The first DC project of 2025 shows how Superman might not be able to defeat a classic villain of his, but Lois Lane might be the answer to that problem. Over the past few years, DC has had multiple Superman actors in live-action. From Henry Cavill to Tyler Hoechlin to now David Corenswet and more, Superman has thrived both on the big and small screens. 2025 marks an important year for the Man of Steel, as James Gunn’s Superman movie debuts Corenswet’s Clark Kent and sets him up to be central to the new DCU.

However, Corenswet is not the only active Superman DC currently has. Throughout the years, a few versions of the character have been underrated, with some great takes on Superman flying under the radar. Before the next few projects from the DCU’s Chapter One come around, including David Corenswet’s Superman debut movie, the Man of Steel has a role in the first DC project of 2025. The Elseworlds story sees the hero unable to defeat a classic villain, but Lois Lane has now emerged as the way to keep Metropolis safe.

2025 Just Teased How Lois Lane Can Beat Brainiac Instead Of Superman

The Man Of Steel Went Through A Rough Patch In A Returning DC Series

Brainiac was rumored for a long time as the surprise villain of Gunn’s Superman, especially due to the giant ball of energy in the first official image released from the film. However, it seems like the classic DC villain will not show up in the DCU’s first movie. While he can always come up in future DC films, fans who want to see Brainiac can do so now in Harley Quinn season 5. In the TV-MA animated series, Superman was unable to defeat Brainiac, but Lois Lane has the skills to turn the tide.

Metropolis does not yet know that Brainiac took over the city. Through the use of alien technology — advanced drones — Brainiac manages to stop all crime in the city, keeping tabs on everything that is happening as he tries to get Metopolis to a 100% level of perfection, presumably for nefarious purposes. Since citizens have no problem with the Brainiac drones, Superman has not attempted to destroy them. However, Lois Lane is looking into alleged UFO sightings, which are related to Brainiac’s ship, and if she exposes the truth about the villain, she could change public opinion.

Harley Quinn Season 5 Episode 3’s Lois Lane Tease

The DC Character Might Be Central To Defeating Brainiac

When Lois tries to act on that information, she hits a wall at the Daily Planet. Perry White tells her she should stop looking into the UFO and instead “spotlight local artistic brilliance.” The twist here is that the Batman villain Clayface, who is far more comedic in the Harley Quinn world, kidnapped the real Perry and is impersonating him to prop up his own one-man show. Despite the setback, as with every good Lois Lane story, Perry/Clayface can only hold her back for so long.

Be it in movies, comics, TV shows, and more, Lois Lane following a lead despite being told not to is pretty common for the character, and it has often resulted in a major break in the case. With Perry White clearly acting off as Clayface does not know how to properly behave as the real Perry does, there are two ways Lois could go about uncovering the truth about Brainiac. Either she disregards Perry’s orders and continues investigating alongside Jimmy Olsen, or the intrepid reporter first turns her eye to the Daily Planet and discovers Clayface took Perry’s place.

2025’s Latest Brainiac Story Is Already Shaping Up To Give Him Unusual Enemies

Superman Is Out Of The Equation

Harley Quinn season 5’s premiere has already changed Metropolis’ status quo in a couple of major ways. Besides Brainiac controlling the city from the shadows, the Man of Steel has left Metropolis. After feeling depressed because he was no longer needed by his city, Superman had a heart-to-heart with Harley Quinn. Using her past as a psychiatrist, Harley helped Superman get out of the rut he was in, with the Man of Steel deciding to finally go away on vacation, flying into space. Harley and Poison Ivy then move from Gotham City to Metropolis.

The duo’s arrival in Metropolis set the city’s level of perfection back, making them Brainiac’s opponents for the rest of the season. With Superman away and Harley & Ivy having experience fighting bad guys, they will provide a physical challenge to Brainiac. On the intellectual level, as the villain is one of DC’s smartest, Lois Lane should be the one to challenge Brainiac. She can help Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy thwart Brainiac’s schemes, perhaps even roping in Batman to help her come up with a plan, as Bruce Wayne is now in Metropolis in Harley Quinn season 5.