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The next big thing in the DC superhero universe is the James Gunn-led film,Superman: Legacy.While a shuffle of actors had been listed since the news of casting began, we know a fresh face on Superman was confirmed after Henry Cavill last played the Man of Steel. After months of contemplating, David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan bagged the roles of Superman/Clark Kent and Loise Lane respectively.
Although, the debate still remains on the casting of Superman’s evil genius arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. Last seen Luthor was played by Jesse Eisenberg, an impressive antagonist, inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, for Gunn and new DC Studio head Peter Safran’s inaugural movie that shall be marked as the true beginning of this universe, a blend of names has made the list for Luthor. Rumors suggested Nicholas Hoult is being eyed and might land the role, but a recent scoop on social media made things explicit.
Read More:“Lex Luthor?”: Keanu Reeves’ John Wick 4 Co-Star Bill Skarsgård Reportedly in Talks to Join DCU in Mystery Role, Fans Convinced He’s Playing Iconic Superman Villain
Nicholas Hoult was almost replaced by the Skarsgard brothers
With prior expertise being a superhero, Beast in theX-Menfranchise, it is only understandable thatNicholas Houltwas being auditioned for Superman. However, a recent source byThe Hollywood Reporterrevealed that the 33-year-old actor was in talks for playing the ruthless villain Lex Luthor currently. The news of Hoult’s possible feature as an antagonist rolled in before the SAG-AFTRA strikes began.
Nonetheless, the scenario might have changed post the strikes ended on the 9th of November. As a Twitter post by a popular scooper, MyTimeToShineHello stated,
“He basically had the role before the strikes started, and they couldn’t finalize it in time because they had hammered out the contract. The Skarsgard brothers and Cooper being on the shortlist was just in case things fell through with Hoult”
He basically had the role before the strikes started, and they couldn’t finalize it in time because they had hammer out the contract. The Skarsgard brothers and Cooper being on the shortlist was just in case things fell through with Houlthttps://t.co/GgSjr1vpzS
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH)July 04, 2025
Even though Hoult was actively being considered for the role, the actors’ strike hindered the plan. Hence, the casting directors wanted to be wary and also shortlistedJohn Wick 4star, Bill Skarsgård, in case the strikes cancel their agreement with Hoult.
Honestly,Bill Skarsgardwould not have disappointed the fans had he been chosen for Luthor. He aced his role as Marquis de Gramont alongside Keanu Reeves inJohn Wick 4.However, he was pinned on the list just for safety.
Read More:“Your acting ability is why you’d be an amazing Lex”: DC Fans Refuse to Let Go of Bryan Cranston’s Lex Luthor Fan-Cast Despite Breaking Bad Star Openly Refuting it
James Gunn wanted Nicholas Hoult as his villain
As perDeadline, director Gunn wanted to cast a movie star as Luthor and has finally found the right fit. While the British actor is already working on another Warner Bros production,Juror No.2,he is likely to appear as Superman’s greatest enemy inSuperman: Legacy,early next year.
Following the line of great artists who donned the bald look of Luthor, Hoult is anticipated to channel his pain in the character, given he was not cast as the lead superhero. Besides, Hoult already recorded a milestone with Warner Bros in 2015’sMad Max: Fury Road,propelling his career to heights. Thus, it is evident that Warner Bros Productions and Gunn do not want to part ways with the actor.
Read More:1995 Kevin Spacey Movie That Won 2 Oscars Convinced WB He’s The Only Actor Suitable To Play Lex Luthor in ‘Superman Returns’
Tiyasa Biswas
Articles Published :203
Tiyasa Biswas is a Content Writer at FandomWire. With more than a year of expertise in content spanning over multiple fields: entertainment, sports and features, Tiyasa seeks to bring her flair to the world of fandom. Her journalistic works have garnered significant viewership, with her articles gauging a worldwide audience.
