The cast of Superman: Legacy is beginning to take shape, but reports that Nicholas Hoult has been chosen to play Lex Luthor were a tad premature.
Instead, the X-Men: Days of Future Past star is said to be among those being eyed to play the Man of Tomorrow, an interesting casting decision after he very nearly landed the role of Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves' The Batman (in fact, he was runner-up to eventual Dark Knight, Robert Pattinson).
Hollywood trade The Wrap has also weighed in on the Superman: Legacy casting hunt, reiterating recent reports that the movie's main antagonist is currently being labelled "Apex." Director James Gunn is said to be meeting with Black actors for the part, suggesting that's the route he plans to take Lex Luthor on screen.
This would go some way in explaining recent reports that the filmmaker has spoken to a member of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's cast about playing Lex (presumably meaning he's considered casting The High Evolutionary actor and Peacemaker star Chukwudi Iwuji).
As for this "Apex" label, DC Studios is either trying to throw us off the scent or this is a potential spoiler.
In the comic books, Lex captured Martian Manhunter and used him to gain Martian-based superpowers that made him strong enough to defeat the Justice League. This would go a long way in differentiating Lex from previous big screen iterations, but there are many, many other Superman villains fans would prefer to see on screen.
Yes, a superpowered Lex changes his dynamic with the Man of Steel, but the likes of Brainiac, Metallo, and Bizarro would all be vastly more interesting at this point.
There's nothing to say this "Apex" baddie will be Superman: Legacy's only villain, of course, so we'll see what happens in the weeks ahead as the cast is assembled.
Superman: Legacy is set to be released in theaters on July 11. 2025.