Earlier this month, Warner Bros./DC Entertainment unveiled the third trailer for their anticipated superhero film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and it shouldn’t come as any surprise that it divided opinions. While the preview certainly had its merits, some were left bewildered by Jesse Eisenberg’s performance at Lex Luthor, and the reveal of what appeared to be the villain Doomsday upset many who felt the studio had just spelled out the entire movie.

It’s true that the trailer did not spoil all of the questions fans have about Batman v Superman, but even its most ardent supporters would have to admit Doomsday’s cinematic debut might have been a surprise better served for the film’s premiere. However, according to the project’s production designer, Patrick Tatopoulos, there’s plenty WB is keeping under wraps for now.

French magazine Premiere (via Cosmic Book News) had an interview with Tatopoulos where he discussed Doomsday representing an “evolution” and how he fits into the overarching narrative involving Superman, Luthor, and others. It’s important to keep in mind that the quotes are translated from French (and may be slightly awkward in the wording), but Tatopoulos had some interesting things to say:

“We are able to tell a story in a fresh way. Doomsday is an evolution essentially. Fans may be aware of the death of Superman story, but this is handled in such a new way.

“When the film is called Batman v or versus Superman, it really has a lot of levels to the meaning. Superman isn’t just killed off at the end of something. We see how he evolves as part of Lex’s plan to protect the world.  Seeing the Superman we know, be gone, and then replaced with this reproduction is really going to make fans think of how we look at these super beings. It was especially interesting to figure out, how would you create Superman from Zod… then how would that evolve into Doomsday.”

This certainly paints an interesting picture for fans to consider. It’s somewhat surprising that Tatopoulos would go so far to say viewers would see the Superman they know (Henry Cavill) “be gone, and then replaced” by a reproduction in Batman v Superman. That makes it sound like at some point in the film, Kal-El is imprisoned (by Luthor?) while an impostor “Superman” is unleashed on an unsuspecting public, but it’s difficult to say anything for certain at this juncture. A synopsis suggested Luthor is manipulating Batman and Superman for his own needs (leading to the two heroes’ fight), and the trailers showed Lex is in possession of General Zod’s corpse for experimental purposes, so this theory is in the realm of possibility.

Tatopoulos’ interview also addressed the notion that the latest trailer revealed too much, and the production designer feels that this is not the case. The article notes that the “timeframe of how things fall into place will surprise fans” (suggesting the preview isn’t a clear-cut summary of the film’s three acts) and that there is a “larger threat” to worry about. Tatopoulos stopped short of saying what that was, but he ensured those who feel they know the whole story will be in for a treat - further teasing that “Doomsday isn’t just the final act.”

While some fans may read that tease of another villain as a cause for concern (how many more characters can Batman v Superman fit?), it is nice to know that the film still has some surprises up its sleeve. Trailers that spoil the movie have become far too common in today’s day and age, and with something like Dawn of Justice (which will be a bona fide hit) it isn’t a necessary tactic to sell more tickets. With any luck, WB will keep some secrets close to the chest the rest of the way and come March 2016, moviegoers won’t know what to expect.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opens on March 25, 2016, followed by Suicide Squad on August 5, 2016; Wonder Woman on June 23, 2017; Justice League Part One on November 17, 2017; The Flash on March 23, 2018; Aquaman on July 27, 2018; Shazam on April 5, 2019; Justice League Part Two on June 14, 2019; Cyborg on April 3, 2020; and Green Lantern on June 19, 2020. The Superman and Batman solo films have release dates TBD.

Source: Premiere [via Cosmic Book News]