DC Studios co-head James Gunn, who is at the helm of writing and directing Superman: Legacy, has officially confirmed that Nicholas Hoult has been cast as the infamous Lex Luthor. This casting comes with an interesting backstory, as Hoult was initially in the running for the role of Superman himself but ultimately lost out to David Corenswet. Despite this, Hoult has found his place in the DC Universe by landing the equally pivotal role of Superman’s arch-nemesis.
In a recent Instagram post, Gunn shared a moment with Nicholas Hoult from the Superman: Legacy production offices. The photo featured the pair amidst an array of Superman comic book covers and panels. The image not only celebrates Hoult’s casting but also offers a sneak peek into the creative environment where the new Superman movie is being crafted, surrounded by the very source material that has shaped the DC Comics icon over the years.
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The character of Lex Luthor has seen various incarnations across movies and TV shows, each bringing a unique interpretation to the classic DC Comics villain. Recently, Jesse Eisenberg portrayed Luthor in the DCEU, giving a modern, tech-savvy twist to the character. Meanwhile, Michael Cudlitz took on the role in the DC TV series Superman and Lois on The CW. Nicholas Hoult is the latest actor to join the list with Superman: Legacy.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is expected to play an important role in the DC Universe
Known for his intellectual prowess and complex moral compass, Lex Luthor made his debut in the pages of Action Comics #23 back in April 1940. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Luthor has since evolved into a central figure in the Superman saga, often serving as the intellectual counterpoint to Superman’s physical might and unwavering sense of justice
Following his standout performances in Mad Max: Fury Road and The Great, Nicholas Hoult is poised to deliver a compelling portrayal of Lex Luthor. With his proven acting prowess, Hoult’s take on the character is highly anticipated by DCU fans. While Lex Luthor is expected to debut in Superman: Legacy, his role is set to significantly influence the broader DC Universe being sculpted by James Gunn and Peter Safran, marking Hoult as a key player in this new era of superhero storytelling.
What to expect from Superman’s DC Universe debut
Set to begin production in March 2024, Superman: Legacy promises a fresh take on the iconic superhero saga, featuring David Corenswet stepping into the role of Superman, previously portrayed by Henry Cavill. Joining Corenswet in this new chapter of the Superman story is Rachel Brosnahan, who will bring to life the character of Lois Lane, the intrepid journalist and Superman’s love interest.
Superman: Legacy is a much-anticipated project, given that Clark Kent has been an integral part of the DC Universe for over 80 years, with various iterations and adaptations across different media. The movie promises to explore the character’s origins and his struggles to balance his dual identities as Clark and Superman while fighting off villains and saving the world. The choice to focus on the early years of his career is a bold move that could potentially breathe new life into the character and appeal to a younger generation of fans.
James Gunn and Peter Safran told journalists that their vision for the DC Universe includes locked scripts, wiggle room, and a unified storyline across film, television, animation, and video game projects. The two explained that the DC Universe could bring back elements from previous DC regimes, meaning that their eight-to-year plan is not a full reboot.
Superman: Legacy is currently scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the future of the DC Universe and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!