SUPERMAN has assembled an impressive cast with Nicholas Hoult - who supposedly auditioned to play the Man of Tomorrow - tapped to take on the role of Lex Luthor.
The actor, who took on the role of Beast in X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix, is thought to have also been among those who tried out for the title role in The Batman before the role went to Robert Pattinson. Now, he's playing one of the DCU's greatest villains.
Talking to Smallville star Michael Rosenbaum, Hoult revealed that he's been bulking up to star as SUPERMAN's Lex Luthor. Why? Well, it all comes down to a key moment in All-Star Superman, a comic we know has inspired James Gunn.
"I have been working out. There’s that bit in 'All-Star Superman' where he talks about his muscles being real and hard work and all that," Hoult explained. "I kind of took that as a little bit of a fuel for the fire."
The actor later added that, despite adding muscle to his frame, he isn't anticipating having any shirtless scenes in the reboot.
We're intrigued to see what Hoult brings to the table as Lex, particularly as the villain is one we've seen match wits with the hero on screen countless times before. If he dons his power suit, that will be a long-overdue game-changer, as we've yet to see him really go toe-to-toe with Supes physically.
All-Star Superman is a comic book series by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely, published by DC Comics between 2005 and 2008. The 12-issue storyline reimagines Superman's mythology, portraying him as an idealized hero facing his mortality after exposure to solar radiation.
The series explores the hero's final days as he completes tasks and confronts adversaries while preparing for his impending death.
SUPERMAN 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, Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Wendell Pierce as Perry White.
SUPERMAN is currently set to be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.