The DC Universe is about to get a major shake-up as James Gunn’s Superman (formerly Superman: Legacy) is set to release next month. This film marks the beginning of the new DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, and all eyes are on which villains will challenge the Man of Steel this time around.
So far, we know The Engineer (played by María Gabriela de Faría) will be one of the confirmed antagonists. As a member of The Authority in the comics, her nano-tech powers offer a new type of threat. But fans are buzzing about who else might show up — could we see Lex Luthor, Brainiac, or even a multiversal-level threat teased for future crossovers?
The DC Universe is known for its godlike characters, and the villains are no exception. While Superman is the gold standard of heroes, it’s the villains who often define the stakes — cosmic conquerors, manipulative geniuses, and unstoppable monsters.
Let’s take a closer look at the 10 most powerful DC villains and their history in comics and on screen.
1. Darkseid
The tyrant of Apokolips, Darkseid is one of the most feared beings in the DC Universe. He’s hunted the Anti-Life Equation, controls vast armies (the Parademons), and wields the Omega Beams, capable of disintegrating or teleporting targets.
Battled: Superman, the Justice League, Orion
Seen in: Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
2. Anti-Monitor
A multiversal destroyer from Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Anti-Monitor consumes entire realities to fuel his power. His arrival often signals apocalyptic change across the DC Multiverse.
Battled: The Monitor, Superman, Supergirl, Flash
Seen in: CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover
3. Trigon
The demonic father of Raven (from Teen Titans), Trigon is a supernatural threat who has destroyed and enslaved countless worlds. His powers include reality manipulation, telepathy, and dimensional travel.
Battled: Teen Titans, Justice League Dark
Seen in: Teen Titans Go! and Titans (live-action)
4. Brainiac
A hyper-intelligent alien android obsessed with collecting and destroying civilizations. He is often portrayed as one of Superman’s most formidable foes due to his superior intellect and advanced tech.
Battled: Superman, Supergirl
Rumored for: Future DCU appearances
5. Nekron
A cosmic embodiment of death and the source of the Black Lantern Corps. Nekron nearly conquered all life in Blackest Night, raising fallen heroes and villains as undead soldiers.
Battled: Green Lantern Corps, Justice League
Seen in: Green Lantern comics, animated features
6. The Batman Who Laughs
A twisted hybrid of Batman and the Joker from the Dark Multiverse. He has Bruce Wayne’s intellect and Joker’s insanity, making him a terrifying combination.
Battled: Justice League, Superman, other Batmen
Seen in: Dark Nights: Metal and Death Metal
7. Doomsday
A genetic monster created to evolve beyond death. He famously killed Superman in the Death of Superman storyline. Every time he dies, he comes back immune to what previously killed him.
Battled: Superman, Wonder Woman
Seen in: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
8. Parallax
The living embodiment of fear, Parallax is a cosmic parasite that has possessed Hal Jordan and others. It can manipulate reality, time, and minds.
Battled: Green Lantern Corps, Superman, Spectre
Seen in: Green Lantern (2011)
9. Superboy-Prime
An alternate reality version of Superman with no moral compass. He’s incredibly powerful — even more so than most versions of Superman — and has killed heroes in the hundreds.
Battled: Teen Titans, Justice League, Shazam
Seen in: Infinite Crisis
10. Lex Luthor
While not physically powerful, Lex’s mind and resources make him dangerous. He’s been everything from a corrupt businessman to President of the United States — and even a wielder of the power of a god.
Battled: Superman, Batman, Justice League
Seen in: Countless comics, animated series, and films (Batman v Superman, Smallville, Superman Returns)
Final Thoughts
With Superman (2025) on the horizon, DC is poised to reintroduce some of its most powerful and dangerous villains in fresh ways. Whether we get a slow build to Darkseid, a reimagined Brainiac, or even an eventual Trigon showdown, the future of the DCU looks packed with powerful threats.
These villains aren’t just enemies — they’re legends in their own right. And with new leadership behind DC Studios, we might finally see them reach their full terrifying potential on the big screen.
