Entertainment
New Lex Luthor Cast for Superman: Legacy
David Corenswet finds his on-screen nemesis in Nicholas Hoult
James Gunn has announced that Nicholas Hoult will be playing the iconic villain Lex Luthor in the upcoming film Superman: Legacy. Hoult, known for his role as Beast in the X-Men franchise, joins the ranks of actors who have portrayed the infamous character. With big shoes to fill, Hoult's talent and previous experience in superhero movies make him a strong contender for one of the best Luthors we've seen.
The Top 10 Lex Luthor Performances
As we prepare for Nicholas Hoult's portrayal of Lex Luthor, let's take a look back at the top 10 performances of the character in various mediums over the years.
10. Kevin Spacey in Superman Returns
Kevin Spacey's portrayal of Lex Luthor in Superman Returns makes the list, but not for the best reasons. Spacey's performance was criticized for being a dated and uninspired depiction of a movie supervillain.
9. Lyle Talbot in Atom Man vs. Superman
Lyle Talbot was the first actor to bring Lex Luthor to life in the 1950 movie serial Atom Man vs. Superman. His interpretation of the character reflected the classic pulp-y mad scientist version of Lex.
8. Titus Welliver in Titans
Titus Welliver made a brief appearance as Lex Luthor in the final season of Titans. Though his screentime was limited, Welliver delivered a solid rendition of the modern-day Lex.
7. Michael Cudlitz in Superman and Lois
Michael Cudlitz's incarnation of Lex Luthor in Superman and Lois adds a unique twist to the character. Playing him as a jumped-up thug, Cudlitz brings a new dimension to the iconic villain.
6. Jesse Eisenberg in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice may have been divisive, but it was certainly different. Eisenberg's version of the character was a departure from previous interpretations.
5. Jon Cryer in Supergirl
Jon Cryer surprised audiences with his portrayal of Lex Luthor in Supergirl. Shedding his comedic persona, Cryer delivered an egotistical and hateable version of the villain.
4. John Shea in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
John Shea's portrayal of Lex Luthor in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman is often overlooked, but it shouldn't be. Shea helped reinvent the character as a sophisticated and three-dimensional figure.
3. Gene Hackman in the Superman films
Gene Hackman's portrayal of Lex Luthor in the original Superman films may be goofier than modern interpretations, but it remains iconic and influential. Hackman's performance set the standard for the character.
2. Clancy Brown in the DC Animated Universe
While not a live-action portrayal, Clancy Brown's voice work as Lex Luthor in the DC Animated Universe is widely regarded as one of the best. Brown's performance captured the malevolence of the character.
1. Michael Rosenbaum in Smallville
Michael Rosenbaum's portrayal of Lex Luthor in Smallville is considered by many Superman fans to be the greatest. Across seven seasons, Rosenbaum brought depth and complexity to the character, solidifying his place as the definitive Lex Luthor.
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