James Gunn explains Lex Luthor’s obsession with Superman as more than rivalry—it is rooted in profound existential anxiety, with both Gunn and Superman star Nicholas Hoult highlighting how Lex’s struggle reflects emotions familiar in today’s world. The upcoming Superman film’s interpretation offers a troubling view into Lex’s mindset, where his battle against the Man of Steel is about identity, purpose, and fears of irrelevance.
Lex Luthor’s Internal Struggle and Human Insecurity
According to Nicholas Hoult, Lex Luthor’s deep-seated resentment of Superman has less to do with simple jealousy and far more to do with the very foundations of his self-esteem. Lex’s ascent to power rested on his belief that humanity was capable of saving itself, fueled by intellect and force of will. The appearance of Superman—a being who can accomplish in moments what Lex struggled to achieve in a lifetime—renders Lex’s achievements trivial and threatens to unravel his sense of worth. Hoult described the core of Lex’s bitterness, stating:
“We are weak, and that’s what Superman shows us, that we are.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
The arrival of Superman changes the landscape entirely for Lex. Years of hard work, public admiration, and relentless ambition vanish almost overnight. As Hoult explained,
“Suddenly this person has taken all that adoration that [Lex] feels he deserved.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
Superman’s Threat: More Than Superpowers
Superman is not just a formidable alien; to Lex, he represents an existential threat that transcends the physical realm. For Lex, Superman’s presence is proof that someone—or something—could overshadow humanity’s best. Every rescue and public show of strength from Superman chips away at Lex’s belief that human ingenuity is enough. The character’s despair grows not from envy but from a profound fear that his own accomplishments are rendered meaningless by forces beyond his control.
James Gunn’s Analogy to Modern Artistic Fears
James Gunn, who leads both writing and direction for the film, offers a timely modern analogy to frame Lex’s point of view. Gunn likens Lex’s perspective to that of print artists confronting the rise of artificial intelligence, noting:
“I think Lex looks at Superman like a lot of print artists look at AI. He sees him as a threat to his livelihood and his legacy.”
—James Gunn, Director/Writer
This comparison digs into the core of Lex’s crisis. Superman, much like disruptive technologies today, is an uninvited phenomenon that devalues years of work, dedication, and identity. Gunn’s insight situates Lex as not merely the villain of the story but as someone forced to confront a rapidly shifting world that no longer values what he offers.
Alienation and the Loss of Admiration
For Lex, the frustration is also a question of personal relevance. Gunn elaborates on how the adoration and attention Lex once inspired is now redirected to Superman:
“He’s a simple guy wearing a stupid costume that all of a sudden everybody loves, and every woman loves, and all of the things that [Lex] cares about now are all going to him.”
—James Gunn, Director/Writer
This transfer of attention is not just symbolic; it cuts at Lex’s emotional center, amplifying feelings of disappointment and loss. He finds himself sidelined, watching everything he values slip away in favor of a newcomer whose advantages he can neither match nor understand.
Brains Versus Brawn: Lex’s Strategy as Superman’s Opponent
Despite Superman’s physical superiority, the menace Lex poses lies not in direct confrontation, but in his intellectual prowess. Hoult notes the ongoing challenge of making a human adversary compelling and dangerous in the face of a superhuman opponent. Lex’s reliance on cunning, strategy, and manipulation over brute force draws a sharp contrast that underscores his unique threat in the narrative. Rather than simple villainy, Lex embodies the struggle of the intellect versus unstoppable power.
Nicholas Hoult’s Ongoing Exploration of Lex Luthor
Hoult reveals his eagerness to further develop Lex’s character in future stories, implying that the portrayal seen in this Superman film is only the beginning of a richer arc:
“There is much I want to do with Lex.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
This hints at a commitment to deepening the character, suggesting that audiences may see an even more complex exploration of Lex’s motivations and actions as the series progresses.
The Lasting Impact of This Vision for Lex Luthor
This new depiction of Lex Luthor—framed through existential dread and cultural alienation—offers viewers a villain whose motivations are powerfully human. With James Gunn’s direction, the tension between Lex’s intellect and Superman’s strength, as well as the emotional turmoil beneath his infamy, promises a storyline that resonates with modern anxieties about relevance and recognition. As work on the film continues, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how these themes unfold on screen and shape the legendary rivalry between Lex Luthor and the Man of Steel.
