In superhero narratives, a compelling villain significantly enhances the quality of the project. Many disappointing movies and series within the genre, such as “Catwoman,” “Green Lantern,” and “Inhumans,” are often criticized for having forgettable antagonists who lack depth beyond their comic book origins. In contrast, well-crafted adversaries like Marvel’s Thanos possess clear objectives and motivations that make them stand out. This summer, it seems another villain will join the ranks of memorable adversaries in “Superman.
The brand-new trailer for James Gunn’s upcoming superhero movie highlights the fierce rivalry between Lex Luthor and Superman. Previously, these characters have clashed on screen, but never quite in this manner. Interestingly, previews for the film suggest that Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex could be the most compelling yet as Superman’s marketing hints at it.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Will Do Anything to Stop Superman
As a film enthusiast, I can’t wait to see how director Gunn portrays Lex Luthor in 2025. Known for his relentless pursuit of Superman, Lex is once again using his immense wealth to challenge Clark Kent’s alter ego. He aims to demonstrate to Earth’s inhabitants that they don’t require a divine hero as their protector.
However, unlike previous attempts to undermine the Man of Steel, Gunn isn’t hiding Luthor’s malice. In fact, he makes it clear that Lois Lane is not immune to his wrath. After all, she occasionally interviews the hero, and Lex has set his sights on finding out who raised the enemy that has long plagued him. He even threatens to harm Lois and track down Superman’s parents, seeing them as complicit in creating his arch-nemesis.
To carry out this scheme swiftly, Lex doesn’t hesitate. He heads to the Fortress of Solitude accompanied by his associates, the Engineer and Ultraman. While they are there, they manage to disable Superman’s robotic comrades as the hero is absent, working towards a better world. The recent sneak peek at the movie shows Lex ordering his staff to let innocent people perish, as they rely on Superman for hope rather than him. Lex’s hatred appears boundless, which isn’t typically seen in most other live-action portrayals of the character.
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In a lively and straightforward manner: Hoults portrayal is making the cold-hearted villain from the comics seem real. Although we’ll need to watch the entire Superman series to be certain that Lex has never been better in the DC Universe, this new interpretation of the character appears destined for success. What previous portrayals of Lex lacked was a genuine concern for anything other than money. Gene Hackman’s and Kevin Spacey’s depictions only intersect with Superman after their real estate ambitions become excessive. Hackman’s later performances veer into the absurd, as he uses his own DNA to create Nuclear Man in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. However, it’s challenging to take those events seriously because Superman Returns discards them in favor of additional real estate schemes.
In a departure from the DC Extended Universe portrayal, Lex Luthor, played by Jesse Eisenberg, seemed scattered and bore resemblance to a real-life tech mogul rather than the comic book antagonist we’re accustomed to. This leaves room for Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex from Smallville to potentially claim the crown. Although Rosenbaum doesn’t have as much material post-series, his character is more relatable because he initially befriends Clark and eventually transforms into a villain after discovering his secret. By the end of the series, he becomes a conflicted friend who is forced to turn villainous.
It’s unlikely that Lex will join the Kents for dinner or even offer Clark a coffee. But there are times when causing harm merely for its own sake might be the best option, especially against a character who embodies honesty and righteousness, as they can be formidable adversaries.
Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025.
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2025-06-13 18:40