Why James Gunn Chose Not to Cast His Top Choice for Lex in Superman: Legacy

Article Overview

James Gunn didn't choose Michael Rosenbaum to play Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy, and he shared the reason why.

Nicholas Hoult has been officially cast as Lex in the upcoming DC Universe movie.

Gunn revealed his preference for Rosenbaum as his "favorite Lex" so far.

James Gunn explained that while Michael Rosenbaum is his favorite Lex, he decided to cast Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy. The movie will also feature David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, as well as other DCU heroes.

Gunn's latest Superman: Legacy update revealed that the director's choice for Lex was driven by his desire for "a Lex who was contemporaries with Superman." Despite Rosenbaum's extensive experience portraying Luthor in over seven seasons of Smallville, his age of 51 made him less suitable for the role. On the other hand, at 34, Hoult falls within the same age range as Corenswet, who is 30, hence justifying the casting decision.

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Could Michael Rosenbaum Ever Play Lex Luthor Again?

A Smallville Revival Might Be On The Way

Rosenbaum may not be the primary Lex Luthor in Gunn's new DC Universe, but there are still potential opportunities for him to return as the villain in future projects. His portrayal of the character in Smallville was lauded for its depth and complexity, establishing Rosenbaum as the standout live-action Lex Luthor to date and earning him the favor of Gunn. The series depicted Lex's tragic transformation into the iconic comic book villain, adding to the character's compelling narrative.

The concept of the multiverse is a popular theme in today's superhero movies and series, opening the door for Rosenbaum to potentially reprise his role as Lex Luthor. Although he won't be featured in Superman: Legacy, there is a possibility that Rosenbaum could make an appearance as his Smallville version of Luthor in a future adaptation of Crisis on Infinite Earths in the DC Universe. The Arrowverse on DC TV has already featured its own version of the event, which brought back Tom Welling as Smallville's Clark Kent, paving the way for Rosenbaum's potential return in a movie version of Crisis.

More likely than a live-action return as Lex, however, is the idea of Rosenbaum returning as his Smallville villain for an animated revival of the DC series. Both Rosenbaum and Welling have expressed interest in developing an animated Smallville series that would reunite much of the original cast and continue where the show left off. A potential sequel series could see Rosenbaum's Lex Luthor as the President of the United States, going head-to-head with Welling's full-fledged Superman, making this a more compelling use of the actor's talents rather than portraying a new version of the villain in Superman: Legacy.

Source: James Gunn/Threads

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the DC Universe, I have mixed feelings about James Gunn's decision not to cast Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy. On the one hand, I understand Gunn's desire for a Lex who is contemporaries with Superman, and Nicholas Hoult certainly fits that bill. Hoult is a talented actor, and I'm excited to see what he brings to the role. On the other hand, I can't help but feel disappointed that we won't get to see Rosenbaum reprise his iconic portrayal of Lex Luthor. Rosenbaum's Lex was complex, charismatic, and utterly terrifying, and I believe he would have been a perfect fit for Gunn's new DCU.

I'm also intrigued by the possibility of a Smallville revival, either in live-action or animated form. Rosenbaum and Welling have both expressed interest in returning to their roles, and I think it would be a great way to continue the story of Smallville and give fans a chance to see their favorite characters again. Whether it's in Superman: Legacy or a future project, I hope we get to see Michael Rosenbaum return to the role of Lex Luthor one day.