We'd expected this might happen, but Deadline is today reporting that James Gunn has found Superman: Legacy's Lex Luthor in British actor Nicholas Hoult. The Hollywood Reporter says no deal is done just yet, so an official announcement from the DC Studios co-CEO isn't necessarily imminent. However, it's looking good.
While he's thought to have been among the actors who auditioned to play the Man of Steel (after previously missing out on getting to play The Batman's Dark Knight for filmmaker Matt Reeves), Gunn must have seen something a little more villainous in the X-Men: First Class star.
No stranger to comic book adaptations after starring in that, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix, Hoult's other credits include Mad Max: Fury Road, The Menu, and The Great.
We never did get a definitive list of Lex Luthor candidates for Superman: Legacy, though Hoult's name previously came up alongside Alexander Skarsgård and Bill Skarsgård. Daniel Craig's name also did the rounds at one point.
Now, he follows in the footsteps of actors such as Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey, and Jesse Eisenberg on the big screen and the likes Michael Rosenbaum, Jon Cryer, and Michael Cudlitz on television.
Very little is known about what role Luthor will play here, though Brainiac is rumoured to be the reboot's big bad. If that's correct, then the sinister android could be next on Gunn's list to cast. Still, even if this is a supporting role, we're sure Hoult will have a big role to play in the DCU moving forward.
Of course, the biggest question is this: will Hoult's Lex have hair or be bald when we meet him? That, dear reader, remains to be seen!
Superman: Legacy tells the story of Superman's journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.
David Corenswet is playing the Man of Steel, while Rachel Brosnahan has been tapped to star as Lois Lane. other recent casting additions include Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer.
There are still thought to be at least a few more roles which need to be filled, with Skyler Gisondo rumoured to be playing Jimmy Olsen. It's also been reported that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 star Kurt Russell may be in the running for Jor-El (there's no word on Ma and Pa Kent and whether they're alive in this iteration of Clark Kent's story).
Superman: Legacy is currently set to be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.