Why James Gunn Chose Nicholas Hoult Over Michael Rosenbaum for Lex Luthor

James Gunn's Casting Decision

James Gunn recently made headlines by choosing Nicholas Hoult over his favorite actor, Michael Rosenbaum, to play the iconic villain Lex Luthor in the upcoming DC Universe movie Superman: Legacy. The decision sparked curiosity and raised questions about the director's reasoning behind this unexpected choice. Gunn explained his decision on Threads, shedding light on the factors that influenced the casting of Lex Luthor in the highly anticipated superhero film.

James Gunn eplaining on Threads why he did not cast Smallville's Michael Rosenbaum as Superman: Legacy's Lex Luthor

According to Gunn, the primary reason for not casting Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy was the director's vision for a contemporary portrayal of the character. Gunn sought a Lex who was contemporaries with Superman, and this played a crucial role in the casting process. Despite Rosenbaum's extensive experience portraying Luthor in Smallville, Gunn opted for an actor who fit the desired age range and embodied the contemporary essence of the character.

The Possibility of Rosenbaum's Return as Lex Luthor

While Michael Rosenbaum may not be portraying Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy, there are intriguing possibilities for the actor to return as the iconic villain in the DC Universe. Throughout his portrayal of Luthor in Smallville, Rosenbaum delivered a compelling and nuanced performance, earning acclaim as one of the best live-action portrayals of the character. This has sparked discussions about potential avenues for Rosenbaum's return as Luthor in future DC projects.

Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor in Smallville

One potential avenue for Rosenbaum's return as Lex Luthor is through the concept of the multiverse, a prevalent element in contemporary superhero narratives. The multiverse could offer a platform for Rosenbaum to reprise his role as Luthor from Smallville, potentially in a future iteration of Crisis on Infinite Earths within the DC Universe. The success of Smallville's Clark Kent, Tom Welling, returning in the Arrowverse's version of Crisis sets a promising precedent for Rosenbaum's potential return as his version of Luthor.

Another intriguing possibility is the prospect of an animated revival of the Smallville series, in which Rosenbaum and Welling have expressed interest. The animated series aims to reunite the original cast and continue the narrative from where the show left off. This presents a compelling opportunity for Rosenbaum to revisit his portrayal of Lex Luthor in a new animated context, potentially exploring dynamic storylines and character developments for the iconic villain.

The Future of Rosenbaum's Lex Luthor

While the decision to cast Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy marks a significant development, the future holds exciting prospects for Michael Rosenbaum's portrayal of the iconic villain. The potential for Rosenbaum's return in future DC projects, whether through the multiverse or an animated revival, offers fans hope for the actor's reprisal of the beloved character.

Furthermore, the discussions surrounding a Smallville animated series and the intriguing premise of a sequel series featuring Rosenbaum's Lex Luthor as the President of the United States present compelling possibilities for the actor's continued involvement in the DC Universe. These creative avenues could provide Rosenbaum with new opportunities to explore the complex and multifaceted nature of Lex Luthor, captivating audiences with his nuanced portrayal of the iconic antagonist.