While on the set of Superman in Cleveland, Ohio in June 2024, The Nerds of Color were given the opportunity to meet with none other than Lex Luthor himself, Nicholas Hoult!
Alongside characters like Joker, Magneto, or Doctor Doom, few villains have achieved the same level of iconography that Lex Luthor has. As the sworn arch-nemesis of Superman, the character has become a household name in comic book history. From the Golden Age to the Silver Age of comics, Luthor was depicted as a mad scientist of sorts. It wasn’t until the Modern Age of DC (following the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline) that the character was depicted as a wealthy industrialist with genius-level intellect and an inflated god-complex, whose sworn intention was destroying Superman (thank you, John Byrne!). This depiction of Luthor has persisted prominently since then, reflecting the greed, arrogance, and recklessness of people like Donald Trump. In fact, at one point in the DC Comics, Luthor became President of the United States.
Luthor is the perfect mortal foil for Superman, but in my opinion, no live-action cinematic version has adequately captured the richness of this character (both in complexity and wealth), as well as the brilliance and arrogance that make him a formidable foe. In fact, between films focusing on obsession with real estate, or bizarre twitchiness and idiotic jars of urine, Lex’s motivations for hating Superman have never been as well-established as they should be on film. However, all that is about to change thanks to Hoult’s approach to the character.
Here’s what he had to say about bringing his version of Lex to life, and why Hoult’s version of Luthor will be the perfect villain to kick off the new DC Universe:
What was it like to finally get called in to portray Lex Luthor in a DC film?
Hoult: Yeah, it’s no secret that I read for Matt Reeves’ [The Batman] and for this one with James. And I feel very fortunate with the way things have played out to be honest with you because I thought The Batman was brilliant and Robert was perfect casting for that, and how this came together as well. I’ve been a fan of James’s work for a long time. And reading the script was funny because I knew I was going to technically read for Superman. But I had a funny little itch or inkling where I looked at a scene, and thought, “maybe I’d be good as Lex?” But obviously I buried that thought, even the first time I talked to James specifically about this, I wondered if I should say something about the feeling I had. But I thought “no, that might cloud the judgement going into the reading for Superman.” So it was something that James called me to be like, “I think Lex is where I want you to be.” And then I laughed kind of in a villainous maniacal way, to be honest, because I was like, “Huh. Your instincts were kind of right. You should have listened to them.” Sometimes you hear that voice and you get that gut feeling. But ultimately it was very fortuitous and everything aligned. And just to be part of what James and Peter are developing; he’s a singular filmmaker and storyteller. So their approach in this world will be very special and unique.
What’s Lex up to in this movie?
Hoult: I’m not sure anyone else has said so far, but I think it takes place within five to six days. One of the things I love most about the script is that you’re thrown into a fully developed world and storyline. So these characters have already existed in this universe, and you’re playing catch up as an audience member with what the lore is in some ways, and what they’re dealing with. With Lex, he’s already devised all these plans with how to kill Superman. And you’re playing catch up with what’s at play and the plans unfurling in front of you. So that’s where you meet him.
So they’ve locked horns before?
Hoult: They are aware of each other, but I don’t think they’ve necessarily met in person. One of the things I love about this version of Lex are that all his beliefs and fears are what drive him. But in some ways that drive is real. And what he’s weary of and what Superman represents could be a real danger or threat to humanity. So that’s something I really liked in terms of first trying to get into the psyche of the character. This idea that you’re playing the villain… you stand back and look at his beliefs and almost his love of humanity… this idea that they should be the masters of their own fate and destiny is important to him. And the rest of society has fallen into this path of trusting Superman, believing in Superman, and giving him all power and freedom. So where does jurisdiction and law and protection of humanity come into that?
How does this Lex feel about other superheroes in this universe?
Hoult: Superman is obviously priority #1. But there’s a difference between people who are Metahumans and people with powers, and also the idea that Superman is an alien, not from this planet. So it stands out more for Lex… He feels [Superman] doesn’t belong here. He shouldn’t be interfering with our affairs.
Was there anything you took from the O.G. Lex?
Hoult: Of course. I went back and watched Gene [Hackman]. I loved what he did. I’m such a fan of his in those films and his whole career as an actor. He’s incredible. One of the best of all time. So that’s intimidating obviously. And taking on any character who has been interpreted before, who people have strong opinions about and ideas of how it should be, is always something that… you want to take the script first of all, and do it justice and serve the story. And be honest and truthful to that. What your opinion of it is. And that’s the brilliant thing having James as the writer and director. He understands stories first and foremost, but also the characters in this world, what they all represent. And there are scenes that felt very honest and believable to me. So it was a bit about committing to those ideas on the page, and going back and watching Gene, and watching Michael [Rosenbaum]. That’s what I grew up on, was watching him in Smallville. So that’s kind of the first steps where I was more aware [of Lex], I suppose.
Superman is an iconic superhero. Lex is probably one of the most iconic villains of all time. Were there things you wanted to take as inspiration and things you wanted to avoid from previous versions of this character?
Hoult: For me, I have complete trust and faith in James. So I obviously have an opinion on the scene and the character, but he’s very honest and pushing me. He has the tapestry of the whole movie in his mind and all the different characters we play. And I have my viewpoint of who Lex is internally to me, and what he represents. So it’s just a thing of having all that backstory, and the work, and emotions at play, but also just turning up and listening to James. And that part was easy because I love his films first and foremost, but love him as a person. So it was easy for me to go “All right. If you say this, that’s the direction I’ll go in and I’ll try that. And we’ll get to the place we’re happy with.” And that felt good everyday going home and saying, “If he’s happy then obviously we have something unique that represents the character very well.”
How has Lex obtained his power in this universe?
Hoult: He’s more technically inclined. But one of the things he values highly, as you’ll see throughout the film, is this public image of how people view him. And he’s managed to keep his more nefarious tactics and things at play, more hidden, so he appears to be someone who’s only there for him.
What was your thought about signing up for something that, professionally, would extend beyond this film to multiple platforms and projects within this universe long term?
Hoult: Again it just comes back to a thing of believing in James and Peter, and their creativity and ideas. Then it’s exciting seeing where they’re going to take their world and how they’re going to develop it. Plus I’d already seen Peacemaker. I love that show and the tone and feel of that. And it’s exciting to know the variety of things they’re developing under that banner. And how they’re planning on introducing these characters and telling these stories. Also these characters have such a rich history. There’s so much you can develop and play with and explore… I’d be grateful to continue playing him.
You’ve had such a brilliant career so far. If we take your version of Lex, what would you say is the “Nicholas Hoult” stamp on this version of Lex versus everybody else?
Hoult: Oh I can’t say that! <laughs>. You’ll have to see the movie for that… He is very well dressed. He’s got some sharp… there’s a line in one of the comics where he calls out a $10,000 three-piece. And I think Judianna, our costume designer, nailed that. He’s very sharp, very on-point. He’s smart, savvy, and sophisticated.
What would you say is his personality? How would you describe it?
Hoult: I almost feel, in my mind, he’s got high peaks and valleys emotionally. But is very intellectual and advanced. And almost… There’s a quote: “The smartest people who are often the ones we see the most and understand the most, are more likely to be driven insane by the world.” Because they understand and see more of the truth of it. And that’s somewhat how I view Lex’s mind.
One of the terms used to describe this movie has been “grounded.” Would you agree?
Hoult: Always grounded emotionally. Hopefully (if I did all right). Grounded emotionally. But also as I said, you join the story at something of a heightened reality. And this is something James helped me with. I’m so used to the idea of films having a beginning and a journey to the end. And it took me a moment to understand the idea that we are in this world,
We have more interviews coming your way from our set visit to Superman, including interviews with stars Rachel Brosnahan and David Corenswet, as well as our review of the film coming this week, as we count down to the premiere of DC Studios’ Superman! Stay tuned to The Nerds of Color for much more to come!
Superman hits theaters July 11!
