Nicholas Hoult, known for roles in films such as Mad Max: Fury Road and Nosferatu, has opened up about his preparation for playing Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman. Drawing on the legacy of past portrayals, Hoult shared in a recent interview that Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum were key inspirations for his approach. This insight into his process gives fans a glimpse of what to expect in the highly anticipated DCU film, and directly underlines how Nicholas Hoult was inspired by Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum for Lex Luthor.
The DC universe has a long tradition of featuring Lex Luthor as one of its central characters, with multiple interpretations over the years. Even with some apprehension lingering among fans due to previous portrayals, notably Jesse Eisenberg’s take in Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, initial reactions suggest that Hoult’s version brings a compelling mix of unpredictability and logic to the role. The first glimpses of Hoult as Lex Luthor have already generated excitement and positive buzz ahead of the film’s release.
Hoult Pays Tribute to Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum
When preparing for his role, Hoult looked to two actors who defined Lex Luthor for different generations. Gene Hackman brought charisma and complexity to the character in classic Superman films, while Michael Rosenbaum’s nuanced performance in Smallville left a lasting impression on younger viewers, Hoult included. Hoult shared his admiration for their work and reflected on studying their performances for insight.
“Gene’s one of my all-time faves, just as an actor in general. I went back and watched Gene, and Michael Rosenbaum, who was the first Lex I saw, growing up watching Smallville.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
Rather than simply imitate his predecessors, Hoult took lessons from their portrayals while ensuring his own take would stand apart. He highlighted the unique challenge and excitement that comes when stepping into a character with such a rich cinematic history.
“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
James Gunn’s decision to cast Hoult signals a strategic move for the revitalized franchise. With a record of unorthodox and intense roles, Hoult appears ready to channel both the chaos and calculation required to portray Lex Luthor convincingly.
A Career Embracing Complexity and Unexpected Roles
Hoult’s career has evolved from his early days in series like Skins and The Weather Man to increasingly bold and unconventional parts, including Nux in Mad Max: Fury Road and Thomas Hutter in Nosferatu. The actor acknowledged that he now seeks roles that push the boundaries of his craft and challenge expectations.
“I’m gonna keep getting darker and stranger until people are like, ‘No!! Too far!’ I don’t have a master plan.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
He added that many of his favorite actors began exploring more daring and intense performances as they moved through their thirties and forties, making him eager for this period of his own career.
“It seems like a lot of the performances that I grew up loving, or specifically when actors would go on runs of things, seemed to be in their thirties and forties. So I’ve always been excited about this period of my career.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
This perspective suggests that fans may see Hoult in even riskier roles as his career progresses, potentially setting the stage for powerful storylines within the DCU.
Anticipation Builds for Superman’s Release and Hoult’s Lex Luthor
The combination of Hoult’s methodical preparation, respect for past Lex Luthor performances, and hunger for challenging roles positions him as an intriguing choice for James Gunn’s vision of Superman. Audiences will be watching to see whether this new portrayal of Lex Luthor can win over both fans and critics, given the mixed track record of DC characters on the big screen.
With its release slated for July 11, 2025 in the USA, Superman is set to be a major test for the new iteration of Lex Luthor and the future direction of the DCU. As anticipation grows, the film will not only honor the legacy of Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum but also mark a new chapter in Nicholas Hoult’s ever-evolving career.
