Fans of the Superman franchise were treated to an unforgettable moment when Nicholas Hoult, embodying the role of Lex Luthor, revived the now-famous “1A!” meme at Perú Comic Con. During his appearance, Hoult energized the room by shouting the iconic command, a nod to his depiction of Luthor’s intense rivalry with Superman. This tribute connected directly with audience members who have followed the meme’s spread after the recent film’s release, where Hoult’s character took Lex Luthor’s calculating enmity to fresh extremes. The Nicholas Hoult Lex Luthor meme became a talking point, solidifying its place in fan culture and showcasing the actor’s enthusiasm for engaging with admirers.
Exploring Lex Luthor’s Strategies: From Film to Fan Events
In the latest Superman outing, Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, amped up his role as an adversary determined to take down the beloved superhero. The storyline unfolded with Luthor pursuing any means necessary to defeat Superman, including the dramatic introduction of a genetically engineered clone named Ultraman. Controlled through brief and precise commands, Ultraman nearly overwhelmed Superman during the high-stakes final act, pushing the hero to his limits.
The intensity peaked as Luthor repeatedly issued the “1A” command—a signal for Ultraman to attack Superman using sheer strength. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal made this moment memorable enough to become an internet meme, with fans sharing and celebrating the scene across social platforms. Hoult’s enthusiastic recreation of the meme at a fan convention signaled not just the viral traction of the “1A” meme, but also the actor’s willingness to embrace his character’s distinct quirks.
The Command Controversy: Suspension of Disbelief and Fan Perspectives
While the on-screen dynamic between Lex Luthor and Superman entertained audiences, some fans and commentators took issue with the mechanics behind Luthor’s control of Ultraman. In the story, Hoult’s Luthor invested years in studying the Man of Steel and developed countermeasures, but the rapid execution of these commands brought questions of believability. Specifically, some viewers struggled to accept that Luthor—despite being depicted as a super-genius—could realistically anticipate and direct Ultraman’s moves quickly enough to challenge someone as fast as Superman.
The sequence of events for each command involved several steps: Luthor giving the order, his henchpeople interpreting and inputting it, computer processing, Ultraman’s recognition, and finally execution. This complex chain, many argue, introduces too much latency for success against a hero whose reflexes operate at near-instantaneous speed. The debate highlights the comic book tradition of suspending disbelief, while still grappling with the mechanics of cinematic storytelling.
Audience Reaction and Nicholas Hoult’s Comic Con Appearance
At the core of this fervor was the reciprocal energy between Hoult and his fans. By stepping onto the Perú Comic Con stage—where he also confirmed shooting for the upcoming “Man of Tomorrow” will begin in April—Hoult gave audiences another viral moment, confidently re-enacting the famous “1A” command. His playful involvement generated an infectious enthusiasm, with fans voicing their excitement and appreciation for the actor’s genuine connection to the character and the community.
“LEX LUTHOR!
Nicholas Hoult recriando o famoso 1A do Lex Luthor em um evento recentemente. pic.twitter.com/syQI5sPlW7
— DC Brasil (@_DCCBRASIL) November 24, 2025”
The celebratory mood in the room was palpable, with fans reliving the climactic energy of the film’s third act, drawn together by their shared enthusiasm for Hoult’s performance.
Balancing Fan Critiques with Fandom Celebration
Even as fans dissect plot elements and the logistics of Luthor’s commands, the broader consensus is that minor creative licenses do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the Superman universe. Fans acknowledge the campy, science fiction-driven roots of both Superman and the wider DC Universe, appreciating the mixture of far-fetched scenarios and genuine character moments. The detailed scrutiny, if anything, adds to the engagement level of comic book enthusiasts, fueling debates and discussions as part of the experience.
For many attendees and fans online, events like Hoult’s participation at Comic Con serve as a reminder of why superhero stories endure—providing inspiration, entertainment, and communal touchstones. As the lead-up to the release of “Man of Tomorrow” continues, the anticipation for further adventures involving Lex Luthor, Superman, and the evolving storylines within the DCU remains high.
Looking Forward to “Man of Tomorrow”
Nicholas Hoult’s energetic nod to the Lex Luthor meme has only intensified attention around both his performance and the upcoming Superman sequel. With “Man of Tomorrow” slated for release on July 9, 2027, and production set to begin this April, fans await new developments and further face-offs between Luthor, Superman, and other key characters, including possible crossovers with Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four. For now, the “1A!” meme lives on, uniting audiences and creators in a memorable celebration of comic book storytelling.
LEX LUTHOR!
Nicholas Hoult recriando o famoso 1A do Lex Luthor em um evento recentemente. pic.twitter.com/syQI5sPlW7
— DC Brasil (@_DCCBRASIL) November 24, 2025
