Nicholas Hoult, Who Lost Superman Role, Joins Superman Legacy as Lex Luthor

English actor Nicholas Hoult lost out on the role of Superman in the upcoming film Superman: Legacy to American actor David Corenswet. Hoult had been considered a frontrunner for the role; however, Corenswet ultimately landed the part. But, to be part of the film was not completely closed for him.

According to Deadline, James Gunn, who is both writing and directing Superman: Legacy has found its Lex Luthor in Nicholas Hoult. Hoult already played a vital role within the comic book genre in the X-Men movies, portraying Beast aka Henry “Hank” McCoy.

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Nicholas Hoult Has Been Cast as Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy

Nicholas Hoult is set to mark his return to the superhero genre after his role as Beast in the X-Men movies, as James Gunn has cast him as Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman: Legacy, per Deadline.

The actor is set to join previously announced David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

They will all be joined by Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and María Gabriela de Faría as the Engineer.

Superman: Legacy is the first feature from James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Studios universe and it means a lot for the entire franchise going forward. Thus, the anticipation for this movie is also high among the fan base.

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Nicholas Hoult Was Considered for the Titular Role in Superman Legacy

British actor Nicholas Hoult was one of the frontrunners to play Superman in the upcoming DC Universe film Superman: Legacy, but the role ultimately went to American actor David Corenswet.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Hoult auditioned in June 2023 and was even one of the finalists for the part along with Tom Brittney and David Corenswet. But in the end, it was Corenswet who landed the role.

This isn’t Hoult’s first brush with missing out on a major superhero role. He was also in the running to play Batman in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, but that role ultimately went to Robert Pattinson.

Superman: Legacy will hit theaters on July 11, 2025.

Also Read: Not Just Superman: Legacy, Even X-Men Fame Couldn’t Help Nicholas Hoult Bag $814M Harry Potter Universe Movie