Nicholas Hoult on playing Lex Luthor is the centerpiece of the upcoming Superman film directed by James Gunn, a project that will mark a major new step in the DC Universe. As Hoult prepares to appear as one of comic history’s most recognized villains, he brings a mix of reverence and fresh perspective to the iconic adversary of the Man of Steel.
Assuming the role of Lex Luthor, Hoult follows a long line of memorable actors who have defined the character for new generations. He has studied the portrayals by Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum, seeking inspiration while aiming to make the character truly his own under Gunn’s guidance.
Exploring Iconic Performances and Building His Interpretation
To capture the essence of Lex Luthor, Hoult immersed himself in the legacy of actors who shaped the villain before him. He revisited Gene Hackman’s celebrated performance in Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie. Hackman’s approach defined Lex as a flashy, egotistical real estate schemer, leaving a lasting mark and providing Hoult with an early understanding of the role’s dimensions.
Hoult has openly expressed his admiration for Hackman’s work and his overall career, crediting Hackman as one of the foremost influences on his approach to Lex Luthor.
“I went back and watched Gene, and I love what he did. I mean, I’m such a fan of his in those [Superman] films. And also his whole career as an actor, obviously. He’s incredible — one of the best of all time — so that’s an intimidating thing, obviously.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
He also traced Lex Luthor’s evolution through television, specifically Michael Rosenbaum’s layered portrayal in Smallville. Rosenbaum brought emotional depth and explored the character’s trajectory from friend to nemesis, delivering a nuanced depiction that resonated with Hoult as he envisioned his version of Lex.
“The first Lex that I was more aware of,”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
While actors like Jon Cryer and Michael Cudlitz added fresh dynamics to Lex on recent CW shows, Hackman and Rosenbaum’s depictions remained the foundational interpretations that inspired Hoult most.
Navigating Legacy, Expectations, and Creative Freedom
Portraying a figure as embedded in popular culture as Lex Luthor comes with significant expectations, and Hoult is candid about the pressure that accompanies this responsibility. He acknowledges the challenge of meeting long-standing fan opinions and the weight of existing portrayals while remaining true to the script and his personal understanding of the role.
“It’s intimidating taking on any character that’s been interpreted before. People have strong opinions and ideas of how it should be. You want to take the script, first of all, and do that justice, and serve the story. And then just be honest and truthful to that, and what your opinion of it is.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
The collaboration with director James Gunn provides Hoult reassurance and flexibility. Gunn’s reputation for deep character insight and storytelling offers Hoult a supportive environment, helping him remain authentic to his interpretation while respecting the character’s longstanding mythos.
“I think that’s the brilliant thing [about] having James as the writer and director of this: he really understands storytelling first and foremost, but also the characters in this world, and what they all represent.
“He wrote scenes that instantly felt very honest and believable to me, so it was then about just committing to those ideas that were on the page, and yeah, going back and watching Gene, and watching Michael.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
“He wrote scenes that instantly felt very honest and believable to me, so it was then about just committing to those ideas that were on the page, and yeah, going back and watching Gene, and watching Michael.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
What Audiences Can Expect as Superman Returns
With Superman set to premiere in theaters in 2025, anticipation builds around how Nicholas Hoult will redefine Lex Luthor under the direction of James Gunn. Fans familiar with previous takes from the likes of Hackman, Rosenbaum, and the more recent interpretations by Jon Cryer and Michael Cudlitz are eager to see how Hoult will both honor and distinguish his performance.
As the next chapter for the Man of Steel unfolds on screen, Hoult’s approach, shaped by the influences of past legends and the creative freedom provided by Gunn, promises viewers a Lex Luthor who reflects the character’s evolving legacy within the ever-changing DC Universe.
