Nicholas Hoult, the 35-year-old star, expressed his enthusiasm about taking on the role of Lex Luthor in the upcoming DC Universe blockbuster. Although originally auditioning for the lead role of Superman, which ultimately went to David Corenswet, Hoult had an instinctive feeling that he would be suited for the role of the notorious villain.
In an interview with Empire magazine, Hoult recalled his initial reaction to the script, admitting, “There was a tiny little piece of my instinct that was like, ‘You might be a good Lex’.” He initially brushed off this notion but felt a thrill when he received a call from director James Gunn offering him the part of Lex Luthor, leading to a mix of joy and relief. He felt that the decision had come full circle, affirming his initial instinct about the role.
The actor also noted that embodying Lex Luthor enables him to utilize experiences from his recent film projects, allowing him to combine various skills he has developed over the years. He drew inspiration from past portrayals of Lex, particularly from Gene Hackman in the 1970s and 1980s and Michael Rosenbaum in the television series “Smallville.” “It’s fun to draw inspiration from all of those places,” said Hoult.
At this stage of his career, Hoult is excited about the diverse roles he is undertaking and expressed a desire to continue exploring unexpected projects. He shared his thoughts on how many actors often find their rhythm in their thirties and forties, and he views this time as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, stating, “So, keep trying to do unexpected things. And take some risks.”
This positive sentiment reflects Hoult’s enthusiasm for the changes in his career trajectory, as he looks forward to bringing his unique flavor to the iconic character of Lex Luthor. His approach emphasizes the importance of intuition and the excitement of challenging oneself in new roles.