James Gunn has confirmed that two major DC villains will join the DC Universe (DCU) in the near future, according to a recent social-media exchange. one of the characters is almost certainly Darkseid, whose involvement in the animated Mister Miracle series was previously announced by DC Studios. The identity of the second villain remains unconfirmed, though Ultraman has emerged as a leading candidate based on clues in the source report and broader DCU plans .

Darkseid, Mister Miracle, and a confirmed arrival

Darkseid's inclusion is the most concrete piece of the puzzle. As the source article reports, DC Studios has already confirmed his role in the upcoming animated Mister Miracle series, making him the one villain Gunn can confidently refer to without ambiguity. This also means the DCU's first chapter, 'Gods and Monsters,' will introduce one of the franchise's ultimate threats early on, rather than holding him for a later phase — a strategic departure from the slow-burn approach the MCU used with Thanos.

Ultraman as the favorite: The Crime Syndicate connection

The second slot is where speculation intensifies. According to the report, Ultraman — the evil Earth-3 counterpart of Superman — is a strong contender, in part because his fate was left ambiguous in the Superman movie, leaving room for a Crime Syndicate adaptation. Gunn's own response to a fan's list of six characters (General Zod, Doomsday, Dr. Fate, Black Adam, Ultraman, or Darkseid) was teasingly noncommittal, but Ultraman's narrative flexibility and connection to a multiverse storyline make him the odds-on favorite among fans.

Black Adam and Doomsday:Why recent history rules them out

Black Adam and Doomsday were also on the fan's list, but the source article suggests they are less likely due to recent live-action appearances or association with the DCEU's less successful films. The 2022 Black Adam film underperformed, and Doomsday was a central figure in the 2016 Batman v Superman — a film that remains divisive. Gunn's reboot aims to distance itself from the DCEU's baggage, making these characters risky picks for an early villain introduction. Instead, fresher or less-trodden antagonists like Ultraman better suit the 'Gods and Monsters' theme of exploring the DC universe's darker corners.

The unanswered question: Who is the second villain?

Despite the strong hints, the second villain's identtity has not been officially confirmed. The report leaves several open questions: Is the mystery character a world-level threat like Darkseid or a street-level antagonist? Could the choice be a deep cut like Dr. Fate, whose mystical ties could expand the DCU's magical side? And why did Gunn choose to tease two out of six fan suggestions, ignoring the other four without explanation? Until Gunn or DC Studios provides a definitive answer, Ultraman remains the speculative frontrunner — but the door is open for a surprise.

What Supergirl's June 26 launch means for villain reveals

The DCU's first chapter continues to expand this summer with the arrival of Supergirl on June 26. As the soruce notes, Gunn's universe is set in a world where superheroes and villains already exist, so villain introductions can happen organically through other characters' stories. Darkseid's Mister Miracle appearance and the second villain's likely debut may tie into the broader 'Gods and Monsters' narrative, potentially setting up a Justice League–sized threat down the line. Fans should watch for announcements tied to upcoming releases or DC Studio events.

The report's initial scoop, while brief, has ignited widespread discussion about the DCU's direction. As Gunn continues to reveal the roadmap, the second villain's name may become the deciding factor in whether this new universe feels fresh or retreads familiar ground.