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The cinematic universe containing DC Comics’ greatest heroes is about to receive a massive overhaul. James Gunn and Peter Safran are looking to reinvent the former DCEU into what will be known as the DCU or DC Universe. Among their plans is a full reboot of Superman. Titled Superman: Legacy, the first film in the new Man of Steel series, is being kept mostly under wraps. As of writing, all that is known is that it will take place in the early years of Superman.
Superman Villains Fans Want To See In The DCU
With fans eagerly awaiting any further announcements, they are debating which Superman villains they hope to see in the DCU. Kal-El’s greatest villains, Lex Luthor, and General Zod, have more than had their chance to shine on the big screen. Here are some baddies that fans hope to see in place of the two usual suspects.
10. Doomsday
One of the deadliest Superman villains is Doomsday. Doomsday is so low on the list for two reasons. First, he has technically already appeared in a movie. 2016’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice featured the character, albeit a heavily modified version. The second reason is Doomsday is famous for killing Superman, so it should be a while before he appears again on the big screen. First appearing in the highly acclaimed Death of Superman story, Doomsday is a genetically modified Kryptonian creature with one goal in mind, destruction. The only emotion Doomsday feels is rage, and seeing a proper big-screen battle between him and Superman is something fans have wanted for some time.
9. Bizarro
Superman is known for his morals and his appetite for justice. He knows how dangerous he can be, so he willingly dampens his powers and dedicated his life to helping others. But, what happens when these powers are bestowed on someone with a child-like mind? Someone who specifically thinks the opposite of Superman? Then you would have Bizarro. Bizarro’s origin has differed in the comics, but he is typically shown as an imperfect clone of Superman. Oftentimes, Bizarro thinks he is the true Superman. Calling him a straight villain isn’t entirely fair. He is more fittingly an anti-hero. Bizarro could be a fitting first villain for the DCU Superman to face off against.
8. Toyman
Like Bizarro, Toyman’s origin differs from comic to comic. There have been several characters carrying the moniker of Toyman, but most of them share one trait. That one trait is their hatred for the Man of Steel. The most common version of Toyman is Winslow Schott. Toyman creates toys to perform carries crimes such as robberies. While often a more comedic villain, the more Superman stops him, the more unhinged he becomes. Seeing Superman stop him early in the movie with ease, only for him to come back later, even deadlier, would be an interesting thing to see on the big screen.
7. Livewire
Like Harley Quinn, Livewire debuted in the DC Animated Universe. First appearing in Superman: The Animated Series, Livewire was a radio DJ named Leslie Willi. Leslie was very vocal about her distaste for Superman. After a freak accident involving Superman, Leslie develops electrokinetic powers. Calling herself Livewire, she uses her new powers to take revenge on Superman, whom she blames for the accident. Livewire would be one of the best Superman villains to appear in the DCU. Superman could feel guilty for the accident, and he would learn a valuable lesson about carrying said guilt while facing her.
6. Mongul
In his younger years, Clark Kent feels there is nobody stronger than he is. When he becomes Superman, he realizes this isn’t the case. One of the best examples is Mongul. Mongul was the tyrannical ruler of a planet known as Warworld. Warworld is as bleak as it sounds, with the inhabitants being forced to partake in brutal battles for Mongul’s enjoyment. Mongul eventually sets his sights on Earth to create a new Warworld. Mongul would be a tough foe for a younger Superman to face in the DCU. Oftentimes, Superman is somewhat cocky in his younger years. Being forced to fight someone of nearly equal strength would help him mature into the hero he needs to be.
5. Mr. Mxyzptlk
Mr. Mxyzptlk is as strange as his name suggests. He is an imp from the fifth dimension who is less of a villain and more of an annoyance. Mxyzptlk has the ability to warp reality, an ability he uses to prank Superman frequently. His appearance is almost always minor, just wanting to prank the Man of Steel as opposed to bringing him harm. Superman usually has to defeat him by a set of rules. For example, one time, the only way to defeat him was to convince Mr. Mxyzptlk to paint his own face blue. He would be an excellent first villain in the DCU, as he doesn’t pose a world-destroying threat right out of the gate.
4. Metallo
Even those who have never picked up a comic know Superman’s weakness for Kryptonite. It is fitting that one of his most formidable foes is a cyborg powered by the element. John Corbin was a murderer and a reporter. He was in a near-fatal car accident, only surviving by participating in an experimental procedure. Corbin is turned into what is essentially a brain-controlling machine. His mechanical body is fueled by radiation. Most forms of radiation he uses, such as Uranium, burn out too quickly. He finds that a Kryptonite heart is exactly what he needs to keep going. His heart gives him Krytponite-based powers, making him more than a match for Superman.
3. Lobo
Similar to Mr. Mxyzptlk, Lobo is more of a nuisance than a straight Superman villain. Lobo is an intergalactic bounty hunter who takes immense pride in his work. Lobo is so formidable not just because of his strength but because he is virtually indestructible. If so much of a drop of his blood is left over, he can reform himself. Being a bounty hunter, Lobo only does what he is paid to do; He has clashed with Superman on several occasions simply because he was paid to do so. He has even teamed up with the Man of Steel on several occasions, just so long as he gets something out of it.
2. Parasite
Several characters have carried the name Parasite, but the best known is Rudy Jones. Jones was a slacker who mistakingly opened a crate containing strange radiation. Jonbes morphs into a creature that feeds off of the life force of others to survive. While feeding off humans, he simply takes their life force and some memories. When attempting to drain meta-human, he gains their powers as well as their memories. This means he not only has Superman’s abilities but also knows his secret identity. The DCU should have a decent threat for Superman to go up against in his early days, and Parasite is one of the best candidates.
1. Brainiac
Other than Lex Luthor and General Zod, Brainiac is perhaps the most famous of the Superman villains. Regardless of his popularity, he has yet to appear in a live-action theatrical movie. Brainiac is a super-intelligent alien being whose thirst for knowledge drives him. One of the smartest beings in DC Comics, Brainiac has frequently been a thorn in Superman’s side. While oftentimes shown to be of Kryptonian origin, Braniac has had several origins throughout his history. Brainiac shrinks down cities and bottles them for experimentation. What makes Brainic so deadly is he can clone himself and control virtually any mechanical object. It is beyond time for Brainaic to appear on the big screen, and fans hope to see him in the DCU.