James Gunn reveals the inspiration behind Lex Luthor's portrayal in Superman

Key insights

James Gunn answered a fan's question about his inspiration for Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy.
Nicholas Hoult's Luthor in the film is influenced by several comic storylines from All-Star Superman, Azzarello's Luthor and the ruthless scientific genius.
Filming on Superman: Legacy wrapped in July and Gunn was grateful for the kindness and love of the cast and crew.

James Gunn gave an update on his upcoming superhero film Superman: Legacy. The DC Studios CEO said there were multiple influences behind Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor.

In 2023, it was announced that Gunn had opted for a new face Superman: Legacywith David Corenswet in the title role and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Production wrapped after the SAG-AFTRA strike with the casting of Lex Luthor and Hoult added to the cast to portray the supervillain. According to Gunn, he considered several comic storylines in his portrayal of Hoult's Luthor.

Superman & Lois showrunner confirms Tom Cavanagh will play the new DC character in the series

Flash alum Tom Cavanagh will be joining Superman & Lois, but he'll be playing a different character.

Gunn took to Threads and shared details about Luthor Superman in response to a fan's question about the comical story arc that inspired his portrayal 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 was a joy to bring him to the screen with the incredible Nicholashoult. Some of the influences were natural All-Star SupermanAzzarello's Luthor and the ruthless scientific genius from the 1950s and 1960s.” Many were happy to hear from Gunn about the character; some even asked about his inspiration for Lois Lane. “As a fan, I am extremely happy to follow everything you have done. May DC shine in theaters. Good luck @jamesgunn!” one commented.

Gunn has completed filming Superman: Legacy in July. He shared the update along with a photo of the cast and crew on Instagram. “I wanted to make a film about a good man in a world that isn't always so good. And the kindness, kindness and love that I experienced on set every day inspired me and pushed me forward as I did.” “I felt too exhausted to move alone,” Gunn wrote. “Thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart. It was an honor. The destination was Superman, but the journey was the effort and the laughter and the emotions and ideas and magic we shared together on set – and for which I am forever grateful.

It's clear that Luthor is an important figure for Gunn. As the filmmaker mentioned, Luthor was one of his favorites and Gunn obviously did his research when planning Hoult's character Superman: Legacy. All-Star Superman was written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely. It was published between 2005 and 2008. The focus is on Superman, who is charged 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 inspirational figure. Brian Azzarello Luthor shows the supervillain as a complex character who believes in Superman before he becomes his archenemy. Azzarello depicted a darker and more introspective Luthor in his graphic novel. Gunn's reference to the ruthless scientific genius relates to the Silver Age portrayal of the superhero. Stories published in the 1950s to 1960s highlighted how Superman solved problems using his scientific genius and superpowers. Fans will remember it for its lighthearted and imaginative stories.

Apparently Hoult's Luthor is a combination of the various iterations of the character from various comic book arcs and it's exciting to watch. Hoult is a great talent and a versatile actor who has appeared in notable films X Men (2011 – 2019) as Hank McCoy aka Beast and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). There is no doubt that he will do the character justice and portray her exactly how Gunn wants. Expectations for Gunn's are high Superman: Legacy and Hoult's Luthor is one of the characters fans are looking forward to seeing on the big screen.

Superman: Legacy will be in theaters on July 11, 2025.