James Gunn, director of Superman, has provided rare insight into the bitter rivalry between Lex Luthor and the Man of Steel, discussing the heart of Lex’s motivation in his latest film adaptation. In this reboot, Gunn offers a version of Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, whose complicated hatred toward Superman reaches new emotional and psychological depths, aiming to help audiences truly comprehend why this iconic villain wishes to defeat Superman so desperately. The focus keyword James Gunn Superman Lex Luthor takes center stage as Gunn reimagines the legendary conflict for a modern audience.
In this new vision, Lex Luthor stands as the powerful CEO of LuthorCorp, intent on removing Superman from the scene after the superhero’s debut. The film unfolds as Lex cleverly manipulates public perception against David Corenswet’s Superman and demonstrates his formidable intellect by creating a dangerous clone called Ultraman. With Superman’s arrival theatrically on July 11, 2025, James Gunn discussed his intentions for this darker incarnation of Lex Luthor in an extensive conversation on CBS Mornings, highlighting how essential it was for the villain’s motivations to be both chilling and understandable.
“Well, I think what was important for me is that Lex Luthor is incredibly dangerous. And I think that in the past, I haven’t been particularly scared of Lex Luthor. I wanted a Lex Luthor who I’m like, ‘Superman’s got his work cut out for him.’ And he really does. Lex has planned all this out. He wants to kill Superman. Kill Superman. Like, really kill him. And I think he’s figured out some good ways to do it.”
—James Gunn, Director
Delving Into the Psychology of Lex Luthor’s Hatred
James Gunn emphasized he wanted an antagonist who was not just a superficial threat but someone whose malevolence and genius would intimidate both viewers and Superman alike. Gunn distinguished his approach from earlier film versions, making Lex Luthor someone truly perilous, planning meticulously to eliminate Superman. This intensified rivalry brings fresh urgency and dramatic tension to the character dynamics.
As Gunn explained, prior to Superman’s emergence, Lex Luthor, known for his business acumen and scientific brilliance, was widely acknowledged as perhaps humanity’s greatest figure. Yet, Lex’s sense of self-worth begins to erode when Superman—an otherworldly hero “with dimples and a cape”—suddenly arrives, overshadowing Lex in the eyes of the world. Gunn cited this shift as the catalyst that triggers Lex’s consuming envy, ultimately driving his obsession with Superman’s demise.
“I understand his point of view. Lex Luthor is the smartest man in the world. He’s done great things for humanity. He’s a scientist and was probably considered the greatest man in the world until about three years when this guy flies in with dimples and a cape and suddenly everybody thinks he’s the greatest man in the world. And Lex just cannot deal with it. It just kills him. You know, his ambition was everything, and it’s gone. It’s been destroyed by this guy, and so he’s sort of rationalized his own way of believing that he is put here on Earth to destroy Superman.”
—James Gunn, Director
This internal struggle forms the emotional core of Lex’s actions. By making Lex’s destructive ambition a reaction to losing his identity, Gunn introduces subtle sadness and emotional turbulence to the normally cold-hearted villain. The psychological portrait not only explains Lex’s actions but deepens his character, turning him from a simple antagonist into a tragic, fully realized figure whose loss is both personal and profound.
A Fresh Dynamic Between Lex and Superman
According to Gunn, this Superman film marks the initial encounter between Lex and the Man of Steel. This narrative reset allows audiences to experience their rivalry from the very beginning, making Lex’s hatred raw and his motivations transparent for the first time. Gunn believes that to create a lasting impact, it is essential that viewers not only fear Lex Luthor but also understand the emotional roots of his animosity.
“In this movie, Lex and Superman are meeting for the very first time. But I do think that, you got to make Lex scary. He’s got to be fully himself. But also, you have to understand him. I think you have to understand his hatred of Superman and that’s what Nick (Hoult) gets across so beautifully…”
—James Gunn, Director
Gunn acknowledged previous portrayals of this infamous villain, especially Michael Rosenbaum’s hauntingly tragic Lex Luthor from Smallville. However, Gunn’s version, with Nicholas Hoult in the role, is crafted as both intimidating and emotionally complex, showing the audience Lex’s perspective, even if it is deeply flawed.
The Rebooted Superman’s Ensemble and the Expanded DC Universe
Alongside Nicholas Hoult and David Corenswet, the cast features Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen (who is set for an HBO Max spin-off), and additional heroes from the DC Universe played by Nathan Fillion and Isabela Merced. James Gunn’s Superman serves as the launching point for a reimagined DCU, with future films already planned, including a Supergirl movie starring Milly Alcock in 2026. The scope of the cast and the ambitious interconnected universe adds both depth and anticipation for audiences eager to see these characters and their fraught relationships further developed.
Lex Luthor: The Human Heart of a Superhuman Story
The presence of an extremely motivated and all-too-human antagonist in Lex Luthor enriches Superman by contrasting the Man of Steel’s moral certainty with the deep insecurity and ambition of his greatest foe. Lex Luthor is not simply evil for the sake of opposition. He’s a man whose achievements and identity have been eclipsed, rendering him simultaneously tragic and dangerous. This approach humanizes the villain, fostering a sense of subtle sadness as his nobler qualities—his false sense of helping humanity, his identity as an innovator—are twisted by bitterness and resentment.
Throughout Gunn’s Superman, the rivalry between hero and villain highlights the emotional and psychological stakes that define the best superhero stories. By inviting the audience to contemplate Lex’s turmoil, Gunn ensures Lex becomes memorable not just for his schemes, but for his vulnerability and misguided pride. This adds a layer of tragedy, as audiences witness a great human fall into obsession—even when that obsession is aimed at a superhuman target.
The Significance of Gunn’s Approach for Future DC Stories
James Gunn’s interpretation of Lex Luthor signals a shift in how superhero antagonists can be portrayed: not simply obstacles, but reflections of real human insecurities. The prioritization of complex character development, evident in the way Nicholas Hoult plays Lex, suggests that future DCU films will continue to embrace emotional realism alongside their high-stakes conflicts. As Gunn has connected with fans through his reimagining of the Superman-Lex Luthor dynamic, he lays the groundwork for richer, more resonant stories throughout the next generation of DC productions.
With the 2025 Superman film, audiences can expect not just a clash between hero and villain, but a nuanced exploration of what it means to be human, and what happens when extraordinary events upend ambition and identity. As the DC Universe expands with characters such as Supergirl and new stories featuring Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and other familiar faces, the rivalry begun in this film is poised to shape both the direction and emotional tone of the DCU for years to come.
