AsSuperman: Legacybegins to round out its cast, the newest actor added to the mix is none other thanNicholas Hoult, who has landed the role of the wealthy villain Lex Luthor. Slated for release in July 2025, the film already has David Corenswet set to play Superman/Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan picked for the role of Lois Lane, both of whom are impeccable casting choices. While the film’s leads make perfect sense, questions about whether Hoult is the right choice for Lex Luthor have entered the fray. As a result, flashbacks of Jesse Eisenberg’s miscast performance as Lex Luthor inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicehave resurfaced for many fans.
However, it’s worth noting that Eisenberg and Hoult are very different actors, and it’s unlikely the newest Superman installment will fall victim to such a grave miscasting. That isn’t to say Eisenberg is not a good actor; instead, he’s simply a particular kind of actor with a very specific acting style. Hoult, on the other hand, isn’t as typecast. Given Hoult’s career, there’s no doubt he’ll do a fantastic job as Lex Luthor. He’s a great actor with quite a bit of range and has shown astounding depth across his various roles, which means he’s more than capable of portraying Superman’s most infamous nemesis. However, the announcement of his castinghasn’t garnered the same kind of joyas another actor might have.
While Hoult’s definitely not a bad choice, it’s completely valid to question whether he’s the best choice for the role. That being said, it’s worth noting what Hoult will bring to the character. He is no stranger to superhero films; he knows how to play a complex villain, and he’s managed to play an array of characters throughout his career, fully displaying his range and dedication as an actor. All of which speaks highly of his potential as Lex Luthor.
Nicholas Hoult Is No Stranger to Superhero Films
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Unlike Eisenberg, who would have been more appropriately cast as the Riddler than Lex Luthor, Hoult is no stranger to superhero films, which give him a leg up. If audiences explore Hoult’s previous work, there’s a clear indication he’s more than prepared to take on such a role and do so successfully. His stint as Hank McCoy/Beast in therebootedX-Menfilmsdisplays his ability to comfortably exist within a major superhero franchise with ease. In fact, his portrayal of the blue-haired superhero is one of Hoult’s longest-running roles. As such, audiences should be intrigued rather than hesitant about his upcoming portrayal of Lex Luthor as he’s sure to depict such a character as splendidly as he did Beast.
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Nicholas Hoult Knows How to Play a Villain
While Hoult has donned the superhero title, he’s also played more devious characters. Not only has Hoult played a few villains throughout his career, but he’s also managed to play multidimensional villains, which bodes well for his casting as Lex Luthor, a complex and layered antagonist in Superman’s universe.
One of Hoult’s most well-known villainous performances was in Hulu’sprematurely canceledThe Great, which garnered plenty of critical praise for his portrayal as the spiteful Emperor Peter III of Russia. Also a character with humor and other nuanced emotions, Hoult’s performance captured the complexity of a well-crafted villain opposite Elle Fanning in the series. Because of this, it’s safe to assume he’ll bring the same energy and intricacy to his performance as Lex Luthor.
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Nicholas Hoult Is a Dedicated Actor With Range
Throughout his career, Hoult has taken on an array of wildly different characters. As such, there are plenty of receipts for his range and dedication as an actor. He’s played a nutjob named Nux inMad Max: Fury Road, an evolved zombie with a heart known as R inWarm Bodies, and a regular guy with a food obsession and a hidden agenda named Tyler inThe Menu, just to name a few. Hoult is more than just a pretty face, and he’s displayed his abilities as an actor time and again, which fans should remember when contemplating whether he’s right for the role ofLex Luthor in the DCU.
Given his name recognition and acting chops, his casting inSuperman: Legacymakes sense. He’s not a newcomer who still needs to prove himself in Hollywood.He’s a seasoned actorwith many accolades under his belt. With every new role Hoult has taken on, he’s shown audiences something new or improved in his performances.
Unlike other actors, Hoult isn’t pigeonholed as a performer because of his talents on screen and the characters he’s embodied in his roles. While it’s understandable many would be hesitant about Hoult’s casting, it speaks more to the struggles of the DCEU in the past than it does about Hoult’s talents and abilities.
While Hoult might not be considered the right pick for the role of Lex Luthor for some fans, they should take solace in hisacting abilities and previous experiencewithin the realm of a large superhero franchise. As such, it’s unlikely the newest iteration of Superman’s archnemesis will garner the same sort of response Eisenberg received in 2016 withBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. If anything, Hoult will likely surprise audiences with his portrayal of Lex Luthor in the best possible way.
Superman: Legacywill hit theaters on June 29, 2025.
If you’re interested in everything DCU-related, check out MovieWeb’s video detailing James Gunn’s plans for the franchise below.
