Superman: Legacy Director Comments on Lex Luthor For First Time

James Gunn has finally spoken about Superman: Legacy’s recently casted villain.

In a post on Threads, the Superman: Legacy director confirmed Nicholas Hoult will play the role of primary antagonist, as outlets reported last month. Sharing a photo of himself and Hoult, Gunn, who’s also the co-CEO of DC Studios, coupled it with a lengthy caption.

“I couldn’t be happier. We went out to dinner last night to celebrate & discuss how we can create a Lex that will be different from anything you’ve seen before and will never forget. ‘But, James, we heard this weeks ago, why didn’t you tell us it was true?’ Because, although we were discussing it, it wasn’t final until a couple days ago and I don’t want to tell you all something that isn’t certain.”

Hoult, best known for his role as Beast in the X-Men series of films, originally auditioned for the part of Superman. With the role eventually going to David Corenswet, he was able to bag the part of bald genius bad guy, Lex Luthor.

Rachel Brosnahan, meanwhile, is cast as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo plays Jimmy Olsen, and Sara Sampaio is Eve Teschmacher, Luthor’s assistant (who can also shapeshift).

And let's not forget how Superman: Legacy adds a powerful new villain.

Superman: Legacy releases in cinemas July 11, 2025.