In the world of comic books, a superhero is only as remarkable as their arch-nemesis. His roster of villains often takes a backseat in fans’ minds when it comes to Superman. The likes of Spider-Man and Batman’s rogues’ galleries tend to dominate the conversation when discussing comic book villains. And who can blame them? With iconic villains such as the Joker, Green Goblin, Two-Face, and Venom, it’s no wonder they steal the spotlight. However, Superman’s own collection of visually captivating and intriguing villains should not be overlooked.

Surprisingly, despite making numerous appearances in films, only a small number of Superman’s villains have graced the silver screen. We’ve witnessed the likes of Lex Luthor, Doomsday, Darkseid, and General Zod in cinematic adaptations. However, a world of possibilities awaits with a fresh Superman reboot on the horizon, helmed by James Gunn. So put on your reddest cape and cast your gaze to the skies because these are the untapped Superman villains yet to make their big-screen debut.

Bizarro

Clones are a well-worn concept in the realm of superheroes, often appearing as frequently as those iconic blue sky portals. However, one of Superman’s peculiar adversaries takes the concept to a whole new level: B-0, also known as Bizarro. This imperfect duplicate of Superman boasts pale and patchy gray skin, unsettling teeth, and a zombie-like expression. If Superman were a high-end action figure, Bizarro would be the knockoff version made from cheaper, lumpier plastic. His hilariously strange speech pattern sets Bizarro apart, stumbling through even the simplest of sentences, uttering gems like “Me am number one.”

The character received a notable makeover in the “Forever Evil” event comic, where supervillains took the helm. In the midst of the wild events, Lex Luthor unleashes his somewhat flawed Superman clone, forming an oddly peculiar bond with it. However, Bizzaro mostly falls into the campier category of Superman villains, making a live-action adaptation highly unlikely. Yet, considering James Gunn’s penchant for vibrant science-fiction camp, it might just be time for Bizzaro to make his big-screen debut.

Brainiac

Alongside Lex Luthor, Brainiac stands as one of Superman’s enduring adversaries, capable of single-handedly threatening entire planets. The origins of Brainiac vary depending on the version or era of Superman you’re reading, with different retellings over time. Some portray him as a native of the planet Colu, while others depict him as a creation of Kryptonian science. The outcome remains consistent regardless of his diverse origins: a cold-hearted green humanoid robot with a relentless drive for galactic conquest. Notably, Brainiac is responsible for shrinking Krypton’s city of Kandor before the planet’s demise, preserving it within a glass bottle.

Similar to Lex Luthor, Brainiac frequently challenges Superman’s superhuman strength with his intellect and technological genius. In many encounters, the Man of Steel finds himself facing an army of robotic minions in addition to Brainiac’s formidable presence. Despite Brainiac’s prominent role in Superman’s ongoing storylines and numerous animated adaptations, he has yet to make his debut on the big screen. However, with James Gunn’s imaginative vision for the upcoming DC Cinematic Universe, the time may finally come for Brainiac to take center stage.

Parasite

Parasite stands out as one of Superman’s most unsettling villains, known for his disturbing origins. The specifics of Parasite’s backstory can vary across different iterations, with slight modifications made over time.

In certain iterations, such as “Superman the Animated Series,” Rudy Jones, a small-time criminal, undergoes a horrifying transformation into the merciless Parasite after being exposed to toxic chemicals. Alternatively, in the comic mini-series “American Alien,” Jones, driven by financial desperation, volunteers as a human test subject, leading to his transformation.

Regardless of his origins, Parasite’s formidable powers remain consistent—an ability to drain the energy of others, leaving them as lifeless shells. This makes Superman, who derives his powers from Earth’s yellow sun, a prime target for Parasite. In addition to gaining immense strength through energy absorption, Parasite also gains knowledge about his victims. In some versions, he is even aware of Superman’s secret identity as Clark Kent, the mild-mannered reporter. A grand cinematic portrayal would be highly anticipated, given Parasite’s longstanding presence in Superman’s lore.

Mister Mxyzptlk

Comic books offer remarkable freedom to create any kind of character, and in the vast DC Comics universe filled with gods, monsters, and villains, Mister Mxyzptlk stands out as one of the most powerful adversaries. Despite his whimsical appearance, this dashing dwarf in eccentric attire is surprisingly formidable and ranks among Superman’s greatest foes.

Mxyzptlk, an imp from the fifth dimension, shares similar god-like powers with Bat-Mite. With the ability to manipulate reality according to his mischievous desires, this pint-sized imp poses a significant challenge for the Man of Steel. Superman often relies on outsmarting Mxyzptlk rather than engaging in direct combat. In many iterations, the imp can only be defeated by tricking him into saying his name backward, akin to the tale of Rumplestiltskin.

Superhero movies have been embracing the eccentricities of their comic book origins. James Gunn has proven his talent for transforming offbeat characters into captivating ones, as seen with Polka Dot Man in “The Suicide Squad.” Given this trend, the inclusion of Mister Mxyzptlk in an upcoming Superman film would be a fantastic choice. Despite his comical appearance, Mxyzptlk has the potential to be a formidable and intriguing adversary for the Man of Steel.

Lobo

Who can discuss Superman villains without mentioning the one and only Lobo? When it comes to style and attitude, Lobo is often compared to Marvel’s Deadpool. He breaks the fourth wall and possesses a rebellious demeanor. While Superman also originates from another world, Lobo is anything but a typical alien.

Straight from the planet of Czarnia, Lobo stands as the sole survivor of his annihilated race, courtesy of his own hands! This interstellar bad boy earns his living as a notorious bounty hunter, fearlessly taking on the most perilous missions across the galaxy. When he’s not delivering severed heads as macabre presents, you can often find him drowning in gallons of booze at any cosmic dive he stumbles upon.

Lobo, a satirical take on the hyper-violent comics of the 1990s, embodies all the exaggerated tropes of that era. He epitomizes the decade’s style with bulging muscles, a snarky attitude, and a fondness for extreme violence and ridiculously powerful weapons. This character has amassed a devoted following and even captured the admiration of comic book icon Stan Lee. Given James Gunn’s success with anti-heroes, Lobo would be a perfect fit for his fresh DC Cinematic Universe.

Livewire

Livewire brings a unique perspective to Superman’s rogues’ gallery, as she was originally created for “Superman the Animated Series” by Bruce Timm. In her debut episode aptly titled “Livewire,” we meet Leslie Willis, voiced by Lori Petty, a radio host with a strong disdain for Superman. This portrayal resonated with the ’90s era, which saw the rise of provocative radio personalities like Howard Stern.

In a twist of fate, Willis decides to hold an outdoor broadcast during a thunderstorm, unaware of the impending danger. A powerful surge of electricity strikes her, amplified by its passage through Superman, resulting in a drastic transformation. The once familiar shock jock now boasts a menacing appearance and wields electrifying abilities.

After initially meeting her demise at the hands of Superman, Livewire proved to be so popular that she made several return appearances. Surprisingly, it took nearly a decade for her to become an official part of the comics, debuting in 2006. The character also made her mark on CW’s “Supergirl,” portrayed by Brit Morgan, where her profession was updated from radio host to podcaster. Having already conquered both animation and live-action, the time may finally be ripe for Livewire to make her electrifying debut on the big screen.

Ultraman

The current craze in superhero media seems to revolve around multiverse event stories, gripping the world of superhero enthusiasts. From “Spider-Man: No Way Home” to “The Flash” to “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” audiences are captivated by narratives that bring different worlds together. DC Comics has been at the forefront of this trend, introducing a plethora of alternate earths and variations of their beloved heroes.

Among the fascinating alternate realities in DC Comics, there exists Earth-3, a reverse Earth where the roles of heroes and villains are flipped. On Earth-3, Lex Luthor leads the Justice League, while Ultraman takes the place of Superman. Unlike the Man of Steel, Ultraman is a malevolent counterpart driven by a desire for global domination. Adding to the intrigue, Kryptonite actually enhances Ultraman’s powers instead of weakening him, creating an intriguing dynamic.

While the idea of an evil version of Superman is not entirely unfamiliar, particularly with characters like Homelander or Omni-Man in other comic book universes, we have yet to witness the full potential of an evil Superman on the big screen, apart from the glimpses offered in Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” trilogy. Suppose James Gunn is interested in exploring this concept without compromising the integrity of the beloved Man of Steel. In that case, Ultraman stands ready in the wings, waiting for his moment to step into the spotlight.

Manchester Black and the Elite

One storyline that beautifully captures the essence of the Man of Steel is “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?” penned by Joe Kelly. In this narrative, the age-old debate surrounding Superman’s approach to heroism and his seemingly outdated persona is skillfully tackled.

In this captivating tale, we are introduced to The Elite, a ruthless team of heroes who believe in taking extreme measures to eliminate their enemies. Their brutal tactics clash directly with Superman’s unwavering commitment to sparing lives, despite his immense powers. Leading The Elite is Manchester Black, a telepathic individual with a penchant for chain smoking, who boldly asserts that Superman’s approach is outdated in the contemporary world.

The narrative thoughtfully challenges the validity of the Elite’s violent approach and raises questions about the wisdom of Superman’s unwavering ideology. The storyline has already been successfully adapted into the animated film “Superman vs. The Elite” in 2012, receiving critical acclaim. Given the ongoing passionate debates among fans regarding Superman’s stance on killing, the timing is ideal for the story to be brought to the big screen. Whether featuring the entire Elite team or focusing on the intriguing character of Manchester Black, this conflict would provide a compelling and timely storyline for any upcoming Superman movie.

Hank Henshaw aka Cyborg Superman

Superman’s narratives have consistently delved into science-fiction elements, featuring a multitude of extraterrestrial adversaries and robotic dangers. This inclination aligns with Superman’s alien origins, attracting a wide array of otherworldly menaces. Among these peculiar villains is the scientist Hank Henshaw, who emerged as a particularly intriguing character from the ill-fated Excalibur space shuttle mission.

In a twisted parody reminiscent of the Fantastic Four, Hank Henshaw and his team, including his wife, undergo exposure to cosmic radiation. However, they tragically perish instead of acquiring extraordinary abilities, leaving only Henshaw. In a deteriorating state, he manages to save his wife, Terri, with the assistance of Superman. However, in a shocking turn of events, Henshaw later abandons his physical body and transfers his consciousness into LexCorp’s central computer system. This revelation drives Terri to take her own life. Through a complex sequence of events, Henshaw’s consciousness eventually finds its way into the spacecraft that brought Superman to Earth as an infant. Leveraging this opportunity, Henshaw propels himself into the Kryptonian birthing matrix, where he not only uncovers Superman’s secrets but also manages to restore himself to life.

After the events of “The Death of Superman,” Henshaw resurfaces as Cyborg Superman, bearing a striking resemblance to Superman himself but with a cybernetic appearance reminiscent of the Terminator. The character’s backstory is intricately woven into the vast tapestry of continuity, but with careful setup, he could serve as a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic antagonist.

Mongul

It’s truly astounding to witness the multitude of extraterrestrial threats that actively seek to eliminate Superman on a daily basis. Among these persistent adversaries is Mongul, the tyrannical ruler of Warworld, a mobile satellite that captures the galaxy’s greatest warriors for brutal gladiatorial combat. Mongul had established a formidable power structure, placing himself at the pinnacle and deriving sadistic pleasure from witnessing the demise of warrior after warrior. However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse when he made the fateful mistake of luring Superman onto Warworld. In a remarkable display of strength and skill, the Man of Steel triumphed over all adversaries, exposing Mongul’s vulnerabilities. As a result, Superman was ultimately rescued from Warworld, and Mongul’s once loyal underlings and slaves turned against him.

Mongul, while not the most complex character, has played a significant role in several important DC stories. He and Cyborg Superman were responsible for the destruction of Coast City, the hometown of Hal Jordan, which ultimately led to his transformation into a villain. Mongul was also the central antagonist in “For the Man Who Has Everything,” a poignant and impactful standalone Superman story. Although his motivations may seem straightforward, Mongul exudes enough menace and intrigue to warrant a compelling portrayal in a live-action adaptation.

Toyman

When it comes to Superman’s gallery of villains, Toyman stands out as a unique figure due to his absence of inherent superhuman abilities. Similar to characters like Blue Beetle or Clayface, Toyman has a legacy that spans different individuals assuming the mantle throughout DC’s rich history.

The Toyman character in DC Comics has seen different iterations throughout its history. The original Toyman, Winslow Percival Schott, emerged during DC’s golden age. He was a criminal who utilized children’s toys and whimsical gadgets to commit his nefarious acts. Following Schott, Jack Nimball took up the mantle, maintaining a similar gimmick but adopting a jester costume. The third and most recent incarnation is Hiro Okamura, a teenage tech prodigy from Japan, who operates a giant mech suit as his version of Toyman.

However, there exists a version of the Toyman outside of the comic books that holds great potential for a cinematic adaptation. This iteration originates from “Superman the Animated Series” and goes by the name Winslow Schott Jr. In this portrayal, he is the orphaned son of a benevolent toymaker who was wrongfully incarcerated. As a result, Winslow Jr. is thrust into the foster system, where he endures abuse until reaching adulthood, which ultimately causes his mental breakdown. As the adult Toyman, he wears a chilling doll mask and emerges as one of Superman’s most disturbed adversaries. If Toyman were to be introduced in a Superman film, this version would undoubtedly serve as a compelling foundation.

Metallo

Metallo is a prime example of a comic book character who has undergone multiple reboots and reinventions throughout their existence. In his initial appearance during the early days of “Superman,” Metallo was quite different from his current iteration. He was portrayed as a scientist named George Grant, who developed a metallic suit and a strength-enhancing formula, enabling him to engage in combat with Superman.

After a considerable gap, Metallo made a comeback in a modern context, this time as the journalist-turned-murderer John Corben. Devastated by a tragic accident that left him severely disfigured, Corben’s life took a turn when he encountered the scientist Professor Vale. Through Vale’s expertise, Corben was transformed into a cyborg with a sleek robotic body and synthetic skin. However, there was a catch—uranium’s power source would only sustain him for a single day.

Before long, Corben realized that Kryptonite, Superman’s ultimate weakness, could serve as an ideal power source, thrusting him into the sights of the Man of Steel. Throughout the years, Metallo has emerged as a persistent menace to Superman, often pushing the superhero to his limits with his Kryptonite-infused heart. Metallo stands as an undeniable contender if you’re seeking a villain capable of challenging Superman’s might.