10

Nick Fury: The Strategic Mind Behind the Avengers

Played by Samuel L. Jackson

Don’t dismiss Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) as a mere underdog in this hypothetical matchup against Superman. While he may not possess superhuman abilities, Fury is unmatched when it comes to crafting strategic plans. As the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D., he has a well-documented history of outsmarting formidable foes by preparing for every conceivable scenario. Without Fury’s tactical foresight in assembling the Avengers, the villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) could have easily overrun Earth.

Even if Fury doesn’t stand a chance in a direct confrontation, he has the connections to acquire Kryptonite within 24 hours, which would be a game changer in the fight against Superman. His extensive network spans military and intelligence agencies, both domestically and globally, as well as powerful alien allies. In terms of foresight and execution, Fury embodies the MCU’s more benevolent version of Lex Luthor, whose cunning has proven to be a significant challenge for DC’s ultimate hero.

9

Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme

Played by Benedict Cumberbatch

While it may seem unlikely that Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) would engage in combat with Superman, a hypothetical battle would showcase the Master of the Mystic Arts‘s incredible advantages. Despite Superman’s astonishing strength and speed, he is vulnerable to magic and the dark arts. This inherent weakness positions Strange favorably, as he possesses a vast array of magical skills that enable him to teleport, conjure various objects, and cast an impressive spectrum of spells.

If Superman were to close the distance and attempt to land a blow, Strange could easily deploy a defensive spell designed to withstand such an assault. Doctor Strange’s mastery of magic provides him with a distinct edge over Superman, making a confrontation between these two iconic characters one that would be fascinating to witness, especially if a DC/Marvel crossover were to ever materialize.

8

Captain Marvel: The Cosmic Powerhouse

Played by Brie Larson

Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) stands as one of the most formidable characters within the MCU, presenting a significant challenge for Superman. With her Kree blood and vast cosmic powers, Captain Marvel is endowed with abilities that make her a contender against Superman, potentially even surpassing him based on the feats showcased in the films.

Captain Marvel often finds herself in situations where her immense power is showcased, particularly demonstrated in Avengers: Endgame, when she effortlessly takes down one of Thanos’ ships. The narrative surrounding Captain Marvel implies that she is often withheld from engagements where she would otherwise dominate. In a hypothetical battle with Superman, if she were to lure him away from his yellow sun power source, she could likely emerge victorious.

7

Ikaris: The Eternal Powerhouse

Played by Richard Madden

As a powerful member of the Eternals, Ikaris (Richard Madden) embodies a blend of superhuman strength, speed, and stamina. He possesses the remarkable ability to fly, recuperate rapidly from injuries, and unleash devastating optic blasts from his eyes that can penetrate any surface. This combination of abilities makes Ikaris a formidable opponent, particularly when compared to Superman.

Given his status as an Eternal, Ikaris is not easily defeated, as evidenced by his resilience in Eternals, where it took several of his teammates to temporarily subdue him, showcasing his immense power. Superman would undoubtedly face a strenuous challenge, as it is likely that the entire Justice League would struggle to contain Ikaris’s strength and abilities.

6

Scarlet Witch: The Unmatched Sorceress

Played by Elizabeth Olsen

Over the years, Superman has encountered numerous supervillains from the DC Universe, but he would find himself distinctly unprepared for the powers of the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) in the MCU. Without the moral constraints that often guided her actions as a member of the Avengers, Wanda has the capacity to unleash devastating attacks that could obliterate entire cities.

In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, her confrontation with the Illuminati—including Reed Richards (John Krasinski) and Captain Carter (Hayley Atwell)—demonstrates that she possesses powers beyond comprehension. The Scarlet Witch has become an overpowered villain in the MCU, and her absence is felt now that her fate seems grim. Wanda could exploit Superman’s susceptibility to magic, potentially creating illusions that jeopardize the safety of his loved ones, psychologically dismantling him from within.

5

Ego: The Living Planet

Played by Kurt Russell

When Ego (Kurt Russell) is introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, he demonstrates his power by obliterating an entire fleet of drones while confronting Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and his crew. As a living planet, Ego possesses god-like abilities, and any confrontation with Superman would necessitate a battle on his home turf—an unfavorable scenario for the Kryptonian hero.

Superman would find it exceedingly difficult to contend with an opponent who can manipulate gravitational forces. It required the collective strength of the Guardians of the Galaxy, along with a touch of luck, to defeat Ego. Superman, operating solo, would be utterly outmatched against a being of such magnitude. Ego’s status as a Celestial renders him impervious to conventional physical attacks and ensures he won’t tire, while Superman, despite his formidable stamina, would eventually exhaust himself.

4

Thor: The God of Thunder

Played by Chris Hemsworth

Thor, the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth), poses a formidable challenge to Superman in any potential clash. With the strength and resilience characteristic of his Asgardian heritage, Thor would absorb any punches thrown by Superman with relative ease. While Thor is well-known for wielding his iconic hammer Mjolnir, he possesses the combat skills and divine strength necessary to engage in a fierce battle against the Last Son of Krypton without it.

Having lived for millennia, Thor has honed his skills as a warrior, making him a tactical and experienced combatant. Although not frequently highlighted in films, Thor can generate powerful electrical energy, which could be strategically used to incapacitate Superman. Thor’s primary vulnerability lies in his arrogance; however, if he views Superman as a serious threat, the outcome of the fight would likely favor the caped hero.

3

Hela: The Goddess of Death

Played by Cate Blanchett

Hela (Cate Blanchett), the Asgardian Goddess of Death, poses a formidable threat to anyone who crosses her path, including Superman. As the oldest child of Odin and sister to Thor, Hela has been a lethal force in numerous battles, serving as a ruthless executor of her father’s will. Her unmatched power was integral in establishing Asgard’s dominance over the nine realms.

Equipped with the strength and abilities typical of an Asgardian, Hela surpasses even Thor in terms of raw power. Her capacity to conjure weapons instantaneously, particularly in the form of deadly blades, allows her to eliminate foes with lethal efficiency. Beyond her formidable combat skills, Hela’s mastery of dark magic presents a multitude of threats, making her a daunting opponent. After witnessing Hela’s capabilities, it would be wise for Superman to consider assistance in this potential confrontation.

2

Thanos: The Mad Titan

Played by Josh Brolin

In a direct clash with Superman, Thanos (Josh Brolin) would be an intimidating adversary, particularly considering the number of Avengers who struggled to defeat him. As a Titan, Thanos possesses remarkable strength and durability, effortlessly dispatching some of the most formidable fighters in the MCU with ease. His capacity to wield the Infinity Stones showcases the extent of his power, as he handled them without sustaining any harm—unlike many who have faced similar challenges.

Having lived for millennia, Thanos has refined his combat skills to near perfection. Even without the Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos remains a relentless force, delivering a punishing assault that Superman would find difficult to withstand. In the opening scenes of Avengers: Infinity War, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) struggled to land effective blows against Thanos, indicating that Superman might encounter similar challenges.

1

Death: The Ultimate Inevitability

Played by Aubrey Plaza

In the Agatha All Along series, several powerful witches emerge, but none can compare to the ultimate force of Death (Aubrey Plaza). Initially introduced as Rio Vidal, it is revealed that she embodies death itself, complete with all its soul-harvesting capabilities.

In this hypothetical battle, no adversary is more formidable than death, and with Plaza’s portrayal, she would likely deliver some biting remarks about Superman’s iconic suit. This contest is not one of physical prowess; even at his peak, Superman’s strength and speed would be futile against such an inevitability. No matter how hard he may punch or how fast he can fly, Death will always be there, patiently awaiting to finish what he cannot escape. Superman may be faster than a speeding bullet, but ultimately, he is not immortal and will succumb to death.

NEXT: 10 MCU Characters Who Would’ve Kicked Ass Against Doom