Superman Star Nicholas Hoult Teases ‘Special’ Lex Luthor Role

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As a seasoned film enthusiast with over two decades of movie-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that Nicholas Hoult‘s upcoming portrayal of Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman is shaping up to be something truly exceptional. Having grown up watching the original Christopher Reeve Superman films and spending countless hours engrossed in Smallville, I am thrilled to see a fresh take on this iconic character.

Actor Nicholas Hoult gives a hint about his interpretation of Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman project. Interestingly, instead of landing the lead Kryptonian role, he was chosen to portray the arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, a character that has been previously played by actors such as Gene Hackman, Jesse Eisenberg, and Michael Rosenbaum. With multiple versions of this famous villain existing, it’s crucial for Hoult’s Lex Luthor to make an impact, and he is aware of the challenge.

During AFI Fest, Hoult chatted with Deadline briefly, where they inquired about his character as Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s upcoming DCU. While it’s still premature to discuss details, he commended Gunn’s innovative approach towards Superman and the DC Universe. Hoult also expressed his enthusiasm for both Superman and Lex Luthor, stating that they’ve crafted something unique with this property. He remarked:

I’m not ready to discuss the unique aspects of my portrayal of Lex Luthor yet, but working with James Gunn was an absolute delight. I believe he’s an exceptional director who really understands that universe, that narrative, and those characters. I chose to rely on his vision. As a fan of Superman and Lex Luthor, I hope we’ve created something extraordinary that audiences will appreciate.

As a follower, I wholeheartedly agree with Hoult’s statements about the unique development of the Superman project we’re working on. From the glimpses we’ve given fans so far, it’s clear that this will be unlike any previous adaptations, with a stronger emphasis on comic book elements than ever before. This could potentially include Lex Luthor donning his classic power armor from the comics, something none of his live-action counterparts have done thus far. In this version, I envision Hoult’s Luthor not only as an intellectual rival for Superman, but also a formidable physical adversary who can hold his own against the Man of Steel.

First Look at Lex Luthor in Superman May Be Coming Soon

The upcoming movie “Superman” is approximately 9 months away from its theater release, but promotional activities are expected to ramp up soon. Director James Gunn hinted that a trailer is in the works and it might be unveiled in December, coinciding with CCXP in Brazil. This event will run from December 5 to December 8, 2024, which is also when the new series “Creature Commandos” premieres on Max. It’s possible that the “Superman” trailer could be released simultaneously in theaters alongside Warner Bros.’ major holiday release, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.” This would make sense given that the first full-length trailer for “Man of Steel” was shown before the premiere of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” in 2012. The new “Superman” trailer could offer a sneak peek at Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor, highlighting what sets his character apart from previous versions.

While Hoult is no stranger to superhero franchises, having played Hank McCoy/Beast in X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix, this will be a different type of role for him. With Luthor being one of the biggest villains in DC history, Hoult’s version of the character will likely be a significant player in James Gunn’s DCU moving forward. It’s safe to say Superman has become one of the most anticipated superhero movies of 2025.

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2024-10-29 01:07