James Gunn reveals the inspiration behind his portrayal of Lex Luthor in Superman

James Gunn gave an update on his upcoming superhero flick Superman: Legacy. The CEO of DC Studios said that Nicholas Hoult had many influences behind Lex Luthor.

In 2023, it was announced that Gunn opted for a new face Superman: LegacyCasting David Korenswet in the title role and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. After the SAG-AFTRA strike, production began with Lex Luthor casting and they added Halt to the cast members to portray the supervillain. According to Gunn, he considered several comic arcs in Holt's portrayal of Luthor.

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Gunn took to the threads and shared details about Luther Superman In response to a fan asking him about the comic arc that inspired his portrayal of the character in the upcoming film. “God there are many,” Gunn wrote. “Lex is one of my favorites – he works on so many levels – and it's a pleasure to bring him on screen with the incredible Nicolasault. There were definitely some influences, All-Star SupermanAzzarello's Luther, and the reckless scientific genius of the 1950s and '60s.” Many were happy to hear from Gunn about the character; some even asked about his inspiration for Lois Lane. “I'm very happy, as a fan, to follow everything you've done. DC can shine in theaters. Much success, @jamesgunn!” one comment.

Gunn has completed the shooting of the movie Superman: Legacy in July. He shared the update on Instagram along with photos of the cast and crew. “I always set out to make a movie about a good man in a world where there wasn't much. And the goodness, kindness and love I encountered daily on set inspired me and kept me going. I felt it cost too much to move alone,” Gunn wrote. “Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It's been an honor. The destination has been Superman, but the journey is the hard work and the laughter and the emotions and the thoughts and the magic that we shared together on set — and for that. I'm forever grateful.”

It is clear that Luther is an important character for Gunn. As the filmmaker noted, Luther was one of his favorites and Gunn clearly did his research when he cast Holt's character. Superman: Legacy. All-Star Superman It was written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely. It was published between 2005 and 2008. It focuses on Superman, who is supercharged by the Sun after a rescue mission. This version of Superman is more than just a physical hero. He is also popular for his strength, optimism and intelligence, which makes him an inspirational figure. of Brian Azzarello Luther presents the supervillain as a complex character who trusts Superman before becoming his arch-nemesis. Azzarello showed a darker and more introverted Luther in his graphic novel. The reference to Gunn's reckless scientific genius refers to Silver Age depictions of superheroes. Stories published from the 1950s to the 1960s highlighted how Superman used his scientific genius and superpowers to solve problems. Fans will remember it for its carefree and imaginative stories.

Obviously, Hoult's Luthor is a combination of different iterations of the character from different comic arcs and it's exciting to watch. Holt is a brilliantly talented and versatile actor, who has appeared in notable films such as The X-Men (2011 – 2019) Hank McCoy aka Beast and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). There is no doubt that he will do justice to the character and portray it exactly how Gunn wanted it to be. Gun has a lot of expectations Superman: Legacy And Hoult's Luthor is one of the characters fans are looking forward to seeing on the big screen.

Superman: Legacy Hits theaters on July 11, 2025.

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Source: James Gunn/Thread