Nicholas Hoult is stepping up to take on one of comic book history's most iconic villains, Lex Luthor, in James Gunn's upcoming film, Superman. Celebrated for the character's 85th anniversary, Gunn expressed his excitement about this iteration through memorable social media posts showcasing Hoult as the menacing adversary to David Corenswet's Superman.
Fans were treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hoult's portrayal, including sepia-toned imagery shared by Gunn, hinting at the depth and complexity of the character. Anticipation builds for the film's release on July 11, 2024, as it not only introduces new dimensions to Luthor but also revives the long-standing feud between the kryptonian hero and his human nemesis.
Reflecting on his character, Hoult describes his version of Lex as "smart" and "ruthless," indicating adherence to the character's legacy yet aiming for fresh nuances. "This Lex obviously is smart and ruthless, and he has to outmaneuver Superman on certain levels because he can’t match him in others," Hoult stated during discussions at the premier reveal of the trailer. His pursuit to convey the layers of Luthor includes portraying the character's belief system, which, though twisted, leads him to view his actions as justified for the greater good.
Over the decades, Luthor has been portrayed by numerous actors including Gene Hackman, Michael Rosenbaum, and Jesse Eisenberg, each bringing their flair to the character. Typical of the supervillain, Luthor is often depicted as the unscrupulous CEO of LexCorp, perpetually set on undermining Superman's authority and influence over society.
"If someone had ultimate power and the ability to do anything, then what happens when what he does doesn’t align with everyone’s beliefs of what is right?" Hoult elaborated, showcasing this moral grey area within the narrative. This question resonates with contemporary societal themes, as Luthor's motivations become even more relatable against the backdrop of complex moral dilemmas facing leadership today.
Furthering his immersion, Hoult acknowledged the formative influence of Michael Rosenbaum’s portrayal of Luthor on his approach to the character. "That was the show I would watch and see my first iterations of Superman and Lex and all those stories," Hoult explained. His admiration for Rosenbaum's performance adds another layer of historical appreciation, linking the past portrayals to the present challenge he faces.
Accompanying this exciting return to Superman’s origins, the film plans to incorporate star-studded talent including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, creating pathways to explore various inter-character relationships. Each facet of the storyline is rooted around Superman's exploration of his heritage versus his human upbringing, emphasizing his values—truth, justice, and equity—in stark opposition to Luthor’s antagonism.
While the buzz around Superman intensifies, it is jolted by the emergence of legal disputes potentially disrupting its release. A copyright lawsuit initiated by the estate of Superman creator Joe Shuster targets Warner Bros. Discovery, claiming infringement rights across several regions including Canada, UK, and Australia. Legal representatives for the studio expressed confidence, stating, "We fundamentally disagree with the merits of the lawsuit, and will vigorously defend our rights." Questions loom over how these legal issues may impact release strategies and audience availability across these key territories.
At MegaCon Orlando, Hoult shared insights on the morality intertwined within superhero narratives, known for their allegorical relevance. He posited questions of ethical power and its misalignment with societal values, emphasizing how these themes mirror current global situations. "I feel like superhero movies are part of history. I also love the re-imagining of history," he remarked, highlighting the contemporary relevance of these narratives.
James Gunn's Superman marks the commencement of the DC Universe's new storytelling direction. With moral dilemmas and character contrasts at its core, audiences are eagerly awaiting how Hoult interprets Luthor’s iconic legacy. This film strives to appeal not just to traditional comic aficionados but also to new audiences drawn to the conventional superhero narrative's moral intricacies.