In terms of the optimistic takes critics have shared about James Gunn’s Superman, a substantial quantity of reward has been pushed in the direction of the ensemble forged. Lead actor David Corenswet has been praised for his successful efficiency because the Man of Metal however, after all, a hero is just as nice as his villain. On this case, Nicholas Hoult performs the Huge Unhealthy, Lex Luthor, and he definitely places on a efficiency. Followers appear to be happy with Hoult’s work as properly, based mostly on the enthusiastic responses they’ve shared since seeing the movie.
Entering into the footwear of a legendary character is not any simple process for an actor, and that’s particularly the case on the subject of a superhero film. Lex Luthor is simply as well-known as his heroic nemesis, and Nicholas Hoult brings him to gorgeous life within the not too long ago launched Superman. Followers who’ve been posting to X appear to really feel the identical approach that I do, and one person made a selected daring assertion whereas praising Hoult’s work:
The most effective Lex Luthor of all timeAbsolutely floored by how evil, vile and ruthless he was Generational villain, up there with Heath Ledger’s Joker pic.twitter.com/KEM7GjaLkEJuly 9, 2025
Heath Ledger’s efficiency as The Joker in Christopher Nolan’s The Darkish Knight is iconic and stays revered by many. For his work, the late Ledger additionally obtained quite a few awards posthumously, together with the Academy Award for Finest Supporting Actor. So the submit above signifies a serious praise for the newest actor to embody Lex Luthor. One other person, @BornAgainBalaky, commented on that submit, referring to the efficiency because the “good mix of Smallville, animated collection, and comedian. With a little bit of Hackman.”
What that remark refers to is the truth that numerous actors have taken on the function of Lex over time. From Gene Hackman (the unique Superman movies) and Jesse Eisenberg (the DC Prolonged Universe) to Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville) and Michael Cudlitz (Superman & Lois). As a fan myself, I’ve loved lots of the iterations of Lex for various causes. Nearly each model of the character is evil, and Nicholas Hoult’s model of Luthor is now being famous for his dastardly actions within the DCU movie:
of all of the crimes in opposition to humanity that lex luthor dedicated throughout this movie i gasped the loudest at him throwing a pencil at eve. so disgustingly evil not a single redeeming high quality, nicholas hoult was having the time of his motherfucking life taking part in this bastard pic.twitter.com/w2WEA5EhZ3July 10, 2025
By now, a variety of folks certainly know that the X-Males: First Class alum initially auditioned for the function of the Huge Blue Boy Scout, earlier than David Corenswet was forged. James Gunn has since joked that the British actor’s “hatred” is the rationale he finally selected to forged him as Lex. The time period “hater” has been utilized to the envious Luthor on a number of events, which is form of a joke and form of isn’t. That attribute that one fan believes contributes to 1 fan’s perception that the DCU now has the “definitive” model of Lex:
Nicholas Hoult goes down as THE definitive tackle Lex Luthor. His pettiness and envy take middle stage as an instantaneous contender for considered one of my favourite comedian guide film villainsThis man has redefined what it means to be a hater, generational casting #Superman pic.twitter.com/UTTiCKb5meJuly 9, 2025
Nicholas Hoult actually appeared to decide to his function as Lex Luthor, and he even shaved his head to play the function. He appears to have a eager understanding of the character, which appeared evident throughout CinemaBlend’s set go to, when he broke down Luthor’s hatred for the Final Son of Krypton. Hoult’s efforts to flesh out his model of the comedian guide villain don’t appear to have been in useless, given the appreciation that this subsequent fan (and others) have shared:
It took rattling close to 50 years however we lastly bought a superb Lex Luthor in a Superman film pic.twitter.com/IsPSFTUoyuJuly 9, 2025
After seeing Superman, what’s significantly thrilling is the prospect of seeing extra of Nicholas Hoult’s Lex for years to come back. James Gunn and co., after all, aren’t sharing what lies forward for him following the occasions of this inaugural DCU flick. Wherever or nevertheless that occurs, although, like so many different followers, I stay wanting to see Hoult additional immerse himself on this conceited, maniacal and enjoyable function.
Fly over to a cinema and see Superman, which is taking part in in theaters now alongside different titles on the 2025 film schedule. Additionally, take a look at performances from among the former Lex Luthor actors by streaming Supes motion pictures and exhibits with an HBO Max subscription.