James Gunn has reportedly cast British actor Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, according to multiple sources. Following the selection of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan for the title role and Lois Lane, respectively, the studio aimed to finalize the casting process after the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Having previously worked with Hoult on Clint Eastwood’s “Juror No. 2” and the 2015 Warner Bros. blockbuster “Mad Max: Fury Road,” which grossed over $380 million globally, Warner Bros. is familiar with the actor. Deadline recently announced María Gabriela de Faría as the villain of The Engineer.
Hoult joins the ranks of Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey, and Jesse Eisenberg, who have previously portrayed Lex Luthor in the Warner Bros. Superman franchise. Gunn had chosen Corenswet and Brosnahan as the main leads after an extensive audition process, continuing with pre-production despite the actors’ strike.
Directed by Gunn, known for his work on “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Suicide Squad,” and the original Max series “Peacemaker,” the film is based on his screenplay featuring DC characters. Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, is produced by co-DC Boss Peter Safran, known for his involvement in “Aquaman,” “Aquaman 2,” and “The Conjuring” franchise.
Scheduled for a worldwide release on July 11, 2025, “Superman: Legacy” is a key part of the revamped slate announced earlier this year by Gunn and Safran as they outlined their first-phase plan. Hoult is represented by UTA, 42, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
