TheSupermantrailer may have just revealed exactly how Lex Luthor gets his hands on Kal-El’s biggest weakness, spawning a theory about how he could take advantage of it.James Gunn’sSupermanmovieis in the final stages of its marketing as its July 11 release date grows ever closer. This led DC Studios to release theofficial trailer forSupermanin May 2025, providing audiences with what is presumably the last extended look at the first true movie installment of the DC Universe.
In the trailer, several elements of theupcoming DCU moviewere highlighted. Be it the chemistry between Clark Kent and Lois Lane, the morals of Superman and the tribulations he must overcome to enact those beliefs, or the manyvillains ofSuperman, the trailer provided the best look yet at what is set to be the DCU’s first step. Where those villains are concerned,Superman’s trailer gave more hints at Lex Luthor’s plan, including the reveal of how Kal-El’s archenemy will gain access to the latter’s biggest weakness, allowing me to form a theory of how the former can exploit this.
Superman’s Trailer Appears To Show Metamorpho Creating Kryptonite
The Interesting Character Will Play A More Vital Role Than First Thought
The trailer forSupermanshowcased a lot of the heroes that will play a part in the film, as well as its villains. Aside from the likes of Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific, perhaps the most intriguing - and least highlighted - DC hero inSupermanis Metamorpho. Played by Anthony Carrigan inSuperman’s ensemble cast, Metamorpho is a reluctant hero named Rex Mason who unwittingly receives the power to transmute his body into any chemical, as shown in the trailer.
Interestingly, one shot inSuperman’s official trailer shows Metamorpho in prison alongside Superman. When looking at Metamorpho’s left arm, it is glowing green. This indicates that Metamorpho is transmuting his body to create Kryptonite for Lex Luthor, explaining why the robots in the same scene are able to injure Kal-El.
Based On Superman’s Trailer, I Think I Know How Lex Luthor Gets Unlimited Kryptonite
Linked To Metamorpho’s DC Comics Stories
Stemming from this scene, I think I know how Lex Luthor will manipulate Metamorpho into creating Kryptonite. After all, this must be how the story plays out, given that Rex Mason is usually depicted as a good guy and an ally of DC’s biggest heroes. In one shot in the trailer, specifically the one in which Superman is being attacked by the robots in the glass cell, a woman can be seen in the adjoining box. This could be Sapphire Stagg, another character from DC Comics who has strong links to Metamorpho.
In the comics, Metamorpho and Sapphire Stagg have a long-lasting relationship.It could be the case that Lex Luthor has kidnapped both Sapphire and Metamorpho, threatening the former with harm if the latter does not create Kryptoniteand help to weaken Superman. This would explain why the usually benevolent Rex Mason would help Lex, all while allowingSuperman’s main enemy to obtain the means of injuring the Kryptonian hero.
Other Aspects Of Superman’s Marketing Support This Metamorpho Theory
Metamorpho’s Dark Story Looks More Likely Than Ever
What makes this theory all the more promising is the confirmation that the Stagg family will play a role inSuperman. While casting news for these characters has not been unveiled, a shot fromSuperman’s teaser trailer showed the titular hero in the lobby of Stagg Industries. In the comics, the owner of this company is Simon Stagg, the supervillainous father of Sapphire Stagg, whom he is intensely protective of. As a result, he hates Rex Mason and often tries to break up their relationship, even linking to Rex’s origins as Metamorpho.
If Simon and Sapphire Stagg play a role inSuperman,the former could make a deal with Lex Luthor that leads to the mastermind obtaining both of them, likely via betraying Simon. If this comes to pass, Lex would have a means of creating unlimited Kryptonite and a means of ensuring Metamorpho follows orders. This way, the battle between Lex Luthor andSupermanwould increase in scale as the two square off in the DCU for the first time.
