Peter Safran recently discussed the upcoming Superman film and shared his insights on casting Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. In a new interview featured in the DC Nation Spotlight series, the DC Studios co-chair explained why Hoult was the right choice for the role and what makes this version of Superman different from previous adaptations.
In a new DC Nation Spotlight interview, DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran explained why Nicholas Hoult was cast as Lex Luthor in Superman, the film launching James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe.
Safran stated, “He is the Lex Luthor for the next generation, for sure. He is who people will think of when they think of Lex. Nick is an extraordinary actor. He has been doing this since he was five years old. I think he kind of knew Lex was the role of a lifetime for him, and he embraced it immediately.”
The film, directed and written by James Gunn, is not an origin story. Safran revealed, “When we enter the story, Clark has been a reporter at the Daily Planet for a little while, the early stages of his career. He and Lois have been dating for about three months.” This version introduces audiences directly into the DC Universe, where “metahumans and superheroes and super-villains and magic and robots all exist.”
David Corenswet leads the film as Superman/Clark Kent, joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Nicholas Hoult debuts as Lex Luthor, adding a new portrayal to the iconic villain. The cast includes Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), Sean Gunn (Maxwell Lord), María Gabriela de Faría (The Engineer), and Terence Rosemore (Otis). Wendell Pierce plays Perry White, while Sara Sampaio appears as Eve Teschmacher.
Anthony Carrigan portrays Metamorpho, with Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Jonathan and Martha Kent, respectively. Milly Alcock makes her first appearance as Supergirl ahead of her solo film.
Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025, and marks the official start of the new DCU.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.
