Superman
Summary
TheDC Universeiteration of Lex Luthor can stand out from all old cinematic takes of the character if sports fan are to believe James Gunn ’s view onSuperman : Legacy . From Gene Hackman ’s depicting in Richard Donner’sSupermanmovies to Jesse Eisenberg ’s reimagining inthe DC Extended Universe timeline , Superman ’s patronising - nemesis Lex Luthor has gone through multiple makeovers . But there might be something unlike that a famous grapheme actor like Nicholas Hoult can bring to life in James Gunn ’s first chapter of a revamp DC Universe . TheX - Menstar will be paired opposite David Corenswet ’s Superman and Rachel Brosnahan ’s Lois Lane , as has now been formally confirmed by Gunn himself .
Hoult ’s add-on to theSuperman : Legacycast is an interesting selection given his previous involvement in sci - fi and superhero movies . In fact , the British actor once auditioned to play the Kryptonian hoagie inMan of Steelbefore the role went to Henry Cavill . puzzle to take the air in the footsteps oflive - activity Lex Luthor actorsis no minuscule exploit , but the actor ’s history combined with some current hints about the theatrical role and patch suggest a bright future is in memory board for both Nicholas Hoult and the baddie he will take on .
Superman: Legacy Can Finally Deliver Power Suit Lex Luthor
Inan Instagram billet , James Gunn save about how he met Nicholas Hoult for dinner to talk over how to “ make a Lex that will be different from anything you ’ve attend before and will never forget . ” The author - director might be planning to portray a raw version of Lex Luthor that fitsthe plot ofSuperman : Legacywhich in itself could be a reset button for Gunn ’s fresh DC Universe . Considering that almost all cinematic looping of the character frame him as a unpitying man of affairs or scientist , Gunn might be hinting at Hoult ’s Luthor being a full - fledge supervillain this fourth dimension .
This could indicate the cinematic introduction of a much foresee storyline for Lex Luthor - namely that of his mechanised power suit . While Luthor was introduce as a powerless human being in the comics , the Bronze Age found him on occasion donning a Warsuit to get the better of Superman . The courting debut in 1983 , with George Perez inking the armour ’s iconic purple - and - green color strategy . Since then , the suit has only been reinterpreted with more powers and ability , with some memorable versions in the alive movieJustice League : Crisis on Two Earthsand theInjusticevideo game . If Gunn indeed put in a Power Suit - wearing Luthor , then the antagonist will be a fitting combatant to Superman , instead of just being a manipulative industrialist who draw in the string .
Why Nicholas Hoult’s Luthor Being Different Is So Important
Over the years , many actor have offer their unique take on the personality of Lex Luthor . Gene Hackman prioritized the comedic elements , while Jesse Eisenberg brought a more vernal , unhinged energy to the character . While these hold often demonstrate considerable acting talent , they are almost all trammel by the fact that Luthor ended up being somewhat pigeonholed into a specific role as a manipulative genius in the end . But considering his traditional knowledge in the comics , there are sempiternal possibilities of how Luthor could approach actually get in action to take down Superman , either with his Warsuit or Kryptonite - laced weapon , unfold a range of useful possibilities .
Superman : Legacyis slated for a theatrical release on July 11 , 2025 .
Another room Nicholas Hoult ’s Luthor could be different is in terms of the scoundrel ’s brain . While all previous actors have offered memorable operation , they all reflect mostly the negative side of Luthor . When equate to the comic , none of the live - action takes on Lex Luthor have managed to capture his virtuously grey nature and Jesus composite . Despite his pitilessness , Luthor is convince that he ’s improving human society by release it from a messiah - like superhero - and being able to truly perfect in on this aspect of the fictional character could be what makes the DCU supervillain the most compelling of the current roster .
Donner’sSupermanmovies , Superman Returns , andBatman v back breaker : Dawn of Justicecouldn’t research the more tumultuous and nuanced sides of Luthor , often reducing him to a power - hungry foe . Even if the Warsuit turns him into a supervillain , Luthor views himself as a superhero , and some storylines even impersonate him as an occasional antihero , which all do up real chance for the DCU translation of the character should the franchise be able-bodied to devote existent time to his tale . Ultimately , this multi - dimensional nature is what can set the Lex Luthor ofSuperman : Legacyapart from formulaic baddie tropes .
