Discovering the Origins of the Monster in the Superman Trailer

The enigmatic creature featured in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman may have a more recognizable backstory than previously thought. According to the details unveiled in the initial Superman trailer, the DC Universe (DCU) is set to be populated by a plethora of heroes, anti-heroes, and various fantastical beings by the time David Corenswet steps into the role of Superman in his own film. With the upcoming projects lined up in the DCU’s Gods and Monsters chapter, fans can expect to encounter a diverse array of beings, including Kryptonians, Amazons, Green Lanterns, robots, reanimated corpses, and hybrids of all kinds.

Gunn’s Superman looks poised for an action-packed introduction, as the trailer hints at multiple DC characters with distinct origins and abilities—many of whom are likely to branch out into their own future projects within the DCU. Notably, characters such as Krypto the Superdog will make an appearance in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, while The Engineer may join forces in The Authority. Additionally, Mister Terrific’s superhero team could lay the groundwork for a potential Justice League International or a spinoff focused on The Terrifics. However, there are still at least two undisclosed Superman-related figures lurking in the shadows, including a masked villain and a giant creature wreaking havoc in Metropolis as seen in the trailer.

Jimmy Olsen’s Transformation into a Kaiju in Gunn’s Superman

Jimmy Olsen: A History of Monster Transformations in the Comics

Skyler Gisondo and Jimmy Olsen as a kaiju monster in Superman Silver Age DC comics — Image courtesy of Nicolas Ayala

In one fleeting moment from the Superman trailer, viewers catch a glimpse of a colossal, fire-breathing monster. So far, the origins of this creature and any potential control mechanism remain a mystery. Throughout Superman’s lore, he has encountered various formidable monsters and gigantic foes, yet one of the most extraordinary is none other than his closest friend, Jimmy Olsen. In the Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen series from the Silver Age of comics, Jimmy underwent numerous transformations into a spectrum of creatures, including beings like a reptilian creature, a porcupine, a werewolf, and even a version of “Bizarro”Jimmy. Of these transformations, his most formidable is perhaps a colossal turtle-man.

Gunn’s vision for Superman might incorporate a narrative where Jimmy Olsen becomes the victim of a scientific experiment, potentially explaining the kaiju seen in the early footage. In Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen Vol. 1 #53 (1961), Jimmy discovers an “enlarging ray,” which he inadvertently uses on both himself and a turtle, merging them into a creature dubbed the Turtle-Man—a kaiju that Superman must confront to save the city. While the film may not directly adapt this specific story, it’s plausible that Jimmy could endure a similar fate in the rich and imaginative landscape of the DCU.

The Threats Facing Jimmy Olsen: Villains and Experiments

Various DCU Villains Could Target Jimmy Olsen

Incorporating Jimmy Olsen’s transformation into the plot could be a clever move for James Gunn’s Superman, positioning him as a target for some of Superman’s most notorious foes. Figures like Lex Luthor, The Engineer, and Maxwell Lord could harness advanced technology to experiment on Jimmy, while Rick Flag Sr.’s knowledge from his dealings with the Creature Commandos might have equipped him with insights into utilizing monster DNA. The film’s elusive masked villain, possibly Ulysses or Ultraman, could be granted the power to create new metahuman entities and monstrous beings in the DCU.

In previous depictions of the character in DC Comics’ Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen, his wild escapades often stemmed from his association with Superman and the antagonists he faced. As the DCU integrates characters such as Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen more significantly than past adaptations, it’s plausible they will frequently find themselves in the crosshairs of Superman’s adversaries. The scope of various surreal creatures and the prevailing presence of brilliant yet devious villains like Lex Luthor and The Engineer mean Jimmy could very well become an experiment subject, turning into a colossal, fire-breathing kaiju creature, just for the sake of tormenting the iconic Man of Steel.

The Significance of Jimmy Olsen’s Kaiju Transformation in Gunn’s Superman

An Ode to Silver Age Comics: Jimmy Olsen’s Transformation

While Jimmy Olsen’s appeal is rooted in his down-to-earth character, his frequent brushes with peril as a result of being associated with Superman are equally vital to his narrative. No previous major film adaptation of Superman has emphasized this facet of Jimmy’s history, making this an ideal opportunity for the DCU to explore it more deeply as Gunn’s film unfolds. Unlike earlier representations of the character, Skyler Gisondo’s portrayal of Jimmy Olsen has the potential for a rich character arc across multiple films, involving as many extraordinary experiences as Superman himself.

Moreover, Gunn’s Superman is anticipated to draw inspiration from various eras of Superman comics. From Superman’s inaugural suit featuring nods to both Kingdom Come and The New 52, to potential plot influences from legendary DC storylines such as All-Star Superman and Superman For All Seasons, which Gunn has acknowledged in interviews. With the Golden Age and Modern Age narratives already covered, introducing a sequence involving kaiju Jimmy Olsen—an homage to Silver Age comics—would perfectly complement Superman’s homage to his rich 87-year legacy in storytelling.

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