Batman v Superman: What We Know after the Final Trailer

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Batman v Superman (source JoBlo)

Many people are complaining that too many trailers have been released for Batman v Superman already, trailers which gave away too much about the movie. The third trailer did that, as well, in the sense that it revealed who the big baddie is who unites the Trinity (though we can only assume that he is really the one, and not some other). But, other than that, we cannot say that there were too many trailers. There were just enough to increase the buzz.

So what do we know about Batman v Superman after the final trailer’s release? What questions still remain, with a little over a month to go until the movie hits the theaters? We can't say we know too much and we can say that quite a few questions remain. This list is all about that.

So check it out, if you want, but know from the start that here may be some spoilers!

A balance of terror

A Balance of Terror - right there, in the background (source Giphy)

A Balance of Terror – right there, in the background (source Giphy)

When the second trailer hit (the one which arguably revealed a bit too much), there was a small detail in the background of the party attended by Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, and Lex Luthor. The latter is, apparently, the one who threw that party in the first place - and this is an important detail, which we’ll discuss a bit later.

So this small detail, as New Rockstars says, is a painting by modern artist Cleon Peterson, an extension of an already existing piece entitled A Balance of Terror. And this is an important detail, since it shows the true nature of the world, while also defining the main heroes of Batman v Superman.

Thus, the Dark Knight is a dark figure, who preys on the weak - or at least this is what Clark Kent thinks about him. From this perspective, the Batman doesn't jump to help those in need, but seeks the source of the evil and tries to destroy it. And this is a futile gesture since, as the painting suggests, the roles are interchangeable, with every man having the capacity to be both good and evil.

From Bruce Wayne's perspective, Superman is a dark figure in the making - in other words, he hasn't realized his true potential. Bruce knows that there is good and evil in every man, he but also believes that the latter will always prevail. Thus, Superman is a way greater threat to not be taken into account and to not be eliminated as soon as discovered. He also killed Zod and can be held responsible for the numerous deaths during the Battle of Metropolis.

New Rockstars also mentions another perspective, which says that those who are oppressed (the white figures) will eventually become the oppressors (which is understandable, if we look at how the modern dictatorships work). Thus, Zod was an oppressor who ended up being killed. His story didn't end, though, in Man of Steel, since now he has returned much stronger, in order to oppress his former oppressor.

The picture is now complete, we believe. And we also believe that its purpose is to show that there is an implacable circularity from which nobody can escape. Which leads us to suspect something else, something that might happen further down the road, maybe in the announced Man of Steel 2.

Doomsday

Doomsday (source Tech Insider)

Doomsday (source Tech Insider)

As said, Zack Snyder may have built the Superman story arc in the DCEU as being a circular one, a battle between the good and the bad within a character. As mentioned previously, it all depends on perspective as far as Batman v Superman is concerned. However, Doomsday is a bit more special.

First of all, he clearly doesn't look (just yet) like the character from the comics, which can be explained, since his origin story wasn't kept. This version of the character is instead an amalgamation between the comic book Doomsday and Bizarro, a character which was also rumored to be in this movie (a rumor debunked, of course). This version of the character, for example, resembles the look from the comic book, but borrows Bizarro's origin story and some of the superpowers.

The thing that bothered most of the fans (besides the actual reveal) was the look of Doomsday - a combination between the LOTR cave troll, the new TNMT design, and the Incredible Hulk Abomination. Furthermore, there was an obvious lack of spikes.

But given what was said in the previous bullet, we do believe that Batman v Superman won't see the end of the baddie. Doomsday is known, in the comics at least, to come back to life and become immune to whatever previously killed him. This ability is also the one which transforms his body, adding more spikes every time.

So, what we believe is that he will die at the end of Batman v Superman. However, further down the line, we suspect that he will make an epic return, spikier than ever, only to die yet again, this time together with Superman. We do believe that, one way or another, the storyline that made him famous will be adapted on the big screens.

Lex Luthor

Lex Luthor (source Cosmic Book News)

Lex Luthor (source Cosmic Book News)

If most of the fans are now convinced that this Batman is the Batman we needed in the first place, things aren't looking too well for this new version of Lex Luthor. In theory all is well, with the character being adapted for the modern times, with his intentions hidden in plain sight, even with his mindset and reasoning. But something is a little off with him.

Can we blame it all on Jesse Eisenberg? We are not so certain about that - he is an actor who has proved himself quite a few times, until now. Maybe the problem lies in the fact that his own personality and mannerisms fit perfectly with this new version of Lex Luthor (or is it the other way around?). Maybe the problem lies in the fact that the trailers didn't do him justice. Or maybe even in the fact that we only saw him in the trailers, without having a clear picture of his story arc.

For example, the first trailers did show him as an actual hidden evil mastermind, able to manipulate even the most powerful senators. Also, they did introduce the idea that he is the one behind the whole Batman v. Superman thing, manipulating both of them, making them meet, and eventually clash. Lastly, we do know that he is the one who creates Doomsday from Zod's corpse. But is this all? We can bet that it isn't.

There are some other scenes from the trailers which show Superman kneeling in front of him - probably under the influence of the Kryptonite. Which leads us to believe that his plans include something more than just the manipulation of the heroes and the creation of Zod. Will he also forge alliances with characters we wouldn't even suspect?

Coming back to the party scene, both Lex and Bruce seem to know all about Superman's hidden identity. But Lex also appears to know that Bruce has his own dark secrets. So, could Lex actually help the Dark Knight forge a Mech suit capable of matching Superman's strength? It surely seems so"¦

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman (source Cosmopolitan)

Wonder Woman (source Cosmopolitan)

Back when Wonder Woman was revealed, we were unimpressed. Known only for her Fast & Furious role, Gal Gadot seemed to be out of place. Until the third trailer arrived, when we got a glimpse of how awesome she can be in battle. From the moment she blocked Doomsday's heat blast (saving Batman in the process), we knew that she was special. Then the last trailer arrived and her leap into the battle was the most awesome moment of the entire clip.

People are already saying that she is the best thing about the entire Batman v Superman movie, despite having just a small role (when compared to the other main characters). And we aren't talking just about those who saw only the trailers.

There is one more thing we should add about her. When Wonder Woman's solo flick was announced, it was said that it will lead directly into the first Justice League movie. Seeing that her solo flick will be the last one before the big team assembles, we are wondering if she has a bigger role in Batman v Superman than shown in the trailers.

So BADASS (source Comic Book Movie)

So BADASS (source Comic Book Movie)

Apparently, Lex Luthor is aware of her presence in the world, since he has an interest in all the superpowered beings (at this point, we can only assume that it is all part of his twisted plan to build a better world). But, at the same time, Wonder Woman is also aware that the universe is more than just two planets, with one of them already destroyed.

We can only assume that, during her five thousand years of existence, she has become aware of the bigger threats out there. And one of them is none other than Darkseid. As the first trailer revealed, we will catch a glimpse of Themyscira - maybe there is some oracle who can foresee the coming events in there.

Darkseid

Darkseid is coming (source Cosmic Book News)

Darkseid is coming (source Cosmic Book News)

People say that DC and Warner Bros. seem to be in a hurry, that they’re trying to play catch-up with Marvel's shared universe. And that is why they are throwing it all in, with almost the entire Justice League being present in Batman v Superman, with two (or maybe even three) villains featured in the second DCEU movie, and with even a tease of the biggest baddie of them all.

But is it really such a hurry? Is the DCEU trying to compete with the MCU? We don't think so. This is just a different approach. If Marvel went with solo adventures before the big event, DC and Warner Bros. have a different approach. And this approach includes the reveal of Darkseid in the second movie of the shared universe.

Thus, we have the dream sequence, with a destroyed city and a giant Omega sign burned into the ground. In the same Knightmare, we also have Bats fighting some parademons, losing against some soldiers branded with Superman's symbol, and being unmasked by a completely out of character Man of Steel. What gives? Is this a premonition or just a simple nightmare of a paranoid Bruce Wayne?

We can actually bet that it isn't Batman dreaming the dream, but some other character (aware of the fact that Bruce Wayne is the Dark Knight). We can actually bet that there is an oracle who has foreseen the coming of Darkseid and the destruction of the world. And we are certain that this oracle is also aware that Superman can be mind-controlled by a nearly omnipotent being.

This is what the Knightmare is all about.

And we say that because Kahina the Seer is rumored to be in Batman v Superman, since on the set a trailer was reserved for Kahina's double. The character appeared in the Aquaman related comics, but we wouldn't be too surprised if her origins are changed and if she is presented as an Amazonian.

We are certain that Darkseid is coming. Though we don't know if he'll send some generals at first, in the first Justice League movie, or if he'll try to manipulate the already existing villains (yes, Lex Luthor - aren't you too wondering how he was able to create Doomsday using a completely wrecked Genesis Chamber?)

Second fiddle

Lois Lane (source Henry Cavill org)

Lois Lane (source Henry Cavill org)

Obviously, Batman v Superman isn't all about larger than life superheroes trading punches. There are also some secondary characters who are worthy of mention. And the first one is Alfred, Bruce Wayne's butler.

Now we already know that Bruce Wayne isn't living in the mansion any longer and that Alfred has his own house now. However, the two are still cooperating, in order to take down the bad guys. As Jeremy Irons said on numerous occasions, this version of the character will be more hands-on than the previous versions. So, besides imparting the usual bits of advice that any old Englishman would, he will also aid Batman in his quests.

And the final trailer showing him remote-controlling the batwing - after all, even if he doesn't always see eye-to-eye with his master, he is more than willing to help.

Lois Lane is another secondary character about whom we could talk for a bit, even if it only adds to Clark Kent's story arc. Thus, the final trailer did show that they are an actual couple now, living together, and surprising each other in the most intimate ways. But this last trailer also revealed that, at some point (perhaps during the final battle), she will be in danger. Maybe Doomsday will connect the dots, and use her against the Man of Steel.

Is this a tease towards a Wonder Woman - Superman relationship, just like in the comics?

There is also one other character who could be mentioned, although we don't even know his name. This is the character portrayed by Scoot McNairy, who can be seen throughout all the trailers. He is legless, which probably means that he was hurt during the battle of Metropolis. Furthermore, people suspect that he is Jimmy Olsen, coming to testify in front of the Senate on Superman’s behalf.

We believe otherwise, since another, even more interesting, rumor says that he is a tool of Lex Luthor, testifying against the Man of Steel. What’s more, it is said that it turns out that this character explodes right in the face of Superman - literally, or figuratively? Lastly, this same rumor says that this will act as an origin story for another Superman baddie, Metallo.

Superman

So much power (source Comic Book Movie)

So much power (source Comic Book Movie)

When Batman v Superman was first announced (such a long time ago), it was supposed to be a Man of Steel sequel. Later on, it was revealed that the title is a bit longer (adding Dawn of Justice), and that the film won't work as a sequel, but rather as an introduction into the expanded shared universe. After the first trailers dropped, a rumor said that the Warner Bros. execs have decided to give Batman a bigger role in the movie (which is understandable, since he is their most successful comic book character). Lastly, the final trailer hit - completely Bat-centric.

Apparently, at this point, Superman is playing second fiddle in his own movie.

The trailers make it pretty clear why he is so keen on taking Batman down. According to him, the Dark Knight shouldn't use so much violence when apprehending criminals. It is a lesson he himself learned in Man of Steel (and one he will, apparently, forget by the third act of Batman v Superman). So he intends to take the Dark Knight down. At first, only with a threat - later on, using brute force.

There goes Gotham (source Comic Book Movie)

There goes Gotham (source Comic Book Movie)

It seems a bit out of character for him to issue threats such as the bat is dead, bury it, or for him to actually try to punch an armored Batman with all his might. What would have happened if the Mech suit failed?

And that is why we believe that he is under the influence of Kryptonite or some other substance that clouds his judgment. After all, he seems to be too pissed off in the trailers (or, at least, this is how we see him). Does Lex Luthor use some Kryptonite on him? This could be it, though it seems too thin a theory.

Do you have any other thoughts as to why Superman goes all-out against Batman?

Batman

Batman (source Comic Book Movie)

Batman (source Comic Book Movie)

The last trailer revealed a Batman we have never seen on-screen. This version of the Dark Knight is far-far more brutal than the previous ones. And even if we saw his symbol branded onto a villain's chest, we didn't expect for him to break so many bones when fighting (the guy whose face was punched into the floor - did he survive that?!?).

Also, the final trailer specifies that he is old. In fact, he is too old to die young at this moment. And this also makes him a bit more paranoid, which in a way justifies his feelings towards Superman and, basically, everybody who possesses superhuman abilities. And this makes us wonder if he will cross the line and ally himself with hidden villains.

We are more than certain that Bruce Wayne (the world's greatest detective) has some idea about Lex Luthor's agenda. Which would make such an alliance even more surprising. But, at this moment, we are open to any possibilities. At some point in the trailer, when Lex Luthor creates Doomsday, he says “If man won’t kill god, the devil will do it!" Is this a nod toward this alliance? To be noted, Superman is right behind him when he says that.

What can two of the greatest minds of the DCEU do to defeat Superman? Well, they can certainly come up with the schematics of a Mech suit that matches the power of the Man of Steel. They can work together in order to discover that kryptonite is the weakness of the alien. They can actually do a lot of things.

But something will happen, and Batman won't go the extra mile to kill Superman. And, at this point, Luthor's initial plans are foiled, so he creates Doomsday, which ultimately works against him (since Wonder Woman also joins the fight). This is just speculation, though, so it should be taken with a grain of salt (not too much, though).

Also, the final Batman v Superman trailer revealed one more thing: Bruce Wayne/Batman has no idea who Diana Prince is. Which leads us to suspect that the latter joins the fight after a long break (at this point, we are almost certain that she operates more than covertly during WWI, in her solo flick).

Batman v Superman - origins

The Dark Knight Returns (source Movie Pilot)

The Dark Knight Returns (source Movie Pilot)

We guess there is no surprise in here - Batman v Superman will draw heavily from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. There were hints here and there in the previous trailers, Zack Snyder clearly said it, and when the movie was announced it was with the quote “I want you to remember the one man who beat you.

The final trailer did show how much Zack Snyder will use this source: very much. The whole beginning of the final Batman v Superman trailer is taken out of the comic (with little adjustments here and there). Furthermore, during the battle between Batman and Superman, we see the latter shot from different directions, which suggests that the Dark Knight prepared quite a few surprises for the Man of Steel. The Mech suit is basically Miller's creation, down to the soles of the boots. And there is also that one scene in which Superman catches a grenade, resembling the moment in which he caught the Kryptonite-infused arrow.

1

2

Yeah (source Comic Book Movie)

Is this the reason why he is weakened? It could be"¦

The Justice League

The Trinity (source Screen Rant)

The Trinity (source Screen Rant)

Now we are going into the reasons why so many are worried about Batman v Superman - it may be overcrowded. We have the Trinity, we have both Lex Luthor and Doomsday, we have a slew of supporting characters (some we knew, some who will be introduced in this movie), and we also have Aquaman, Cyborg, and Flash. Even if the movie will be two and a half hours, that isn't enough for a movie with so many characters.

But the thing is that there aren't too many characters. The trailers clearly show who the main characters are. Is it Martha Kent? Is it Perry White? Is it Mercy Graves? None of these are main characters - they are in the movie just to ensure some continuity, and none of them needs more than a couple of minutes of on-screen time. Take Mercy Graves - this is fan-service, since this character could have been named in any other way, without actually having an impact on the plot. Perry White is in the trailers just to tell Clark Kent that nobody is interested in a story about the Batman (really?!?). Lois Lane is there just to show that Clark's story has progressed a bit since Man of Steel and, maybe, to increase the stakes.

The Trinity will be there, but only through Batman and Superman, since Wonder Woman will be revealed in the third act. And, as far as the other Justice League members are concerned, they might as well be missing - as Zack Snyder said, they will be there just enough to get the conversation (about the Justice League) started.

Will Batman v Superman be overcrowded? No, it won’t - what do you think, though?

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