2025’s Superman has the potential to repeat one thing its DCEU predecessor, Man of Steel, absolutely nailed if emerging evil clone theories prove true. Henry Cavill being dropped from DC Studios’ Justice League lineup was controversial when it was revealed in the Fall of 2022. The beloved actor’s live-action version of Superman in Man of Steel and beyond was one of the biggest highlights in the DCEU timeline – though his age worked against him when it came to rebooting the franchise with a fresh-faced Superman. With David Corenswet inheriting the mantle, the pressure is on to do Cavill’s Superman legacy justice.

A steady stream of Superman set photos have offered a modicum of insight into how this is going and, so far, reactions to Superman’s super-suit have been mixed. This is tempered, however, by exciting first glimpses of surrounding characters, many of whom have never been depicted in live-action before. While some of these characters are immediately identifiable – such as Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific – there is one in particular that has sparked rampant speculation, as they have yet to be confirmed in the official Superman cast. Prevailing theories, however, pose a positive development.

DCU’s Superman Mysterious Character Theories Would Repeat A Villain Premise Man Of Steel Got Spot On

The character in question can be seen in the Superman set photos (and video) apprehending the titular hero alongside Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. This character is dressed in all-black, with a mask and goggles covering their face, though they do at least have two notable characteristics. The first is the gray “U” symbol on their chest, the only part of their attire that isn’t black. The second is their seeming ability to keep the Man of Steel himself in tow, pulling him up from a grapple before marching him away with Rick Flag Sr.

These two features point to one of two characters: Ulysses or Ultraman. The former is the most likely, with the Ulysses of DC comics wearing a very similar getup while boasting a nearly identical power set to his Kryptonian counterpart. He is an obscure DC character from another dimension in DC Comics, but both of these suitably fit James Gunn’s typical MO when it comes to adapting superhero comics. Ultraman, meanwhile, is an evil Superman from another universe, to put it simply.

If this mysterious figure is either one of these characters, then they would draw significant parallels to Man of Steel‘s villain, General Zod. As a Kryptonian, Zod had the same powers as Superman but harbored decidedly more evil motives. This sets Superman in good stead to mirror the success of its predecessor, leaning into the strengths that Zod’s arch-villainy helped to provide.

Why The DCU’s Superman Would Be Better With Ulysses Or Ultraman

One of the main concerns regarding Superman is how to keep the stakes high when the protagonist has borderline godlike abilities. Ulysses and Ultraman are two of many villains that can provide these stakes insofar as they measure up power-wise. This isn’t the only benefit, however, as they also provide the perfect counterbalance to Superman’s virtue.

Superman’s story is not compelling because he is so powerful, but because he is so virtuous. The fate of the world often hinges on Superman’s choice to stand up for what is right and to not descend into villainy himself. This unparalleled heroism is compounded by having him go head-to-head with someone who opts for evil instead, highlighting Superman’s heroism by virtue of comparison. This is especially pertinent for Superman, who so far appears poised to have his eponymous debut in a world mired in morally gray superheroes.