Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown: Superman & Lois' Lex Luthor vs James Gunn's DCU Reboot

DC Studios' new creative chief, James Gunn, is set to bring his vision for the character of Lex Luthor to life in the upcoming reboot film Superman: Legacy. Gunn, who will be writing and directing the movie, plans to portray Luthor in a grounded and realistic manner, departing from the comedic interpretations seen in previous live-action adaptations. However, there is a possibility that the television series Superman & Lois might introduce their version of Lex Luthor before Gunn does.

Why Superman & Lois' Lex Luthor Will Be A Real Threat

Michael Cudlitz joins the cast of Superman & Lois season 3 as the iconic villain, Lex Luthor. Known for his ability to portray physically imposing characters, Cudlitz's portrayal of the menacing genius is highly anticipated. His previous work as Abraham Ford on The Walking Dead showcased his no-nonsense attitude and ability to instill fear in others, making him a perfect fit for the role of Lex Luthor. In a surprising twist, it is revealed that Luthor has been imprisoned for almost two decades in the Superman & Lois universe. During his time behind bars, he has nurtured a deep hatred for Superman and Lois, which will ultimately drive him to seek revenge upon his release. This extended period of incarceration is expected to contribute to the intensity and fearfulness of Lex Luthor's character when he finally emerges.

James Gunn's Lex Luthor Promise Will Reinvent Lex Luthor

The character's highly anticipated debut has been generating excitement, and fans can look forward to seeing Cudlitz portray Lex Luthor in the final two episodes of Superman & Lois season 3. However, this is just the beginning for the character, as Cudlitz's portrayal of Lex Luthor will be elevated to a series regular for the next season of Superman & Lois, which may also be its last. Prior to his introduction, an official description has been released for Cudlitz's Lex Luthor, depicting him as a ruthless psychopath who instills fear in anyone who crosses his path. This aligns with the vision that Gunn has for the character in the wider DC Universe.

Gunn's promise of a more authentic and relatable Lex Luthor was primarily aimed at challenging the portrayal of the character by previous actors, particularly Gene Hackman in Richard Donner's Superman movies. While Hackman is undoubtedly an iconic actor, his interpretation of Lex Luthor leaned heavily towards comedy rather than staying true to the character's depiction in the comics. Although Hackman did infuse the role with occasional seriousness and a menacing demeanor, his portrayal ultimately veered towards campiness, failing to capture the essence of the character.

Gunn's promise is to completely revamp Lex Luthor in the new DC Universe. This means moving away from Eisenberg's portrayal of the character, which was seen as manic and not true to the source material. Instead, the new Lex Luthor will follow a more comic book-accurate path, presenting him as a genuine threat to Superman. The previous DCEU did not adhere closely to the comics, as director Zack Snyder had his own ideas for the popular characters. However, with Gunn's DC Universe, there will be a shift in approach, embracing the comics and presenting Lex Luthor as a menacing figure, similar to Vincent D'Onofrio's Kingpin in the MCU.

Superman & Lois Nailing Lex Luthor Is Great For The DCU

The success of the Superman & Lois series in portraying Lex Luthor as a formidable enemy to Superman, with a ruthless determination to bring him down, is crucial in setting the stage for the upcoming portrayal of the character in the DC Universe's Superman: Legacy. The constant acclaim received by the series since its premiere highlights the importance of creating a positive impression before the reboot. By establishing a strong and menacing Lex Luthor, Gunn is able to generate anticipation for the character's debut in the new DC Universe, aligning with his plan for the future of the franchise.