Metropolis has long viewed Lex Luthor as the embodiment of corrupt human intellect pitted against superhuman power, but Nicholas Hoult’s recent comments to GQ Magazine suggested the character is entering a new, but familiar, era.
In a recent interview, Hoult discussed how playing Luthor in the DC Universe (DCU) allows him to explore not only villainy, but also ideology, obsession, and the nuanced psychology of one of comic history’s most infamous figures. Hoult explained that portraying Luthor gives him a unique creative freedom.
“There’s a freedom in playing a villain because there’s nothing you can do that could be wrong,” Hoult said. “It’s really interesting to try and get into the mindset and psyche of those people and their obsessive nature and their belief system or ideology.”
According to the actor, his Lex was meant to be more than just a typical villain. The character’s cleverness guided his actions, helping him predict Superman’s moves. Luthor’s beliefs and his conflict with Superman showed a change in how villains are portrayed, reflecting modern storytelling trends that depict them as complex characters instead of just obstacles.
“There’s a moment in the Superman movie where Lex Luthor is wearing a dinner jacket,” Hoult said. “He was on his way to interrogate and torture Superman, but he had a gala to attend before that… it felt very in sync with Lex and what he was wearing and how astute he is in terms of what he would appreciate and his wealth.”
Hoult discussed how actors and directors collaborate, praising James Gunn for allowing him to experiment with his role. He noted that Gunn pushed him to explore Luthor’s deeper motivations, such as ambition, a desire for power, and a belief in his own vision. These aspects will make Luthor’s character in “Man of Tomorrow” engaging both on and off-screen.
“I loved working with James Gunn,” Hoult said. “I think he’s a wonderful director and creative person and mind. I just spoke to him a week or two ago about the sequel and his idea for that. So I’m really excited to play that character again because I feel like there’s a lot to explore with him and expectations to subvert. It’s going to be exciting to step back into those shoes again.”
The interview also shed light on Hoult’s preparation for the role. He referenced inspirations from past portrayals, particularly Michael Rosenbaum’s iconic performance in “Smallville,” and classic comic interpretations. Hoult also highlighted the balance between honoring these past versions while bringing fresh energy to the character. “It’s about respecting what’s been done, but also pushing it further,” Hoult explained.
“With an acting career, even more so than some other careers, you can really see how one thing influences the next… It’s a long road,” the British actor said when asked about the future of his career. “I remember Colin Firth telling me when we did A Single Man, ‘Enjoy the highs. There will be lows. So enjoy the highs.’”
For DCU fans, Hoult’s comments hint at future storylines. His Lex Luthor is set to challenge Superman both intellectually and morally. As the DCU grows, Hoult suggests Lex Luthor will remain an important role in upcoming films, as long as Warner Bros.’ impending sale doesn’t lead to major changes.
