James Gunn and Nicolas Hoult recently teased what we can expect from this latest version of Lex Luthor that we’ll see in Superman.
During an interview with CB, Gunn explained that his reimagining of Lex was influenced by the Silver Age of DC comics, and he describes Superman’s greatest nemesis as “sort of a sorcerer.”
Gunn explained: “Lex is really a sort of sorcerer in a way. He’s a scientist, but he’s so good at science and I think of him as like a sorcerer.”
This is more confirmation that this Superman movie will not really be particularly concerned with the realism of its technology, focusing instead on the fun of the adventure, which is great!
Hoult also opened up about working with Gunn on the film with The Hollywood Reporter, saying that Gunn “writes such wonderful scripts” and “has such a great understanding of storytelling and filmmaking. I just love watching his movies, and I have complete trust in him.”
As for how Lex Luthor came together, Hoult explained: “We went back and forth on the energy behind certain scenes and the Lex in this movie, when you meet him and where he goes to.
“So it was really fun to create with him because he’s a director who pushed me in exciting ways. I left set each day looking forward to going back, so I really enjoyed the process with James.
“I was like, ‘Oh, this is exciting where he imagines this character being, and hopefully I can bring the energy that he wants to what he’s written on the page.’”
Hoult also confirmed that his take on Lex Luthor will be “imposing and dangerous,” stating, “That’s something about that character. Whenever you’re playing the villain, I suppose you want people to feel that they are dangerous.”
Superman will tell the story of “Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas.
“He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.”
“It’s set in a world very different from ours and far removed from the DCEU. Heroes have been around for ages, and we’ll see how it affected this world’s history and has shaped the DCU.”
Superman stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane; Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern; Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt / Mr. Terrific; Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen; María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica, aka The Engineer; Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher; and Terence Rosemore as Otis.
Superman will be released in theaters on July 11, 2025, as part of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
