Nicholas Hoult Joins DC Universe as Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy

Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor

Nicholas Hoult is officially joining the DC Universe as Lex Luthor, with James Gunn confirming the actor's casting for Superman: Legacy. A new era is coming for DC heroes and villains on the big screen as the DC Universe is on its way from Gunn and Peter Safran. The first movie will be Superman: Legacy with David Corenswet starring as the latest live-action incarnation of the Man of Steel.

David Corenswet as Superman in costume in Superman Legacy

While Hoult was reported weeks ago to be in talks to join the Superman: Legacy cast, it wasn't until today that Gunn finally confirmed on Instagram the actor is on board as the new Lex Luthor. Hoult is the latest actor to be cast as Lex in live-action, joining recent stars like Michael Cudlitz on Superman & Lois and Titus Welliver on Titans.

Nicholas Hoult with Superman and Lex Luthor in the background custom Superman: Legacy image

Gunn stated, "We went out to dinner last night to celebrate and discuss how we can create a Lex that will be different from anything you’ve seen before and will never forget," as the director shared an image of him and Hoult together. The wall behind Hoult and Gunn is a gallery of Superman comic covers and panels, including Action Comics #1, which is when Superman first debuted.

María Gabriela de Faría and The Engineer custom Superman Legacy news image

Instagram article posted by jamesgunn

Superman: Legacy Cast and Characters

Beside Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan has been tapped to play Lois Lane, as she becomes the next cinematic version after Amy Adams' in the DCEU. Superman: Legacy will also feature Jimmy Olsen, with Skyler Gisondo playing the iconic Daily Planet photographer. It was recently revealed that Sean Gunn may be appearing in Superman: Legacy as Maxwell Lord, as he is at least locked in to play the character in the DC Universe. While Hoult is now confirmed to play Lex, it is unclear if he will be the main villain of Superman: Legacy.

David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in Superman Legacy

There will also be a number of other superheroes showing up in Superman: Legacy as supporting characters. Nathan Fillion is teaming up with Gunn once again, this time as Guy Gardner, one of the many famous Green Lanterns from the comics. Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi and Anthony Carrigan will be playing Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Metamorpho respectively, to help show how this DC Universe already has established heroes. María Gabriela de Faría has also been cast in Superman: Legacy, as one of The Authority members, Angela Spica aka The Engineer, with other heroes from that team also reportedly joining the movie.

Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, and Edi Gathegi for DC Superman: Legacy.

Perry White, as well as Martha and Jonathan Kent are rumored to be getting cast for Superman: Legacy, but have yet to be confirmed. If there are other villains showing up in Superman: Legacy, it may not be clarified until they start filming since Gunn may want to keep some of the other players under wraps.

Filming and Future of Superman: Legacy

Superman: Legacy will start filming in 2024, and hopefully more news will come out as Gunn gets ready for principal photography.

If there are other villains showing up in Superman: Legacy, it may not be clarified until they start filming since Gunn may want to keep some of the other players under wraps. But with Hoult playing Lex, it will be exciting to see what he brings to the role in this franchise.