James Gunn‘s new Lex Luthor comic-accurate changes will take center stage in his upcoming Superman film, as Nicholas Hoult steps into the iconic villain’s role, reinventing Lex with a level of intellect and technological prowess not previously seen onscreen. The highly anticipated film, set for a July 11, 2025 release, marks the first entry in the DCU reboot led by Gunn and Peter Safran, promising a Lex Luthor more faithful to his comic origins and equipped with advanced gadgets to challenge Superman himself.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor: An Evolution from Previous Portrayals
The transition from Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Lex Luthor in Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the Justice League films to Nicholas Hoult’s version under Gunn’s direction signals a deliberate shift in character fidelity. Eisenberg’s depiction, featured in both theatrical and director’s cuts, was often viewed as divergent from the comic book image of Lex—it was criticized for favoring a psychotic, unstable genius over the calculated, physically imposing archenemy from the source material.
James Gunn has revealed that Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor will not only exhibit extraordinary intelligence—described as being so advanced he borders on the supernatural—but will also possess a deep engineering talent. This means Hoult’s Lex will invent and construct unique weapons with the specific goal of taking down Superman, the hero he despises most.
While Eisenberg’s version demonstrated cunning and manipulative intellect—never directly confronting Superman and instead orchestrating conflicts and unleashing antagonists such as Doomsday—Hoult’s Lex will reportedly take a more hands-on approach. Rather than maneuvering from behind the scenes, this Lex intends to personally challenge Superman through his inventions and strategies.
Unprecedented Tech and Gadgets: Lex Luthor’s Arsenal
James Gunn described, in conversation with Entertainment Weekly, how the film reimagines Lex’s inventions and technology, hinting at a level of creativity that goes far beyond existing expectations:
“The gadgets and tech he’s working with are beyond those things that we can imagine.”
—James Gunn, Director and Writer
According to Gunn, Lex will design Kryptonite-based weaponry so advanced and mysterious that it would be incomprehensible for ordinary humans. This suggests that Lex Luthor in the new DCU will be so inventive and resourceful that his creations border on magical, emphasizing both his intellect and his relentless ambition.
Fans already received a glimpse of this new approach with the early reveal of Lex’s warsuit, a significant piece of technology from the Superman comics, underscoring the commitment to a more authentic, combative Lex Luthor.
Comparison to Past Versions: A Return to Comic Roots
The upcoming Lex Luthor stands in marked contrast to Eisenberg’s take. Many longtime fans critiqued Eisenberg’s portrayal for straying from the essence of the character depicted in decades of comics. Instead of the imposing, bald antagonist who utilizes immense wealth and intellect to develop weapons specifically to fight Superman, Eisenberg’s Lex was less physically formidable, introduced with long hair, and seldom engaged Superman in direct conflict.
Gunn’s shift appears to target comic book accuracy, presenting an antagonist who not only matches Superman with his intellect but is also determined to face him head-on using his own inventions. This version seeks to embody the “mastermind-inventor” archetype, where Hoult’s Lex Luthor intends to be active and visible in his battles against the Man of Steel, rather than orchestrating schemes from behind the curtain.
Anticipation and Fan Expectations for the New DCU Era
With Superman launching the new DCU continuity under Gunn and Safran, and with casting that includes David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, expectations are high for a revitalized lineup of heroes and villains. Notably, the film is set to feature at least seven significant antagonists, promising a robust rogues’ gallery for its titular hero to face.
It remains uncertain whether Hoult’s Lex Luthor will win over more fans compared to Eisenberg’s divisive version; opinions on which depiction is better remain subjective. Some appreciated Eisenberg’s unique spin, finding freshness in his performance, while others longed for a traditional, comics-inspired portrayal.
However, most signs indicate that Gunn’s direction will attract viewers seeking a faithful adaptation of Superman’s archrival—with a new Lex Luthor who takes an active role in his rivalry with Superman, utilizing mind-bending inventions and iconic comic book traits.
Fans will have to wait for the film’s release to see the extent of Lex’s technological feats. Until then, anticipation continues to build for the debut of James Gunn’s new Lex Luthor comic-accurate changes and the complex, gadget-driven battle that will unfold against the Man of Steel.
