James Gunn Taps British Actor Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in Upcoming Superman: Legacy

In a recent development, multiple sources reveal that James Gunn has secured British actor Nicholas Hoult to take on the iconic role of Lex Luthor in the highly anticipated film “Superman: Legacy.”

Following the selection of fresh talent David Corenswet as the lead and Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the studio aimed for a seasoned movie star for the crucial role of Luther, especially after the SAG-AFTRA strike. Hoult, who is already in collaboration with Warner Bros. on Clint Eastwood’s “Juror No. 2” and previously starred in the 2015 blockbuster “Mad Max: Fury Road,” earning over $380 million worldwide, emerged as the chosen one.

Last week, Deadline reported that Venezuelan actress María Gabriela de Faría has been cast as the villainous character The Engineer, adding to the star-studded ensemble.

Hoult joins the ranks of distinguished actors such as Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey, and Jesse Eisenberg, who have previously portrayed Lex Luthor in the Warner Bros. Superman franchise.

Gunn meticulously selected Corenswet and Brosnahan as his main leads after extensive auditions and in-person screen tests, persisting through the actors’ strike while staying committed to the film’s preparation.

Directed by Gunn, known for his work on “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Suicide Squad,” and the original Max series “Peacemaker,” the screenplay is based on DC characters, including the legendary Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Co-DC Boss Peter Safran, recognized for his involvement in “Aquaman” and “The Conjuring” franchise, is producing the film.

“Superman: Legacy” is scheduled for a global release on July 11, 2025, serving as a pivotal project in Gunn and Safran’s ambitious plan to revamp the DC film slate, as outlined earlier this year.