James Gunn made headlines this week by announcing his plans to direct DCs upcoming Superman: Legacy film. The recently appointed co-head of DC Studios has been working on the script for the film for a while now. This will be the first feature under Gunn and co-head Peter Safran, with the duo planning to recast Clark Kent.

While details on the film are sparse for now, we do know if will focus on a younger Clark Kent. We also know it will see the young Superman struggle with reconciling both his Krypton heritage and human upbringing. Of course, it wouldnt be a good superhero film without a wicked villain to root against. While we have seen some of Supermans iconic antagonists on the silver screen, there are tons left to show up. Here are 10 iconic comic villains James Gunn could pit against the young Man of Steel:

10: Metallo

Kryptonite has not played a large role in many of Supermans films. So, what better way to bring the Man of Steels biggest weakness into play than to introduce a villain made of one? Formerly a human criminal known as John Corben, Metallo was transformed into a cyborg with a kryptonite heart after getting hit by a truck. Zod and his soldiers used his body to regain their powers but soon discarded him. However, Corbens new body now has super strength, which he uses to kill Superman, whom he blames for his sisters death.

9: Parasite

Parasite is the name several villains have taken in the DC Universe. Each version of the villain can absorb their victims life energy, powers, and knowledge. This is done through simple physical contact. They can also drain any other form of energy to use as a power source. The most recent incarnation in the comics (Rudy Jones) also shows super strength, intelligence, agility, durability, and reflexes once a victim is absorbed. In short, Parasite is just as the name suggestsa parasite that feeds on others to survive. I can see this formidable foe causing all kinds of problems for a younger Kent. Just imagine if they were to absorb the powers of Superman.

8: Mr. Mxyzptlk

While this DC villain doesnt look like much, he is incredibly powerful. He can warp reality around him, something even Superman is not invulnerable to. In the comics, he caused quite a few issues for the Man of Steel. There have been several versions of the character throughout DC, with some as more comic relief and others as a formidable supervillain for Superman. No matter which routes the villain takes, he would make for an enjoyable adversary to Clark Kent. Especially with James Gunn at the helm, as this character feels like something out of Guardians of the Galaxy.

7: Mongul

Perhaps not quite as known as some of the other names on this list, Mongul is a major threat to the Man of Steel. After being exiled from his planet, the alien threat set his sights on Earth. Of course, this led to a confrontation with Superman. Armed with super strength to rival the Man of Steel, Mongul is one of DCs more cunning and sadistic villains, wiping out entire cities without a second thought. This would make the perfect villain to give Clark Kent his first taste of a world-ending threat.

6: Cyborg Superman

Henry Hank Henshaw is a former astronaut who got caught up in a solar flare. As his body deteriorates from the radiation exposure, Henshaw comes to blame Superman for his problems (a recurring theme for DCs villains). So, he travels through space to Supermans birthing matrix to create a replica of the Man of Steels body. He then augments it with cybernetic parts and returns to Earth to kill Superman. It would be fun to see Superman face off against himself and would fit the theme of Kents struggles with his alien and human lives.

5: Bizarro

Probably one of Supermans most iconic villains, Bizarro has been a thorn in Clark Kents side for a long time. While he is sometimes viewed as a joke, you know, with the whole speaking in opposites and having the opposite of Supermans powers, he is a formidable foe. He is dangerous because he has the potential to do all the things Superman would never do with his powers. In the hands of James Gunn, a slightly comedic villain could be an excellent thing for Superman: Legacy.

4: Toyman

Another seemingly goofy character, Toyman, has proved himself a deadly foe in the DC Universe. As the name suggests, this villain uses toy-based devices to commit crimes. However, he is not just creating bears and trains. Toyman builds complex machines to rival even Supermans endurance, like robotic doppelgangers. He would be a great villain to test a fresh Supermans patience.

3: Solomon Grundy

While not necessarily a Superman-only villain, he would still make a great antagonist for Superman: Legacy. The reanimated corpse of Cyrus Gold has strength that rivals Supermans. Oh, and he is impossible to kill since he is, you know, already dead. Superman would need to think outside the box to stop Grundy, making him a great villain for the film.

2: Brainiac

Technically, Brainiac did appear in another of James Gunns DC films, The Suicide Squad. While Peter Capaldi did an excellent job with the material, the ensemble movie didnt leave much room to flesh out individual characters. With Brainiac being one of the top villains Superman has ever faced, it would be a shame not to see him show up again. Brainiac is one of the most intelligent beings in the universe who collects knowledge and cities to keep on his ship. He has proven formidable to Clark Kent in the comics and would be a wonderful and fan-pleasing villain for Gunns Superman: Legacy.

1: Darkseid

Who better to give Superman a run for his money than one of the most powerful beings in the universe? Darkseid has one main goal; to enslave all the multiverse and eliminate all hope and free will. While he may be a bit large for a new Superman to face off against alone, an end-credit scene could establish him as the new DCUs big bad.

Who do you think is going to show up and cause havoc as a villain for James Gunns Man of Steel?

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10 Villains James Gunn Could Use In His Superman Reboot | - The Nerd Stash