“Superman: Legacy” may have found its villain with Nicholas Hoult in talks to play Lex Luthor while two more supporting roles including Jimmy Olsen have been filled…
There may be a new Lex Luthor in town when “Superman: Legacy” goes into production soon.
Nicholas Hoult — best known for his past roles in several “X-Men” films as well as “The Menu” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” — is currently in talks to star as the megalomaniac Lex Luthor for the upcoming film written and directed by James Gunn.
Hoult was actually one of the final actors considered for the lead role as Superman/Clark Kent but that part ultimately went to “Pearl” star David Corenswet, who takes over as the Man of Steel for a new DC film universe that’s being crafted by Gunn.
While a deal isn’t done yet, Hoult is reportedly deep in negotiations to star as the longtime DC villain, who has famously been played by actors such as Gene Hackman, Michael Rosenbaum and Kevin Spacey in past versions across film and television.
The upcoming “Superman: Legacy” film is expected to focus on a younger Superman but not an origin story. The film will also serve as the launching point for the new DC shared universe across film, TV and animation after Gunn and Peter Safran took over as co-CEO’s at DC under the Warner Bros. umbrella.
In addition to Hoult circling a lead role as Lex Luthor, two more supporting parts have officially been filled.
Skyler Gisondo — best known for his role in the film “Booksmart” as well as the HBO series “The Righteous Gemstones” — has been cast as Jimmy Olsen, the junior photographer who works at The Daily Planet alongside Clark Kent and Lois Lane.
Meanwhile, Sara Sampaio — a Portuguese model who has made appearances in TV series such as “Billions” in the past — will portray Eve Teschmacherr, who is Lex Luthor’s assistant and love interest.
Following delays due to the writer’s and actor’s strikes, “Superman: Legacy” is expected to get into production soon with the film set for release on July 11, 2025.
