In the latest Superman film, director James Gunn offers a fresh take on the villain Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, describing him as a “sorcerer of science” whose fixation on Superman, played by David Corenswet, drives a grand scheme involving monstrous creatures, interdimensional threats, and powerful metahuman agents. This new portrayal highlights Luthor’s obsession with defeating Metropolis’ iconic hero, setting the stage for an intense conflict amid a sprawling and dangerous world.
The Origins of Ultraman and the Disturbing Creation of Mr. Handsome
The film unveils Ultraman as an imperfect clone of Superman, engineered by Luthor using a single hair collected from the aftermath of Superman’s battles. However, Gunn reveals that Ultraman was not Luthor’s first attempt at creating life. Among Luthor’s earlier experiments is the eerie character known as Mr. Handsome, a grotesque chauffeur who serves as the operator of a platform in Luthor’s pocket universe, where Superman is imprisoned partway through the movie.
Lex created Mr. Handsome in a Petri dish when he was 12 — he was trying to make a human,
James Gunn shared.
He didn’t come out so well, but he just might be the only one in the world Lex has any true sentiment for, as evidenced by the photo on his desk.
This revelation highlights a rare glimpse into Luthor’s emotional side, where the malformed Mr. Handsome could be the only being Luthor genuinely cares about, adding an unexpected layer to his character. Actor Trevor Newlin, who plays Mr. Handsome, was praised by Gunn, with behind-the-scenes photos showcasing his unique costume on set.
Nicholas Hoult on the Depth and Motivation of His Villainous Role
Nicholas Hoult has commented on the film’s choice to immerse viewers in a world already rich with established history and characters, allowing audiences to catch up on the lore alongside the unfolding story. He emphasizes how James Gunn’s depiction of Lex Luthor is fueled by envy and resentment against Superman’s influence.
One of the things I loved most about the script the first time I read it is that you get thrown into the middle of a fully-developed world and story, so these characters have already existed in this universe,
Hoult noted.
You’re kind of playing catch-up a little bit as an audience member for what the lore is, and what you’re dealing with.
Hoult further explained that Luthor’s antagonism stems not simply from malice, but from his belief that humanity‘s survival depends on refusing to grant Superman unchecked power.
What he’s wary of with what Superman represents is something that could be a real danger and threat to humanity,
he said.
That was something that I really liked in terms of first trying to get into the psyche of the character. When you’re playing a villain, it’s easy to be like, ‘I’m the bad guy,’ but actually, if you stand back and look at this, it’s his beliefs and almost his love of humanity, and protection, and this idea that they should be masters of their own fate and destiny. The rest of society has kind of fallen into this path of trusting Superman, believing in Superman, and giving him what Lex would view as all power and freedom. So [the question is], ‘Where does jurisdiction and law and protection of humanity come into that?’
Additionally, Hoult highlighted Luthor’s statement that his drive to destroy Superman was fueled by his resentment and hope for humanity’s future, framing the villain’s actions as a twisted form of altruism.
the sole hope for humanity, because it is what has driven me to annihilate you.
Exploring the New Universe and Its Characters
The film’s story unfolds in a universe established three years after Superman’s public emergence, immersing viewers in a dynamic world filled with metahuman enforcers like the Engineer, played by María Gabriela de Faría, who enforces Luthor’s will. The narrative intertwines science fiction elements such as giant kaiju attacks and rifts between dimensions, enriching the stakes and intensity as Luthor pursues his complex vendetta.
James Gunn’s vision of the Superman mythos introduces a layered conflict between those who trust in Superman’s protection and those, like Luthor, who fear the loss of human autonomy. Luthor’s experiments, from Ultraman to Mr. Handsome, reveal his willingness to blur ethical lines in pursuit of what he believes is humanity’s salvation.
Why Mr. Handsome Adds a Unique Dimension to Luthor’s Character
Mr. Handsome stands out as a symbol of Luthor’s complicated psyche. Created when Luthor was just 12, this malformed entity reflects his earliest scientific endeavors and represents a rare emotional connection for the villain. Despite its unsettling appearance, Mr. Handsome may be the only life form for whom Luthor genuinely feels affection, underscored by a personal photograph kept on his desk.
Actor Trevor Newlin’s portrayal brings this unusual character to life, adding depth and intrigue to the film’s exploration of Luthor’s psyche and his isolated, obsessive nature.
What This Reveals About the Upcoming Superman Story
James Gunn’s insights into the origins of Mr. Handsome and the scientific sorcery of Lex Luthor provide audiences a deeper understanding of the upcoming Superman film’s thematic focus on power, identity, and moral ambiguity. The interplay between Superman’s heroic image and Luthor’s complex motivations sets up a narrative that challenges traditional good-versus-evil storytelling.
As the film progresses, viewers can expect further exploration of Luthor’s dangerous creations and their impact on Metropolis, adding layers of suspense and emotional complexity. This portrayal questions how far humanity should go in trusting powerful figures and the consequences of unchecked ambition masked as protection.
