Nicholas Hoult has shared the first pictures of him as the fearsome Lex Luthor on social media.
Hoult shared the images on Instagram, posing next to the Ferrari. During the making of the new Superman movie, the actor sported a shaved head, following Lex Luthor’s iconic look. Although the film’s director James Gunn Holt has already confirmed that he will maintain the traditional look of the supervillain, the new photos give us a more detailed look. You can see the post below.
Nicholas Hoult is the next Lex Luthor.
It’s not much of a surprise to see Holt shave his head for the role of Lex Luthor, as the vigilante has traditionally been portrayed that way. However, some versions of the character chose a different path. Jesse Eisenberg played a long-haired Lex in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, although the character was later revealed with a shaved head. On the other hand, Lex’s animated version of the My Adventures with Superman series features hair, though there’s always the possibility that he could shave his head.
This is the latest major role for Nicholas Hoult, who previously played Hank McCoy in the X-Men franchise and the title character in Renfield last year. Holt’s voice can be heard in the movie The Garfield, which is now in theaters. He has also appeared in films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Tolkien and The Menu.
A role with a long pedigree
Hoult joins the list of actors who have played Lex Luthor. Recently, he chatted with Michael Rosenbaum, Smallville’s Lex, who he described as his favorite version of the character.
“Smallville was on the air… I was 11, 12, I guess. Through all of those stories, it was the show I watched to get to know my first versions of Superman and Lex,” Hault said on the Rosenbaum podcast. Since then I’ve seen Richard Donner’s movies and other shows. i love [tu interpretación de Lex]. It’s the best, yes. He portrayed it with such depth and beauty. That ability to transform, which makes him dangerous and terrifying, makes him a great opponent. I just loved what you did.”
The iconic role of Lex Luthor
Known as one of the most popular villains in the DC Universe, the character of Lex Luthor has had various representations over the years. From the classic played by Gene Hackman in the Richard Donner films to the modern and more psychological version of Eisenberg, Luthor has always been a formidable adversary for Superman. Michael Rosenbaum’s version in Smallville stood out for its depth and complexity, which earned him the love of fans. Now, with Holt taking over, expectations are high to see how he will bring his own spin to this iconic role.
Nicholas Hoult is no stranger to high-profile roles and complex characters. In the X-Men saga, Hank McCoy, also known as Beast, demonstrated his ability to balance vulnerability and strength. In Renfield, Holt showed his ability to carry a film, but in The Menu he shined in a dark, twisted way. His versatility as an actor makes him an interesting choice for the role of Lex Luthor, and fans are eager to see how the villainous version plays out in the new Superman movie.
The new Superman movie directed by James Gunn is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025. With Hoult on board, expectations will only continue to grow. Can it overcome previous interpretations? Only time will tell, but without a doubt, fans are anticipating every new look and detail about the highly anticipated film.