Despite being a great actor, he has been turned down in auditions for other major superhero roles. However, Nicholas Hoult is rumored to be in talks to play Superman’s arch-nemesis Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman: Legacy movie. The potential signing has generated a great deal of buzz. As negotiations move forward for Hoult to headline James Gunn’s reboot, surprising fan art has surfaced, making a compelling case for his suitability as the iconic villain. Needless to say, I find the prospect quite appealing.
Having witnessed Nicholas Hoult portray unsavory characters in the 2022 satirical horror film The Menu and the Hulu series The Great, it’s easy to understand why he’s rumored to be selected for the Superman: Legacy cast as a renowned antagonist. However, the enthusiasm for this casting choice grew stronger after an artist crafted a mock-up illustrating how compelling Hoult could appear as Luthor. Take a look:
Image: Instagram / spdrmnkyxxiii
Incredible Fan Art Envisions Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
The person behind this design is a talented digital artist known as “Spdrmnkyxxiii” on Instagram. The designer has consistently demonstrated his skills, previously reimagining Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic following casting reports. Among his most recent creations is a fan poster for Superman: Legacy. In the image we see how David Corenswet embodies Kal-El in the iconic red, blue and yellow suit. It is important to emphasize that this is a look we have not seen officially. As for the portrayal of Nicholas Hoult as Lex, the artist imagines him bald and sheathed in a technologically advanced armored suit. Given Hoult’s great potential for the role, this captivating illustration only adds to the anticipation.
It’s worth noting that the X-Men alum has embraced a bald look for a notable role in the past, as seen in his portrayal of Nux in 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road. The fan art significantly aids in envisioning the actor as Superman’s ultimate adversary. If Hoult officially seals the deal for the part, it’s conceivable that he might again opt for a razor to transform his hairstyle.
The iconic supervillain Lex Luthor has appeared on the big screen in several versions. Renowned actors such as Jesse Eisenberg, Kevin Spacey and Gene Hackman have brought him to life. The character has often been portrayed as a power-hungry LexCorp CEO in film adaptations. However, the comics present a different side. In the comics, DC portrays Luthor primarily as a narcissistic mad scientist from the 1960s through the 1980s. James Gunn, screenwriter and director of Superman: Legacy, is a devoted comic book reader. For this reason, there is a possibility that he will take inspiration from the comics and introduce elements of Luthor that fans have not yet seen on film.
A Stellar Cast for an Anticipated Film
Image: DC Comics / Netlix
Nicholas Hoult is an ideal actor to play Lex Luthor. Plus, he will fit in nicely with the rest of the cast. Joining Hoult are David Corenswet as Superman, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and, most recently, Booksmart’s Skyler Gisondo has been announced as Jimmy Olsen. The ensemble includes Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, and Edi Gathegi, making for an impressive lineup.
Interestingly, Hoult had initially auditioned for the role of Bruce Wayne in The Batman but lost out to Robert Pattinson. Despite the setback, he praised Pattinson’s performance and acknowledged that he might not have suited the world created by Matt Reeves for the film. Additionally, Hoult reportedly auditioned for Superman in Legacy but found his way back into the narrative as Lex Luthor. It’s a compelling villain origin story in itself. I’m eagerly anticipating how this talented actor will bring Luthor to life and the visual transformation he’ll undergo for the role.
Surprisingly, I find myself genuinely excited about Superman: Legacy! Who would have guessed? Save the date for its release on your calendars – July 11, 2025. Also, stay tuned for updates on the production and other upcoming superhero films.
Featured Image Via Netflix / DC Comics