As the highly anticipated new Superman film directed by James Gunn prepares to soar into theaters this July, fans are buzzing not only about the fresh take on the iconic superhero but also about the intriguing casting choices behind the scenes. David Corenswet is stepping into the legendary role of Clark Kent/Superman, while Nicholas Hoult takes on the formidable villain Lex Luthor. What may surprise some is that Hoult originally auditioned to be Superman himself before landing the role of Luthor.
In a candid interview on the podcast "Jake's Takes," James Gunn shed light on the decision-making process that led to this casting outcome. "A lot of time casting is finding the right person for the right role," Gunn explained. "Most people [auditioning for Superman] weren’t doing anything wrong, they just didn’t fit how I envisioned this Superman to be. Nicholas Hoult auditioned. He’s a great actor. Some might say he’s better than David in certain ways, but he just didn’t fit the role. That’s why he didn’t get that." This insight reveals that the choice was less about talent and more about the specific qualities Gunn wanted for his version of Superman.
Gunn elaborated on the nuances of Hoult's acting style, describing him as "more controlled" compared to Corenswet. This distinction played a crucial role in the casting puzzle, especially given the chemistry needed between Superman and Lois Lane. "One of the things we were doing was mixing and matching Lois and Clark actors when we were auditioning them. I wanted to make sure we had that chemistry right," Gunn said. "The truth is Nicholas, who is a more controlled actor, had a really good chemistry with another Lois who was less controlled. They were opposites. David had better chemistry with Rachel [Brosnahan] because she’s a very controlled actor and David is a little bit more loose. That creates a different dynamism on screen." Rachel Brosnahan, known for her controlled acting style, ultimately won the role of Lois Lane, complementing Corenswet’s looser approach as Superman.
Interestingly, the dynamic of opposites in acting styles between the leads was a deliberate choice to create the on-screen energy Gunn envisioned. Hoult’s controlled demeanor paired well with a less controlled Lois in auditions, but since Brosnahan was the chosen Lois, Corenswet’s looser style better matched her, tipping the scales in his favor for Superman.
For Hoult, this is not the first time he has auditioned for a major superhero role and come up short. He previously tried out for Batman in Matt Reeves’ "The Batman," a role that ultimately went to Robert Pattinson. Reflecting on that experience in a 2023 interview with GQ España, Hoult said, "I don’t think I could have fit as well into the world that Matt created as Rob did." He acknowledged the initial sting of rejection but praised the chosen actors when they excel. "When they tell you for the first time that it’s not you, it’s painful, but then you have to accept it as normality. I think that’s probably a strength of mine as an actor as well. I can accept that they didn’t cast me pretty well and when I see the chosen actor doing a great job, and I enjoy it, and it’s good, I’m like, ‘oh yeah, they made the right choice. They knew what they were doing.’ So it’s not like I’m sitting there like, ‘Oh, I’m not going to watch it now.’ It’s a good movie and Rob is brilliant in it." This mature perspective no doubt helped Hoult embrace his role as Lex Luthor with confidence.
The casting decisions seem to have paid off. Early trailers for the new Superman film showcase Hoult as a bitter, complex Lex Luthor, a character who is intensely jealous of the love and admiration Superman commands. His portrayal promises to add depth and tension to the film’s narrative.
The film’s ensemble cast is star-studded and diverse, featuring Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, a charismatic Green Lantern Corps member; Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific; Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho; María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer; Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher; Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen; Wendell Pierce as Perry White; Neva Howell as Martha Kent; and Pruitt Taylor-Vince as Jonathan Kent. This rich lineup hints at a vibrant and expansive new DC Universe (DCU) that James Gunn is crafting.
Gunn has shared a few intriguing details about the storyline. Superman/Clark Kent is depicted as someone "starting to become successful (at both jobs) in the big glitzy city so far away from home." He is "madly in love with a woman who isn’t so sure about him," presumably Lois Lane, and surrounded by "superhuman friends who like him but think of him as naive." These elements create a portrait of a hero who is unbalanced, still finding his footing in a complex world, setting the stage for compelling character development.
The film is set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, marking a significant moment for the DC Universe’s cinematic evolution. Following this release, the DCU roadmap includes the second season of "Peacemaker," premiering on HBO Max on August 21, 2025, the live-action series "Lanterns" starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre expected in early 2026, and "Supergirl," featuring Milly Alcock, slated for June 26, 2026.
James Gunn’s approach to casting and storytelling reflects a nuanced understanding of character dynamics and audience expectations. His decision to pair a more controlled Lex Luthor with a looser Superman, and to carefully balance the chemistry between the leads, demonstrates the thoughtfulness behind the film’s production. Nicholas Hoult’s journey from Superman hopeful to iconic villain adds a fascinating layer to the movie’s backstory, making the upcoming release all the more anticipated.
As fans prepare to witness this new chapter in the Superman saga, it’s clear that the casting choices and character dynamics will play a pivotal role in defining the film’s impact. With David Corenswet’s fresh portrayal of the Man of Steel and Nicholas Hoult’s compelling Lex Luthor, James Gunn’s Superman promises to deliver a layered, dynamic, and emotionally resonant story that will captivate audiences worldwide.
