Superman star Nicholas Hoult has shared what it was like working with filmmaker James Gunn while creating the DC Universe‘s Lex Luthor.
Although he initially auditioned for the title role, Hoult was ultimately cast as the Man of Steel’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, in November 2023. He is the fifth actor to portray the iconic DC supervillain on the big screen after Lyle Talbot (Atom Man vs. Superman), Gene Hackman (Christopher Reeve’s Superman series), Kevin Spacey (Superman Returns), and Jesse Eisenberg (DC Extended Universe).
Nicholas Hoult had fun creating the DCU’s Lex Luthor with James Gunn
Hoult opened up about working with Gunn on Superman while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter to promote his latest movies, Juror #2 and Nosferatu. The actor shared that he is a huge fan of how Gunn operates as a filmmaker, explaining that he “writes such wonderful scripts” and “has such a great understanding of storytelling and filmmaking. I just love watching his movies, and I have complete trust in him.”
As for how the DCU’s Lex Luthor came together, Hoult explained: “We went back and forth on the energy behind certain scenes and the Lex in this movie, when you meet him and where he goes to. So it was really fun to create with him because he’s a director who pushed me in exciting ways. I left set each day looking forward to going back, so I really enjoyed the process with James. I was like, ‘Oh, this is exciting where he imagines this character being, and hopefully I can bring the energy that he wants to what he’s written on the page.'”
Hoult also confirmed that his take on Lex Luthor will be “imposing and dangerous,” stating, “That’s something about that character. Whenever you’re playing the villain, I suppose you want people to feel that they are dangerous.”
Hoult is part of a large ensemble cast that includes David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Terence Rosemore as Otis, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent, Neva Howell as Martha Kent, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr.
Superman will be released in theaters on July 11, 2025, as part of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
