In a recent, somewhat surprising reveal from Hollywood insiders, it has been disclosed that Nicholas Hoult, known for his roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and X-Men: First Class, will take up the mantle of one of the most complex villains in comic book lore. Hoult reportedly will star as Lex Luthor in the upcoming DCU debut Superman: Legacy.
Directed by James Gunn, the film will be DCU’s attempt to introduce a new iteration of Superman, and according to Deadline, Hoult will be the latest actor to enter a world dominated by iconic figures and towering expectations. Unsurprisingly, Hoult’s casting in this role has raised a few eyebrows.
While Hoult’s filmography boasts a range of performances, from the charming zombie in Warm Bodies to the intense Nux in Mad Max: Fury Road, stepping into the shoes of a character as layered and revered as Lex Luthor presents a host of challenges he can’t even imagine.
Previous portrayals by Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey, and Jesse Eisenberg have been put under a microscope by comic fans. As to be expected, very few have passed the test – but Hoult already has comic book movie chops.
Reflecting on the past, we can’t help but recall Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of the same character, a portrayal that – while certainly not lacking in effort and bombast – diverged significantly from the traditional essence of Lex Luthor. Eisenberg, a talented actor in his own right, delivered a Lex that was trying too hard with those ‘clever’ one-liners.
Anyone who’s read the comics knows Lex isn’t just some brainiac (pun intended) with a penchant for verbosity. He’s cold, he’s calculated, and he’s got this aura that says, “I’m the smartest guy in the room, and I know it.” He’s the powerhouse businessman, the potential president, the guy who looks Superman in the eye and doesn’t blink.
In contrast, let’s take a look at Jon Cryer’s portrayal of Lex in the CW’s Arrowverse. Cryer, primarily known for his comedic roles, notably in Two and a Half Men, delivered a surprisingly compelling performance as Luthor. His rendition was a fine balance of comic book flamboyance and plausible villainy, proving that comedic actors often excel in serious roles.
Cryer’s Lex was a mix of insanity and brilliance, constantly several steps ahead of his opponents. His performance was a highlight in a show struggling with its main villains and showcased how an actor known for comedy could convincingly embody a complex antagonist – if you need any more proof, just remember that Walter White was played by the same guy from Malcolm in the Middle.
Amidst these varied portrayals, to this day, Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor in Smallville stands as a benchmark. Rosenbaum captured a version of Lex that was logical and not gratuitously evil. His actions, rooted in his beliefs, made sense within the show’s context.
The inclusion of parallels to historical figures like Julius Caesar and Rosenbaum’s ability to deliver philosophical quotes while maintaining a threatening presence added layers to a nuanced villain. This Lex was a complex figure, sympathetic yet driven by darker impulses, a product of his upbringing.
Rosenbaum’s portrayal highlighted Lex’s charm, intelligence, and the tragic aspects of his personality – a man who equates love with power and protection with destruction. The demeanor of this variant is almost a polar opposite to other depictions, such as Eisenberg’s.
My point here is that, while Hoult has demonstrated remarkable range in his career, Lex Luthor will undoubtedly be his most difficult role yet. Hoult will have to dig deep and find in himself a character that exudes a mix of corporate slickness and menacing intelligence.
He will have to become the man who makes the audience question their own morals and blurs the lines between right and wrong. His performance in the DCU will need to capture this complexity in the same way Josh Brolin did for Marvel’s big-screen baddie Thanos.
So, will Nicholas Hoult rise to the occasion and prove his naysayers wrong? Only time will tell. Superman: Legacy will fly into theaters on July 11, 2025.
