The next big thing in the DC superhero universe is the James Gunn-led film, Superman: Legacy. While a shuffle of actors had been listed since the news of casting began, we know a fresh face on Superman was confirmed after Henry Cavill last played the Man of Steel. After months of contemplating, David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan bagged the roles of Superman/Clark Kent and Loise Lane respectively.
Although, the debate still remains on the casting of Superman’s evil genius arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. Last seen Luthor was played by Jesse Eisenberg, an impressive antagonist, in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, for Gunn and new DC Studio head Peter Safran’s inaugural movie that shall be marked as the true beginning of this universe, a blend of names has made the list for Luthor. Rumors suggested Nicholas Hoult is being eyed and might land the role, but a recent scoop on social media made things explicit.
Nicholas Hoult was almost replaced by the Skarsgard brothers
With prior expertise being a superhero, Beast in the X-Men franchise, it is only understandable that Nicholas Hoult was being auditioned for Superman. However, a recent source by The Hollywood Reporter revealed that the 33-year-old actor was in talks for playing the ruthless villain Lex Luthor currently. The news of Hoult’s possible feature as an antagonist rolled in before the SAG-AFTRA strikes began.
Nonetheless, the scenario might have changed post the strikes ended on the 9th of November. As a Twitter post by a popular scooper, MyTimeToShineHello stated,
“He basically had the role before the strikes started, and they couldn’t finalize it in time because they had hammered out the contract. The Skarsgard brothers and Cooper being on the shortlist was just in case things fell through with Hoult”
He basically had the role before the strikes started, and they couldn’t finalize it in time because they had hammer out the contract. The Skarsgard brothers and Cooper being on the shortlist was just in case things fell through with Hoult https://t.co/GgSjr1vpzS
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) November 21, 2023
Even though Hoult was actively being considered for the role, the actors’ strike hindered the plan. Hence, the casting directors wanted to be wary and also shortlisted John Wick 4 star, Bill Skarsgård, in case the strikes cancel their agreement with Hoult.
Honestly, Bill Skarsgard would not have disappointed the fans had he been chosen for Luthor. He aced his role as Marquis de Gramont alongside Keanu Reeves in John Wick 4. However, he was pinned on the list just for safety.
James Gunn wanted Nicholas Hoult as his villain
As per Deadline, director Gunn wanted to cast a movie star as Luthor and has finally found the right fit. While the British actor is already working on another Warner Bros production, Juror No.2, he is likely to appear as Superman’s greatest enemy in Superman: Legacy, early next year.
Following the line of great artists who donned the bald look of Luthor, Hoult is anticipated to channel his pain in the character, given he was not cast as the lead superhero. Besides, Hoult already recorded a milestone with Warner Bros in 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road, propelling his career to heights. Thus, it is evident that Warner Bros Productions and Gunn do not want to part ways with the actor.
