Get ready to see Lex Luthor like you’ve never seen him before—because Nicholas Hoult is here to flip everything you thought you knew about the iconic villain on its head. In James Gunn’s upcoming Man of Tomorrow, Hoult isn’t just playing Lex Luthor; he’s redefining him, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. But here’s where it gets controversial: can Lex Luthor truly be a hero, or is he just another villain in a fancy suit? Let’s dive in.
Hoult recently shared his excitement about stepping into the role, revealing that Man of Tomorrow will give Lex Luthor just as much screen time and depth as Superman himself. In an interview with GQ, Hoult teased, ‘I haven’t read the script yet, but from what I’ve gathered, there’s so much more to explore with this character. I’m thrilled to peel back the layers and challenge what people expect from Lex.’ And this is the part most people miss: Lex Luthor isn’t just a one-dimensional bad guy—he’s a complex figure with a twisted sense of justice, and Hoult is eager to bring that to life.
For those catching up, Lex Luthor was first introduced in the DCU’s Superman, ending up behind bars in Belle Reve. But here’s the twist: in Peacemaker Season 2, he strikes a deal with A.R.G.U.S. Director Rick Flag Sr., trading his services for a transfer to a metahuman-free prison. His mission? Helping trap superpowered threats in ‘Salvation,’ an alternate dimension where Peacemaker is currently the only ‘inmate.’ It’s a setup that screams ‘bigger plans ahead,’ and fans are already speculating about what’s next.
When asked about playing such a morally ambiguous character, Hoult admitted, ‘There’s a certain freedom in playing a villain. You can’t really go wrong—it’s all about diving into their mindset, their obsessions, their beliefs. It’s fascinating.’ He also praised James Gunn, calling him a ‘wonderful director and creative mind,’ and hinted at their recent discussions about the sequel. Clearly, Hoult is all-in on this role, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
But here’s the real question: What could possibly force Lex Luthor and Superman to team up? Teaser art for Man of Tomorrow shows the two in both combat and alliance, with Lex sporting his iconic green and purple War Suit from the comics. Fans are betting on Brainiac as the big bad, a theory Gunn has subtly hinted at. Could A.R.G.U.S. release Lex to take on this threat, leading to an uneasy partnership with the Man of Steel? It’s a dynamic that promises fireworks—and plenty of debate.
James Gunn himself has promised that Man of Tomorrow will be a departure from Superman, focusing equally on Lex’s journey and his warped belief that he’s the hero of his own story. ‘It’s not just Superman’s movie,’ Gunn said. ‘It’s Lex’s too, and that changes everything.’ Bold words, and they’ve already sparked discussions about whether Lex’s perspective is just delusion or something more nuanced.
So, what do you think? Can Lex Luthor ever be a hero, or is he doomed to be the villain we love to hate? And is Brainiac the right threat to bring these two icons together? Man of Tomorrow hits theaters on July 9, 2027, and by the looks of it, it’s going to be a game-changer. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
