Peter Safran, co-chair of DC Studios, elaborated on the decision to cast Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman film during a recent interview in the DC Nation Spotlight series. Safran emphasizes that Hoult is poised to become the definitive Lex Luthor for a new generation, noting his extensive acting experience and passion for the role.
Safran remarked, “He is the Lex Luthor for the next generation, for sure. He is who people will think of when they think of Lex. Nick is an extraordinary actor. He has been doing this since he was five years old. I think he kind of knew Lex was the role of a lifetime for him, and he embraced it immediately.”
This film, directed and written by James Gunn, diverges from traditional superhero narratives as it is not an origin story. Instead, the story begins with Clark Kent already working at the Daily Planet and in a relationship with Lois Lane for about three months. This approach allows the film to dive directly into a dynamic world featuring metahumans, superheroes, super-villains, and various fantastical elements.
Leading the cast, David Corenswet takes on the role of Superman/Clark Kent with Rachel Brosnahan starring alongside him as Lois Lane. Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor introduces a fresh take on the iconic villain. The diverse ensemble includes Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, and others, showcasing a wide range of characters from the DC Universe.
The film is set to be released in theaters on July 11, 2025, and will officially kick off the new DC Universe, bringing excitement to fans about the stories and characters they will see come to life on screen. Overall, it presents a hopeful new direction for the franchise, reinvigorating interest in beloved characters while introducing fresh elements.