#James Gunn Says Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor in ‘Superman: Legacy’ Will Be “Different From Anything You’ve Seen Before”

James Gunn took a moment to confirm that Nicholas Hoult will, in fact, be playing Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy and gave a bit of insight into what fans can expect from his take on the villain.

The co-chair and co-CEO of DC Studios posted a photo of him and Hoult on Threads and shared that the two had dinner to celebrate the official casting.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Gun wrote. “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.”

News broke in November that Hoult was in talks to portray the classic villain in Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie, which will follow the Man of Steel as he balances his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.

Prior to being cast in the role of Luthor, The Great actor was also one of the finalists to play Superman in the film, a role that eventually went to David Corenswet. British actors Tom Brittney and Andrew Richardson were also in contention for the iconic role, while Jacob Elordi was another name that was surfaced for it but sources told The Hollywood Reporter he never submitted himself for the role.

Rachel Brosnahan will portray Lois Lane in Superman: Legacy, after being one of four actresses seriously being considered for the role. Emma Mackey, Phoebe Dynevor and Samara Weaving were also in the running.

Skyler Gisondo has been cast as Jimmy Olsen, The Daily Planet‘s boyish cub photographer, who works alongside Clark and Lois at the Metropolis newspaper. Sara Sampaio, a Portuguese model, has been cast as Eve Teschmacher, Luthor’s assistant and sometimes mistress.

Superman: Legacy is expected to hit theaters July 11, 2025.