Nicholas Hoult shares inspiration for Lex Luthor role in Superman, citing performances from Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum as key influences for his upcoming portrayal. The highly anticipated film, directed by James Gunn and featuring a cast that includes David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Edi Gathegi, will launch DC Studios’ cinematic reboot this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures.
Building on a Legacy of Iconic Performances
Throughout comic book and movie history, Lex Luthor has stood as Superman’s arch-nemesis, appearing in multiple adaptations. Hoult enters the role aware of the high bar set by previous actors. Speaking to Empire Online, the actor discussed how he approached his version of the notorious LuthorCorp CEO.
“Gene’s one of my all-time faves, just as an actor in general. I went back and watched Gene [Hackman],”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor. He also credits another key influence from his formative years:
“And Michael Rosenbaum, who was the first Lex I saw, growing up watching Smallville [on TV].”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor.
Hoult acknowledged the unique challenge of taking on a villain so closely associated with these past portrayals but finds the experience rewarding.
“It’s interesting when you play a character that’s been played before — you’re working from a different script, but it’s fun to draw inspiration from all of those places,”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor, demonstrating his appreciation for history while creating something new.
Embracing Complexity in Film Roles
This role marks another step in Nicholas Hoult’s evolving career, which has included his portrayal of the superhero Beast in the X-Men franchise as well as increasingly dark and complex characters. His willingness to explore new territory is mirrored in his comments about where his acting choices may lead.
“I’m gonna keep getting darker and stranger until people are like, ‘No! Too far!’”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor. Hoult maintains that he is improvising his trajectory, saying,
“I don’t have a master plan.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor.
The actor reflected on the timing of such pivotal roles, noting,
“[But] it seems like a lot of the performances that I grew up loving, or specifically when actors would go on runs of things, [it] seemed to be in their thirties and forties,”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor. He further expressed his anticipation, stating,
“So I’ve always been excited about this period of my career.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor.
Expectations and the Expanded DC Universe
As Superman’s world expands under the creative direction of James Gunn, speculation grows around the future of Lex Luthor in the new DC Universe (DCU). While the current narrative centers on the Man of Tomorrow, DC fans are eager for future storylines involving other adversaries like Brainiac and Mongul, raising questions about Luthor’s ongoing role in possible sequels. The film’s story is crafted to capture emotional stakes, subtle tension, and the essence of humanity, core values Gunn aims to highlight.
Offering a brief glimpse of Hoult’s interpretation, Empire Online shared an early look that nods to both the Superman legacy and the actor’s own approach:
“It’s fun to draw inspiration from all of those places,”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor, to Empire.
Meet the Superman Cast and Filmmakers
James Gunn’s take on Superman promises a fresh start for the DC Studios cinematic landscape, delivering a balance of action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. The film stars David Corenswet in the title role as Superman/Clark Kent, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The supporting ensemble features Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell, and Milly Alcock. This reboot aims to redefine the franchise with complex characters and new interpretations anchored in emotional depth and resonance.
What Lies Ahead for Lex Luthor and DC Studios
With Superman set to premiere in theaters worldwide on July 11, 2025, fans will soon see Nicholas Hoult’s take on one of fiction’s most complex villains. As the first major film under the DC Studios relaunch, expectations are high for how the characters—including key figures like Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum’s earlier performances—will be honored or reimagined. The outcome of Hoult’s Lex Luthor and its reception could shape future DCU installments, as Warner Bros. Pictures, James Gunn, and the ensemble cast embark on a new chapter of superhero storytelling.
