Nicholas Hoult Reflects on Lex Luthor and Offers Insight on "Superman" Sequel
Posted on October 16, 2025 by Neil Cole
In a new interview with GQ, actor and ambassador for prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre, Nicholas Hoult reflects on his acclaimed portrayal of Lex Luthor and offers fans a glimpse into what's ahead for the character. Hoult also discusses his experience embodying the legendary villain, his inspiration behind the performance, and his anticipation for the upcoming sequel.
Hoult spoke about the elegance and menace that define his version of Luthor, recalling a memorable moment from the film that perfectly captured the character's dual nature. "There's a moment in the movie where Lex is wearing a dinner jacket," stated Hoult. "He was on his way to interrogate and torture Superman, but he had a gala to attend before that, so he was wearing his dinner suit, and we had a Reverso Duoface in rose gold with a black leather strap for that scene. That felt very in sync with Lex and what he was wearing and how astute he is in terms of what he would appreciate and his wealth—it felt very right for that moment in the film for him to be wearing that."
Exploring the psychology of a character as complex as Lex Luthor, Hoult noted that villainy comes with a certain artistic freedom. "I do really enjoy it. I suppose there's a freedom in playing a villain because there's nothing you can do that could be wrong," said Hoult. "It's really interesting to try and get into the mindset and psyche of those people and their obsessive nature and their belief system or ideology."
Hoult also touched on what's next for Luthor and the broader Superman universe, confirming that the sequel will continue to expand on the rivalry between hero and villain. "I haven't read it yet, but hopefully will soon, so I can't say anything more than that," revealed Hoult. "But just upon playing the character for the first time in that story, through my research and prep, I feel like there's a lot more for me to explore and for us to explore. So I'm excited that we are getting the chance to go back and do that."
Hoult's interpretation of Lex Luthor has redefined the role for a new era of Superman storytelling - one that combines sophistication and menace, intellect and emotion. As the actor prepares to return for the next chapter, fans can expect a deeper exploration of the character's ambition and complexity when "Man of Tomorrow" takes flight on July 9th, 2027.
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English (US) · 