Recent set photos from the new Superman movie, set to release on July 11, 2025, have given us some hints about the plot that weren’t shown in the trailer.
The movie was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, a place connected to Superman’s creators and serves as a stand-in for Metropolis. Director James Gunn has stated that while some images have appeared online, they don’t reveal major spoilers.
We can make some assumptions based on what little has been shown from trailers and images. One notable scene shows Superman being arrested outside Cleveland City Hall, with characters like Rick Flag Sr., The Engineer, and what appears to be Ultraman present.
This hints at a conflict between Superman and the U.S. government or ARGUS, possibly set up by Lex Luthor. This is similar to a scene from Man of Steel, suggesting the film will continue to explore Superman’s relationship with authority figures.
Ultraman’s involvement is an important twist. Traditionally, Ultraman is an alternate version of Superman from another reality, but leaked details and the trailer indicate he might be a clone created by Lex Luthor in this film. This sets the stage for a showdown between Superman and this darker version of himself. Set photos show Ultraman dressed in black next to Rick Flag Sr. during Superman’s arrest.
Related: We Finally Know if The Batman is In The DCU
Maxwell Lord, played by Sean Gunn, seems to play a role in the story too, as seen through logos for LordTech on the costumes of characters like Guy Gardner, Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl. This suggests that Lord may be funding or manipulating these heroes for his own agenda, potentially pushing them toward questionable morals.
Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, appears to have visible battle scars, hinting that he will be more active in the film than usual. This fits with what is seen in the trailer and suggests he might use a LexCorp battle suit.
Other photos also show Superman positively interacting with children, reinforcing his image as a symbol of hope. There’s even a scene featuring a squirrel, which has led to speculation about a possible link to Green Lantern Ch’p, although it might just highlight Superman’s compassionate side. Additionally, set photos reveal María Gabriela de Faría as the Engineer, involved in a confrontation with Superman and Ultraman inside a baseball stadium.
