Nicholas Hoult is set to bring his version of Lex Luthor to the screen in the upcoming Superman movie, and fans may be surprised to learn that his inspiration comes from iconic portrayals by Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum. As he prepares for this pivotal role in the DC Universe, Hoult looked back at past performances to shape his take on one of comic book cinema’s most memorable villains.
Hoult Draws from Legendary Performances
When developing his version of Lex Luthor, Nicholas Hoult considered several portrayals, but he found the most meaningful guidance from the work of Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum—two actors linked to very different eras of Superman. Hackman, who became a Hollywood legend in the 1970s, portrayed Luthor in Richard Donner’s Superman films, while Rosenbaum played a younger, evolving version of the character in the television series Smallville. Both performances are celebrated for different reasons, and they became Hoult’s main points of reference as he joined the Superman legacy.
“Gene’s one of my all-time faves, just as an actor in general. I went back and watched Gene,”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
“And Michael Rosenbaum, who was the first Lex I saw, growing up watching Smallville [on TV]. 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
For Hoult, these two interpretations stood out the most, each reflecting different aspects of the character. While Gene Hackman’s Luthor offered a grounded, charismatic villain, Rosenbaum delivered a nuanced and evolving antagonist whose friendship and rivalry with Clark Kent became a focal point of his show.
Contrasting Approaches: Hackman and Rosenbaum’s Influence
The inspiration Nicholas Hoult took from Hackman and Rosenbaum reflects the contrasting approaches each actor brought to the Lex Luthor legacy. Hackman’s portrayal in Donner’s 1978 Superman film earned acclaim for presenting the villain as believable and motivated, avoiding excessive theatrics. Movie critics at the time highlighted Hackman’s restraint, appreciating his ability to humanize the supervillain. Hackman’s return in sequels like Superman II and Superman IV further cemented his legacy within Superman’s cinematic history.
Michael Rosenbaum, on the other hand, played the role during the early seasons of Smallville. Relatively new to mainstream audiences then, Rosenbaum was given extensive screen time across the series, allowing for an in-depth examination of the villain’s transformation. Smallville’s episodic format meant viewers watched as Luthor’s bond with Clark Kent slowly unraveled, a dynamic that became a favorite for many. Rosenbaum’s performance was recognized with a Saturn Award, highlighting his impact on fans and critics alike.
Anticipating a New Take in the DC Universe
As Nicholas Hoult prepares for his own depiction of Lex Luthor, these sources of inspiration suggest that fans can expect a portrayal that blends the gravitas of Hackman with the layered character progression shown by Rosenbaum. The decision to draw from both influences hints at the depth Hoult aims to bring to the villain and signals the tone that might be expected from the new Superman film.
Hoult’s opportunity comes as the DC Universe begins a new chapter, with Superman returning to theaters on July 11. His portrayal could lead to a long-lasting impact on the franchise, especially if future installments continue to develop the Luthor character over time, much like Smallville allowed. The anticipation for Superman and its villain is intensified by Hoult’s careful attention to what made past performances iconic.
Nicholas Hoult’s creative approach to the role of Lex Luthor could redefine audiences’ expectations for this classic DC Comics character. With inspiration rooted in two beloved portrayals, his performance may capture the essence of past versions while offering something fresh for a new era of Superman fans.
