As excitement builds for James Gunn’s much-anticipated Superman film, fans are getting their first look at the new Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult. Known for his previous roles as Beast in the X-Men films, Hoult now steps into the shoes of one of DC’s most iconic villains, offering a fresh take on the billionaire antagonist who seeks to bring down Superman.

In a recent interview, Hoult revealed the inspirations behind his portrayal of Lex Luthor. The actor openly acknowledges that he drew heavily from Gene Hackman’s legendary take on the character in the Richard Donner Superman films. “Gene’s one of my all-time faves, just as an actor in general. I went back and watched Gene,” Hoult shared with Empire. “And Michael Rosenbaum, who was the first Lex I saw, growing up watching Smallville on TV.”

For Hoult, playing a character with such a rich legacy is an exciting challenge. “It’s interesting when you play a character that’s been played before—you’re working from a different script, but it’s fun to draw inspiration from all of those places,” Hoult continued. His Lex Luthor will combine elements from these earlier portrayals while bringing a modern, darker twist that’s in line with his current acting trajectory.

Having spent years playing heroic roles like Beast, Hoult now relishes the opportunity to dive into more complex, darker characters. “I’m gonna keep getting darker and stranger until people are like, ‘No! Too far!’,” Hoult laughed, indicating his growing enthusiasm for playing twisted and outsider roles.

This new interpretation of Lex Luthor promises to be a departure from what fans have seen before. Luthor, as played by Hoult, is set to embody a sharp contrast to Superman’s ideals of heroism and justice, serving as the perfect foil to David Corenswet’s portrayal of the Man of Steel. Where Clark Kent works tirelessly to be a hero admired by the public, Luthor seeks to challenge this perception, representing society’s disdain for the Kryptonian.

David Corenswet, the actor set to portray Superman in James Gunn’s upcoming film Superman: Legacy, has rapidly ascended in Hollywood. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth

Born in Philadelphia in 1993, Corenswet honed his craft at the Juilliard School, graduating in 2016. He made his onscreen debut in the 2011 short film Following Chase and later co-created the sketch comedy web series Moe & Jerryweather. His breakout role came in 2019 when he starred as River Barkley in Netflix‘s The Politician, followed by a lead role in Hollywood (2020).

Corenswet’s filmography includes roles in Affairs of State (2018), The Sunlit Night (2019), Look Both Ways (2022), and Pearl (2022). He also appeared in the HBO miniseries We Own This City (2022). His upcoming projects include Twisters (2024) and Superman: Legacy (2025), where he will portray the iconic superhero.

Beyond acting, Corenswet has explored writing and producing. He wrote and directed the short film Following Chase and served as an executive producer on Hollywood. These ventures have contributed to his growing net worth.

Michael Rosenbaum, best known for his portrayal of Lex Luthor in the television series Smallville, has established a commendable net worth through his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $3 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.


Rosenbaum’s journey into acting began after earning a theater arts degree from Western Kentucky University. He moved to Manhattan to pursue his passion, initially gaining attention with his role in the MTV pilot The Temp. Though the show was never picked up, it marked the beginning of his acting career. He made his film debut in 1997’s The Devil & the Angel and his TV debut in 1998’s The Tom Show. In 2001, he landed the role of Lex Luthor in Smallville, a part he portrayed for over 150 episodes, earning several awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television in 2002.

Beyond Smallville, Rosenbaum has an extensive voice acting career, lending his voice to characters such as Wally West/The Flash in the DC Animated Universe series Justice League (2001–2004) and its sequel Justice League Unlimited (2004–2006). He also appeared in films like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, as well as TV series like Breaking In and Impastor.

Beyond Smallville, Rosenbaum has an extensive voice acting career, lending his voice to characters such as Wally West/The Flash in the DC Animated Universe series Justice League (2001–2004) and its sequel Justice League Unlimited (2004–2006). He also appeared in films like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, as well as TV series like Breaking In and Impastor.