Nicholas Hoult, soon to be seen as Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman reboot slated for release in 2025, shared how he prepared for his villainous role by studying various previous portrayals. The journey to bring his version of Lex to life involved revisiting earlier actors’ performances and understanding their unique takes on Superman’s most notorious enemy, key steps that show how serious Hoult is about his now iconic assignment. The Nicholas Hoult Superman Lex Luthor role sits at the center of the film’s narrative, promising a fresh, yet respectful, interpretation within the ever-expanding DC Universe.
Revisiting Gene Hackman’s Influential Take on Lex Luthor
As he prepared for the part, Hoult immersed himself in the legacy of Lex Luthor, starting with Gene Hackman’s memorable performance as the infamous villain in Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie. Hackman’s depiction, which combined showmanship and egotism with the ambitions of a flashy real estate schemer, left an unmistakable mark on pop culture and shaped generations of fans’ views of Lex. Hoult spoke openly about how meaningful Hackman’s work was during his research:
“I went back and watched Gene, and I love what he did. I mean, I’m such a fan of his in those [Superman] films. And also his whole career as an actor, obviously. He’s incredible — one of the best of all time — so that’s an intimidating thing, obviously.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
This admiration for Hackman was not just about the role, but for the entire career that preceded and followed his time as the legendary DC antagonist. Hackman’s Lex served as a template for Hoult in shaping his own approach to the character’s cunning and complexity.
Drawing on Michael Rosenbaum’s Smallville Legacy
Another major influence for Hoult was Michael Rosenbaum’s emotionally nuanced performance in the long-running series Smallville. That version of Lex Luthor explored the character‘s journey from friend to adversary across a decade, providing new dimensions and depth. Hoult highlighted how Rosenbaum’s interpretation affected him:
“The first Lex that I was more aware of,”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
While other actors, such as Jon Cryer and Michael Cudlitz, have recently tackled the role for CW series, Hoult noted that the portrayals by Hackman and Rosenbaum were especially impactful as he shaped his vision for this significant character.
The Challenge and Weight of Playing Lex Luthor
Portraying a character as ingrained in the cultural consciousness as Lex Luthor comes with significant pressures and expectations. For Hoult, this challenge brings both excitement and a sense of responsibility. He spoke candidly about the daunting nature of playing such a well-established figure:
“It’s intimidating taking on any character that’s been interpreted before. People have strong opinions and ideas of how it should be. You want to take the script, first of all, and do that justice, and serve the story. And then just be honest and truthful to that, and what your opinion of it is.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
This attitude reflects Hoult’s commitment to authenticity and respect for the source material, signaling to fans that he intends to balance tradition with his unique perspective.
James Gunn’s Vision for the New DC Universe
Working under the direction of James Gunn was a key factor in how Hoult chose to approach his role. Gunn’s reputation for understanding complex characters and weaving compelling stories appears to give Hoult the creative space to reimagine Lex Luthor, while ensuring the character remains consistent with long-time fans’ expectations. Hoult expressed appreciation for Gunn’s storytelling focus:
“I think that’s the brilliant thing [about] having James as the writer and director of this: he really understands storytelling first and foremost, but also the characters in this world, and what they all represent.
“He wrote scenes that instantly felt very honest and believable to me, so it was then about just committing to those ideas that were on the page, and yeah, going back and watching Gene, and watching Michael.”
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
His comments illustrate how the synergy between actor and director could result in a Lex Luthor who pays tribute to the character’s roots, yet emerges as a product of thoughtful artistry and fresh narrative.
What Audiences Can Expect from Hoult’s Lex Luthor
With Superman set for a theatrical release in 2025, all eyes are on what this new chapter will bring to the DC Universe. Hoult’s process of revisiting the performances of Gene Hackman and Michael Rosenbaum, his respect for previous actors like Jon Cryer and Michael Cudlitz, and his collaborative approach with James Gunn suggest that fans should anticipate a Lex Luthor who feels at once familiar and intriguingly new. This Nicholas Hoult Superman Lex Luthor role promises to honor a long line of remarkable interpretations, while daring to evolve the character for a whole new generation eager to see Superman’s greatest foe rise again.
