Supermanhas an excellent cast, and one actor proved they’re a perfect choice for the main villain three times in 2024. James Gunn’sSupermanmovie castis stacked with talented actors who should fit their prospective roles. David Corenswet looks great as Superman and Clark Kent, and the first trailer shows promising chemistry between him and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. Lois and Clark also work with The Daily Planet’s stellar cast, like Wendell Pierce, Beck Bennett, and Skyler Gisondo.
Many other heroes in theDCU’s first film, including Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific are also played by talented actors like Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, and Edi Gathegi. However, the most well-known actor in thiscast is arguably Nicholas Hoult, playing Lex Luthor. Hoult has built an impressive resume over the years, playing Beast in four X-Men films, and starring in renowned films likeThe MenuandMad Max: Fury Road. If his impressive resume wasn’t enough, Hoult proved he’s perfect for Lex Luthor with three impressive 2024 performances.
Hoult starred in three renowned films in 2024:Nosferatu,The Order, andJuror #2. All three of these films were released in the last three months of 2024, meaning Hoult had a busy end to last year. His first role was inJuror #2, Clint Eastwood’s courtroom drama starring Hoult as a juror on a high-profile murder trial who slowly realizes he may be responsible for the victim’s death. It’s a captivating story and Hoult delivers an excellent performance as he deals with the moral implications of his situation, which could be a crucial part of his portrayal of Lex Luthor.
His second film,The Order, is the smallest of the three films but Hoult still delivers. He plays Bob Mathews, the leader of The Order, a white supremacist American militant group. Hoult is horrifying in this role and possibly more villainous than Lex Luthor. His finalfilm of the year isNosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers. Hoult plays Thomas Hutter, a real estate agent whose wife is pursued by Count Orlok. Hutter is arguably Hoult’s kindest role of the year, but it’s worth watching to see his ability to express fear and desperation.
Nicholas Hoult Already Looks Perfect As Lex Luthor In Superman’s Trailer
ThefirstSupermantrailerdebuted last month and increased the hype for the film exponentially. However, it only included a few glimpses at several characters, including Lex Luthor. Still,Hoult’s brief appearances in the trailer captured Lex perfectly. The moment when Lex watches Superman fly by Luthercorp and turns around in complete disdain tells viewers everything they need to know about him.
Why Nicholas Hoult Is Better As DCU’s Lex Luthor Than Its Superman
Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Lex Luthor for the DCU’s Superman: Legacy, despite auditioning for Superman, but this choice is actually perfect.
Hoult expertly portrays Lex’s hatred towards Superman, and it only raises curiosity about the shot where he’s holding a revolver in a suit. The British actor is also making the bald hairstyle work, going back to Lex’s traditional appearance after the DCEU switched things up temporarily. It’s important to temper expectations before a film of this magnitude, but Hoult and Gunn could create the perfect Lex Luthor inSuperman.
