DC Studios CEO James Gunn has shared a new detail about Nicholas Hoult‘s Lex Luthor in the highly anticipated Superman movie. Prior to Hoult, there have been several actors who previously played the iconic DC villain in live-action, including Jesse Eisenberg (Justice League), Jon Cryer (Supergirl), Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Kevin Spacey (Superman Returns), and Gene Hackman (Christoper Reeve Superman movies).
How will Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor will be different from Gene Hackman’s portrayal?
On Threads, Gunn confirmed that Hoult’s version of Lex Luthor will be different from Gene Hackman’s version in the Richard Donner movies, especially in his relationship with assistant Eve Teschmacher. He revealed that his upcoming Superman movie will indeed introduce Eve as Lex’s girlfriend, instead of just giving hints of their relationship.
In addition, unlike Hackman’s version, Gunn also confirmed that Hoult’s Lex Luthor won’t be wearing wigs in the new Superman movie. In the Christopher Reeve-led movies, Hackman wore wigs because he wasn’t willing to shave off his hair. However, this also became another way for Donner to showcase the character’s insecurity.
Superman is written and directed by James Gunn, based on the DC characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The movie also stars David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Anthony Carrigan as Metarmorpho, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Edi Gathegi, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent, and Neva Howell as Martha Kent, along with Alan Tudyk, Michael Rooker, and Grace Chan. It is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo, and Lars Winther.
“In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor, and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind,” reads the synopsis.
The movie is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 11, 2025.
Originally reported by Maggie Dela Paz on SuperHeroHype.