Following the success of Superman, director James Gunn has provided insight into his creative vision for the DC Universe projects, particularly his approach to the infamous villain Lex Luthor. In a recent interview with The Ringer-Verse, Gunn shared his thoughts about Lex Luthor’s character in the upcoming film Man of Tomorrow, highlighting how he sees qualities in Lex that reflect parts of himself.
Without revealing spoilers, Gunn described Lex Luthor’s familiar dark traits while emphasizing the complexity behind the villain’s persona. He stated,
“I think we saw all about the evil part of Lex. […] He’s pretty evil. He’s a pretty bad guy. I think he, as a character, is very interesting.”
James Gunn, Director
Examining the Potential for a Different Kind of Heroism in Lex Luthor
While a straightforward heroic role for Lex Luthor may be unlikely, Gunn elaborated on what he finds admirable about the character beyond his villainous actions. He acknowledged Lex’s moral ambiguity but pointed out a fiercely determined and ambitious side that borders on heroic. Gunn observed,
“There’s something, despite everything, that is incredibly heroic about Lex. Take aside, like, morality, which is hard to do. But here is this guy who is saying ‘you can hold up a building, you can shoot down, you know, planes with your eyes. […] I’m gonna kick your ass because I’m better than you.’ I can’t help but admire his tenacity and his sort of ego. His ambition is beyond compare.”
James Gunn, Director
Lex Luthor to Play a Larger Role in Man of Tomorrow
The upcoming film Man of Tomorrow will not act as a direct sequel to the previous Superman movie, though David Corenswet returns in a major role. However, based on Gunn’s commentary, the film may place a stronger focus on Lex Luthor’s story, exploring his motivations and long-standing conflict with Superman in greater depth. Nicholas Hoult is set to portray Lex, likely elevating the character to a more prominent position within the narrative. Fans can also expect to see the introduction of Lex’s Warsuit, marking its first appearance on the big screen as teased during the sequel announcement.
Impact of Lex’s Character Evolution on the DC Universe
This new perspective on Lex Luthor could reshape how audiences view the character, presenting him not just as a villain but as a figure with layers of ambition and flawed heroism. This interpretation might complicate his rivalry with Superman while enriching the broader DC Universe storyline. With Nicholas Hoult stepping into the role, Lex’s enhanced characterization is poised to add significant depth and tension to upcoming DC projects.
