Happy birthday to Lex Luthor who turned 85 years young on Sunday. To celebrate the occasion, James Gunn shared a new look at Nicholas Hoult in a behind-the-scenes image from Superman.
“In celebration of the 85th anniversary of Lex Luthor here’s an exclusive photo of Nicholas Hoult as Lex in our upcoming movie,” tweeted Gunn.
Lex Luthor first appeared in Action Comics #23 on April 10, 1940, created by Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Lex is considered to be “The World’s Greatest Criminal Mastermind.”
Lex Luthor is dangerous and imposing
Back in December, James Gunn told Josh Horowitz that Hoult’s Lex is “imposing” and “not the person you want to have against you.” Hoult also recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel and said his Lex is “dangerous.”
Hoult also appeared at a DC press conference Gunn held in December expanding upon his Lex in the film.
“Obviously, he’s smart and ruthless, and he has to outmaneuver Superman on certain levels, because he can’t match him in others,” Hoult said. “But there’s also something about this character, hopefully, from my standpoint, where even though you perhaps don’t agree with his process, you can understand where he’s coming from and why what he’s pushing as his ideology is perhaps better for humanity.”
Superman release info
James Gunn’s Superman movie gets released July 11, 2025. The film stars David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
The official description offers that “in his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.”
Watch the new spot:
