James Gunn Says Lex Luthor Is Like a “Sorcerer” In the DCU’s ‘Superman’

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As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of watching superhero films under my belt, I can confidently say that the upcoming James Gunn-directed Superman is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the DC Universe. The recent set visits and interviews have shed light on intriguing details that promise a fresh take on the iconic character, with David Corenswet embodying the Man of Steel and Nicholas Hoult bringing a new dimension to Lex Luthor.

A select group of fortunate journalists were given exclusive access to the film set of James Gunn’s Superman, and their findings have now been made public online. The upcoming movie, Superman, is slated to launch the new DC Universe on the silver screen, with The Marvelous Ms. Mazel‘s David Corenswet portraying the Man of Steel. From these reports, we’ve gathered intriguing insights such as the motivation behind Superman’s iconic red shorts, whether Krypton’s destruction will be revisited, and the unexpected action flicks that influenced this fresh production. Despite Gunn’s deep affection for the comics, his interpretation of Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) will deviate significantly from previous big-screen portrayals.

In an interaction with Gizmodo during a set visit, Gunn expressed that “All-Star Superman” had a greater impact on him than anything else. The influences from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s acclaimed DC Comics series are evident, particularly in the design of Superman’s costume and his positive demeanor. However, the similarities stretch beyond visual aspects, encompassing the depiction of Lex Luthor as well. Contrary to previous portrayals like Jesse Eisenberg in the DCEU and Gene Hackman in “Superman” (1978), who emphasized Lex’s business acumen over his scientific intelligence, the comics version of Lex Luthor is also a brilliant scientist capable of manufacturing deadly weapons from kryptonite. As James Gunn elaborated:

Lex exhibits a Silver Age ambiance and a sci-fi flair with his technology, making him seem almost magical or supernatural. While he’s a scientist by profession, his mastery over science has an element of enchantment, reminding me of a sorcerer.

Actor Nicholas Hoult is set to play Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. Photos from the set show Hoult as the cold-blooded CEO of LexCorp, sporting his iconic bald head, unlike Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal. Hoult has been tight-lipped about his take on Lex Luthor, but he hinted that Gunn and DC Studios have crafted something unique for Superman.

The First ‘Superman’ Trailer Drops Tomorrow!

Fans have been just about as eager for the trailer of Superman as they are for the film itself. For quite some time, whispers have circulated online about when this much-awaited trailer might be released. However, James Gunn has finally quelled our curiosity and speculation by announcing that the first official trailer for Superman will debut tomorrow (December 19). Fans are eager to find out a lot from the trailer. For instance, how will the heroes be incorporated into the film and the broader DCU? How menacing will Hoult portray Lex Luthor? And what will Superman, played by David Corenswet, look like in flight? All these questions, along with many others, will hopefully be addressed within the next 24 hours.

The movie titled “Superman” will be shown in cinemas on July 11, 2025. Alongside Corenswet and Hoult, the film boasts a star-studded cast that includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Milly Alcock as Supergirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olson, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, and many others. In the meantime, DC enthusiasts can get a taste of the DC Universe with the weekly streaming of the animated series “Creature Commandos” on Max, which has already started.

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2024-12-18 16:32