Lex Luthor will soon debut in theDCUin 2025’sSuperman, and Nicholas Hoult’s comments have made the movie even more promising. Nicholas Hoult will join astacked cast forSuperman, the first live-action movie of the DCU.Supermanset photos have revealed early looks at this cast clad in their colorful costumes, which have turned out to be somewhat divisive long before being depicted on the big screen due to their more lighthearted and homemade feel - though the design choice can only be speculated on beforestory details forSupermanemerge.
A sneak peek at Hoult on the set ofSuperman, meanwhile, has revealed that he will be sporting Luthor’s distinctive bald look in contrast toJesse Eisenberg’s long-haired Lexin 2016’sBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This has instilled a certain measure of confidence in Hoult’s rendition as it appears it will be faithful to the comics, at least in appearance. As for which comics - Hoult’s recently revealed specific inspirations make the movie even more promising.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Inspiration Makes DCU’s Superman Even More Interesting
Nicholas Hoult Was Inspired By A Comic Run That Stars A Nuanced Lex Luthor
In an interview withJosh Horowitzshared via X, Nicholas Hoult was asked if there was one DC comic in particular that he kept returning to when preparing for the role. Hoult reminded Horowitz ofSuperman’s more general inspirationsas unveiled by James Gunn, includingAll-Star Superman, before revealing thatthe one comic “[He] found [himself] picking up again a lot” wasLex Luthor: Man of Steel. His full response can be seen below:
2005’sLex Luthor: Man Of Steelprovides a nuanced and more sympathetic look at the titular villain, framing his antagonistic relationship with Superman from his perspective viewing his arch-nemesis as a demigod who believes himself superior to humanity. His perspective devolves into an obsession that ultimately still frames him as a ruthless figure, but the detailed look at how he gets there humanizes Luthor, turning him into a much more complex character. The fact that Hoult has used this version of the character as inspiration therefore promises a compelling depiction inSuperman.
DCU’s Lex Luthor Inspiration May Be Closer To The Movie’s Story Than It Looks
Lex Luthor Uses Superheroes To His Advantage In Lex Luthor: Man Of Steel
Lex Luthor: Man of SteelseesLuthor attempting to turn the public against Superman and using other superheroes to help him achieve this goal. Batman is one hero he attempts to get on-side, though it remains unlikely that the DCU’s version of Batman will appear inSuperman. He also uses an android superhero to this end, with his ultimate villainy shining through as he detonates her in his dogged attempt to fell Superman.
With his track record of portraying comic book characters in a nuanced light, it would stand to reason that James Gunn’s version of Lex Luthor would be characterized similarly to his comic book counterpart in this story.
Supermanset photosdo seem to depict Superheroes apprehending Superman, showing thatthe movie might actually resemble theLex Luthor: Man of Steelnarrative. With his track record of portraying comic book characters in a nuanced light, it would stand to reason that James Gunn’s version of Lex Luthor would be characterized similarly to his comic book counterpart in this story. Taken alongside what seems to be a strained relationship between Superman and other established superpowered individuals, this is a good sign for what’s to come inSupermanwhen it releases on July 14, 2025.
Superman
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Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
