James Gunn Reveals Inspiration Behind Lex Luthor's Depiction In Superman

James Gunn gave an update about his upcoming superhero flick Superman: Legacy. The CEO of DC Studios said there were several influences behind Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor.

In 2023, it was announced that Gunn opted for a fresh face for Superman: Legacy, casting David Corenswet in the titular role and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The production went through with the Lex Luthor casting after the SAG-AFTRA strike and they added Hoult to the cast members to portray the supervillain. According to Gunn, he considered several comic arcs in his depiction of Hoult's Luthor.

Related

Superman & Lois Showrunner Confirms Tom Cavanagh Is Playing New DC Character in the Series

The Flash alum Tom Cavanagh will join Superman & Lois, but he will play another character.

Posts 1

By  Catherine Armecin Martin

Gunn took to Threads and shared details about Luthor in Superman in response to a fan asking him about the comic arc that inspired his depiction of the character in the upcoming film. "God there are so many," Gunn wrote. "Lex is one of my favorites - he works on so many levels - and it's been a joy bringing him to the screen with the incredible nicholashoult. Some of the influences were, of course, All-Star Superman, Azzarello's Luthor, and the reckless scientific genius from the 1950's and '60's." Many were happy to hear from Gunn about the character; some even asked about his inspiration for Lois Lane, too. "I am extremely happy, as a fan, to follow everything you have done. May DC shine in theaters. Much success, @jamesgunn!" One commented.

Gunn wrapped up filming Superman: Legacy in July. He shared the update on Instagram alongside a photo of the cast and crew. "I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn't always so much. And the goodness and kindness and love I've encountered on a daily basis on the set has inspired me and thrust me forward when I felt too spent to move on my own," Gunn wrote. "Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It has been an honor. The destination has been Superman, but the journey has been the toil and the laughter and the emotions and ideas and magic we've shared together on set - and for that I am forever grateful."

It's clear that Luthor is a significant character for Gunn. As the filmmaker mentioned, Luthor was one of his favorites and Gunn clearly did his research when he plotted Hoult's character in Superman: Legacy. All-Star Superman was written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely. It was published between 2005 and 2008. It focuses on Superman, who has become supercharged by the sun after a rescue mission. This version of Superman is more than just a physical hero. He is also popular for his strength, optimism, and intelligence, making him an inspiring figure. Brian Azzarello's Luthor features the supervillain as a complex character who believes in Superman before he becomes his arch-nemesis. Azzarello showed a darker and more introspective Luthor in his graphic novel. Gunn's reference to the reckless scientific genius refers to the Silver Age portrayal of the superhero. The stories published from the 1950s to 1960s highlighted how Superman resolves issues using his scientific genius and superpowers. Fans would remember it for its carefree and imaginative stories.

Apparently, Hoult's Luthor is a combination of the different iterations of the character from different comic arcs and it's exciting to see. Hoult is a great talent and a versatile actor, who has appeared in notable films like X-Men (2011 - 2019) as Hank McCoy aka Beast and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). There's no doubt he will give justice to the character and portray it exactly how Gunn wants it to be. There are high expectations in Gunn's Superman: Legacy and Hoult's Luthor is among the characters fans are looking forward to seeing on the big screen.

Superman: Legacy hits theaters on July 11, 2025.

Source: James Gunn/Thread