Nicholas Hoult had a surprising reaction to learning he was playing Lex Luthor instead of Superman in James Gunn’sSupermanmovie reboot. While there is still no trailer for the film, anticipation is high forDavid Corenswet’s Superman, with the movie being the first in the newDC Universe. Before being cast to play one of DC’s biggest villains, Hoult lost the role of Bruce Wayne inThe Batmanto Robert Pattinson and Clark Kent inSupermanto Corenswet. However, it seems like it was always the actor’s destiny to play Lex Luthor.
On theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast,Nicholas Hoult explained why he laughed after being offered the Lex Luthor role in 2025’sSuperman.
According to the actor, while he auditioned first to play the DCU’s Superman and even got to be one of the few stars to screen test for the role,Hoult always knew he would be a better fit for Lex Luthor. Upon receiving the offer to joinSuperman’s star-studded castas Lex, Hoult laughed, as he felt when first reading the script that his perfect role in the film’s story was as the villain. Check out the full quote below:
“It’s funny, because when I first read the script, I remember reading it and there was a little inkling part of me that was like ‘Oh, I think you would have fun playing Lex.’
And I kind of didn’t say anything, and then when James [Gunn] called me to play Lex, I did kind of cackle — I think is how I’d describe it. I didn’t say anything. I think he said, ‘We want you to play Lex,’ and I just laughed, because I think there was something in my instinct, when I first read the script, where I was like, ‘I think that’s more what I should be doing in this story.”
What Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Comments Mean
The Superman Movie Ended Up Making The Best Choice
While Hoult got far into the casting process for the DCU’s Superman, meaning director James Gunn thought he was a fine candidate for the role, the actor believes that he was always a better fit for Lex Luthor. That reveal bodes well for the DC movie. It shows thatHoult has no issues regarding not being chosen to play Superman. Not only that, but when the actor first read the script, he already knew that he could do great as Lex Luthor, teasing that an exciting portrayal is on the way.
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In the same interview, Hoult commented on getting to play Lex Luthor. The actor went back to the comics and past live-action portrayals of the character to draw inspiration for his version of Lex. Speaking about his favorite comic book when preparing for the role,Hoult revealed it wasLex Luthor: Man of Steel. In that story, Luthor’s motives for being against Superman are spotlighted and developed, which means the actor got a decent explanation of what makes his DC villain who he is from that story. Based on his comments, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor sounds very interesting.
Our Take On Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Comments
The DCU Has The Perfect Superman & Lex Luthor
Nicholas Hoult is an excellent actor who could definitely have delivered a compelling performance as Superman. However, I think thatDavid Corenswet was the ideal choice for the role. Some of the actor’s past projects, such asThe PoliticianandHollywood, show how Corenswet can do great as both the clumsy Clark Kent and the confident Superman. As for Hoult, I feel his energy in projects likeThe GreatandThe Menumakes him perfect for a villain like Luthor. The actor can make Lex a despicable character who is hard to look away from in 2025’sSuperman.
Superman
Cast
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
