James Gunn’s DC Universe Wastes Metallo Again: Fans Are Furious!

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Caution: The following article discloses key plot points from the prequel junior novel, “Superman: Welcome to Metropolis“. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

In a fresh DCU unveiling, it’s disclosed that David Corenswet’s Kal El battled a well-known adversary of the Man of Steel prior to the happenings in the movie titled Superman. The narrative presented by James Gunn in his Superman, however, unfolds much later, after Clark Kent has already discovered his abilities and shifted to Metropolis. In this particular timeline within the DCU, metahumans are prevalent and recognized by human society, and everyday occurrences include threats such as fire-breathing monsters resembling kaijus and enigmatic, floating orbs.

From a passionate cinephile’s perspective, James Gunn’s “Superman” brings forth a myriad of heroes and villains from the DC Universe. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor emerges as the primary adversary for our titular hero. Joining him is Maria Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, along with two characters who might not have comic book origins: Ultraman and the Hammer of Boravia. Frank Grillo’s character, Rick Flag Sr., adds a layer of complexity by acting as an antagonist, hindering Superman’s ability to interfere in global conflicts unchecked. However, it’s worth noting that aside from these antagonists, our DCU Superman has previously squared off against at least one other formidable supervillain.

Superman’s Prequel Novel Reveals David Corenswet’s Man Of Steel Already Fought Metallo

Superman Apparently Fought Metallo Twice Before The DCU’s First Movie Begins

Approximately a month before the scheduled release date of Superman on July 11, Warner Bros. and DC Studios published an official prequel junior novel titled Superman: Welcome to Metropolis. In this story, Clark Kent is attempting to secure a job at the Daily Planet. Simultaneously, Lex Luthor sets free Metallo with the intention of eliminating Superman within Metropolis. However, the Justice Gang intervenes, arriving just in time to prevent Superman’s demise and delivering the final blow to Metallo. Subsequently, Lex Luthor enhances Metallo using Kryptonite, but Superman and the Justice Gang manage to stop Metallo once more. This encounter leaves Luthor contemplating that Kryptonite might be his most effective weapon against Superman.

If “Welcome to Metropolis” featuring Superman is accepted into DC Universe lore, it would be a disappointing introduction for the robot villain Metallo, as he has not yet made his big-screen debut and has already lost twice to this version of Superman. The DCU might choose to ignore him or bring him back as a reoccurring foe; regardless, his first appearance in the DCU may forever be associated with two crushing defeats.

Metallo’s Big-Screen Debut Was Scrapped Before The DCU

The DCEU Overlooked Metallo After A Subtle Set-Up

In the movie “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” character Wallace Keefe, portrayed by Scoot McNairy, is tricked by Lex Luthor into believing that Superman caused his injuries during the Black Zero incident in “Man of Steel.” Luthor planted a bomb under lead within Keefe’s wheelchair to destroy the capitol with everyone inside. Although Wallace Keefe is not a significant character in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” he came very close to becoming a main antagonist against Superman.

As per DCEU concept art, director Zack Snyder originally planned for Wallace Keefe to be transformed into Metallo at some stage during “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” but this idea was eventually discarded.

Following Zack Snyder abandoning his idea for Metallo’s portrayal, the character joins the roster of Superman’s adversaries yet to appear in live-action films. Characters such as Brainiac, Bizarro, and Darkseid were once slated as significant antagonists in Superman movies, but these plans never came to fruition. Given Nicholas Hoult’s intense focus on thwarting Superman within the DCU, it seems logical for Metallo to be among Hoult’s initial experiments. However, Metallo’s unfilmed defeat feels like an oversight for this cyborg villain.

Metallo Still Has A Chance To Shine In The DCU After James Gunn’s Superman

Metallo Is A DC Character That’s Never Truly Defeated

Welcome to Metropolis” strictly adhere to the DC Universe continuity, including Metallo’s initial appearance.

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2025-06-07 00:40