Filmmaker James Gunn has confirmed that actor Nicholas Hoult will be essaying the role of Superman's arch nemesis Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy. Gunn, the co-chair and co-CEO of DC Studios, shared the news on Threads and also posted with the English actor, who is known for starring in movies such as X-Men franchise, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Favourite  and Hulu series The Great. "Yes, finally I can answer, Nicholas Hoult is Lex Luthor in #SupermanLegacy and I couldn't be happier. We went out to dinner last night to celebrate & discuss how we can create a Lex that will be different from anything you've seen before and will never forget. "'But, James, we heard this weeks ago, why didn't you tell us it was true?' Because, although we were discussing it, it wasn't final until a couple days ago and I don't want to tell you all something that isn't certain," the filmmaker said. Superman Legacy: Nicholas Hoult Roped In To Play Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s DC Film - Reports.

In feature films, the character of Lex Luthor was earlier portrayed by Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey and Jesse Eisenberg. Hoult joins previously announced cast members David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, who are set to play Superman/ Clark Kent and Lois Lane, respectively, in the reboot based on the popular DC character. Superman Legacy: Sara Sampaio Set To Play Eve Teschmacher in James Gunn’s DC Film – Reports.

 Nicholas Hoult Brings His Villainous Chops to Superman: Legacy as Lex Luthor

 

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Also part of Superman: Legacy cast are Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Skyler Gisondo and Sara Sampaio. The film is scheduled to be released on July 11, 2025.