New Superman Promo Highlight’s Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor

June 21, 2025

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Superman is poised to deliver a new, more comic-accurate Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, to rival David Corenswet as Clark Kent in the fledgling DC Universe. Directed by James Gunn, the film also stars Rachel Brosnahan, Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Maria Gabriela de Faria, Sara Sampaio, Skyler Gisondo, and Wendell Pierce. Though many DC heroes and villains are slated to appear, Gunn has maintained that the film centers on the main trio of Lex, Clark, and Lois Lane.

In promotion of the upcoming film, the official Superman Instagram shared a clip compilation showing off Lex. The caption reads:

Lex knows how to make being bad look good. #Superman – only in theaters July 11. Get tickets now: link in bio.

The video opens with Superman telling Lex: “Your obsession with me is getting a little creepy.” In response, the supervillain quips: “Don’t worry. Tall, dark, and Martian isn’t my type.” The overall editing style is reminiscent of a fancam, with various shots of Lex looking either suave or menacing.

Lex’s Obsession With Clark Comes To A Head

Lex has received a number of media adaptations over the years, and one constant across them is his underlying envy of Superman’s abilities. Despite being rich, handsome, and brilliant, the business tycoon wants more–chiefly, power. As a result, he doesn’t take too kindly to a visitor from another planet showing up and becoming the world’s hero. Hoult himself explained Lex’s perspective: “If someone had ultimate power and the ability to do anything, then what happens when what he does doesn’t align with everyone’s belief of what is right?“

For his iteration of the character, the Nosferatu star drew from Superman: The Movie‘s Gene Hackman and Smallville’s Michael Rosenbaum, both considered great portrayals of Lex. On the surface, these versions of the DC villain are opposites, with Hackman being campy and Rosenbaum being The CW’s style of edgy. However, they both harbor a simmering jealousy towards Clark. Hoult citing both actors as inspirations, further emphasizes that Lex’s envy of Superman’s power will be a central trait of his portrayal.

Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor looking confused in Superman

After Nicholas Hoult’s comments about the Lex Luthor we’re getting in James Gunn’s Superman, I’m even more excited for his version of the DC villain.

Aside from what these clips mean for Lex as a character, this video is emblematic of the multipronged approach DC Studios is taking in marketing Superman. The Lex-centric promo is clearly aimed at a young adult demographic and/or those accustomed to fan edits on platforms like TikTok.

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Promises A New Twist On An Old Classic

Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) enraged in Superman (2025) — Image via Warner Bros.

With Hackman and Rosenbaum as his inspirations, Hoult seems to be striking a balance between the smug, campy Lex and the more modern, cold businessman. Moreover, Gunn has said that Superman draws from the All-Star Superman comic run, which also features a cocky, jealous Lex. Blending these influences, Hoult’s Lex is shaping up to be a defining performance both for the actor and for the character.