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

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

Key Takeaways

  • James Gunn addressed one fan’s question about his inspiration for Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy.
  • Nicholas Hoult’s Luthor in the film is influenced by multiple comic arcs from All-Star Superman, Azzarello’s Luthor, and the reckless scientific genius.
  • Superman: Legacy wrapped up filming in July and Gunn was thankful for the cast and crew’s kindness and love.

As a lifelong DC Comics fan and having witnessed the evolution of Lex Luthor throughout various comic arcs, I am absolutely thrilled to see James Gunn’s unique take on this iconic supervillain in Superman: Legacy. The fact that Nicholas Hoult will be portraying Luthor is not only a brilliant casting decision but also a testament to the depth and complexity of the character.


James Gunn recently shared insights on his forthcoming superhero movie, titled “Superman: Legacy“. The head of DC Studios mentioned that there were various factors inspiring Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor in the film.

2023 saw the reveal that Gunn chose a newcomer for Superman: Legacy, selecting David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The project moved ahead with Lex Luthor casting following the SAG-AFTRA strike, also incorporating Hoult into the cast to embody the supervillain. As per Gunn, he contemplated various comic storylines in his portrayal of Hoult’s Luthor.

In response to a fan’s query regarding the comic storyline that influenced his portrayal of Lex Luthor in the upcoming film, James Gunn expressed his enthusiasm by sharing insights about the character on Twitter. He mentioned that he has always admired Lex Luthor due to the complexity of the character and working with Nicholas Hoult to bring him to life on screen has been a delightful experience for him. Some of the sources of inspiration for his portrayal of Lex Luthor include “All-Star Superman”, Azzarello’s version of Luthor, and the reckless scientific genius from the 1950s and ’60s. Fans were thrilled to hear about Gunn’s thoughts on the character, with some even inquiring about his inspiration for Lois Lane as well. One fan expressed their excitement for DC’s upcoming films and wished Gunn continued success, signing off with a heartfelt message to Gunn himself.

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

In July, filming for Superman: Legacy was completed by director Gunn. He announced this news on Instagram along with a picture of the cast and crew. “My goal was to create a film about a good man in a world not always so good,” he wrote. “The kindness, love, and goodness I’ve witnessed daily on set have given me strength when I felt drained. I am incredibly grateful for each and every one of you who contributed to this journey. The destination was Superman, but the camaraderie, laughter, emotions, ideas, and magic we shared on set are what I will cherish forever.

It’s evident that Luthor plays a crucial role in Gunn’s perspective, as the filmmaker often expresses his fondness for the character. In the creation of Hoult’s character in Superman: Legacy, it’s clear that Gunn conducted thorough research. The comic book series, All-Star Superman , written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, was published from 2005 to 2008. This storyline emphasizes a Superman who has been supercharged by the sun following a rescue mission, making him more than just a physical hero; he is also admired for his strength, optimism, and intelligence, becoming an inspiring figure.

It seems that Hoults’ portrayal of Luthor in “Superman: Legacy” blends elements from various comic book versions of the character, making it intriguing for fans. Given his impressive acting credits such as playing Hank McCoy (Beast) in the X-Men films and Max Rockatansky in “Mad Max: Fury Road,” there’s no question that he will deliver an authentic performance of the character as Gunn envisions it. With high anticipation surrounding “Superman: Legacy,” Hoults’ Luthor is one of the characters that viewers are eager to witness on the big screen.

Superman: Legacy hits theaters on July 11, 2025.

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2024-10-12 21:23