutes of footage, presenting Superman as a human figure constantly facing moral scrutiny rather than being an unquestioned hero. In this iteration, Superman confronts public opinion, political power, and collective fear instead of cosmic threats. This approach portrays him in the vein of a whistleblower or vigilante, holding himself accountable for his actions within a cynical world—a bold departure for the superhero genre.Visually, Gunn utilizes wide-angle lenses to create distinctive depth and perspective, seamlessly integrating epic grandeur with intimate character moments. The film features iconic villains such as Lex Luthor, The Engineer, and possibly Ultraman, presenting various distorted reflections of Superman’s ideology to foster both moral and physical conflicts. Additionally, Gunn introduces established DC heroes like Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Green Lantern / Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) to support Superman, suggesting a shared universe that extends beyond this individual film. The director’s personal touch is evident in the inclusion of Krypto, Superman’s dog with Kryptonian powers, designed after his own pet for authenticity and emotional resonance. This trailer not only sets up an origin story but also establishes a complex team dynamic where each character plays a pivotal role in addressing looming threats with geopolitical implications.
About the Author
Carlos Mendoza 
Ahmed Hassan 
