Nicholas Hoult teases DCU Lex Luthor, has ‘complete trust’ in James Gunn

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 originally auditioned for the title role, Hoult was ultimately cast as the Man of Steel’s archenemy, Lex Luthor, in November 2023. He is the fifth actor to portray the iconic DC supervillain on the big screen, following Lyle Talbot (Atom Man) vs. Superman), Gene Hackman (Christopher Reeves 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 films, Juror #2 and Nosferatu. The actor said he’s a big fan of how Gunn works 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 full confidence 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. So it was really fun to create with him because he’s a director who pushed me in exciting ways. I left the set every day looking forward to coming back, so I really enjoyed the process with James. I thought, ‘Oh, it’s exciting where he imagines this character to be, and hopefully I can bring the energy he wishes, to what he has 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. When you’re playing the villain, I suppose you want people to feel like they’re 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 hits theaters on July 11, 2025 as part of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.