Superman’s Nicholas Hoult Discusses Lex Luthor DCU Role, Trusting in James Gunn

Nicholas Hoult is excited for the world to see his take on Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman.

Superman releases in United States theaters next July. Written and directed by Gunn, the DCU superhero movie stars David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, while Hoult is playing Lex Luthor.

Speaking with Deadline during the AFI Fest, Hoult commented on his role and how he hopes that people enjoy his take on the iconic DC villain.

What did Nicholas Hoult say about playing Lex Luthor in Superman?

“I’m a fan of Superman and Lex Luthor as a character, so hopefully we’ve done something special with it that people enjoy,” he said.

Hoult didn’t reveal any kind of plot details for Superman; however, he did praise Gunn and explained how he had to put his “trust in him” when signing up for the movie.

“I just loved working with James Gunn,” he said. “I think he’s an incredible director and has such a great sense of that world, that story, those characters. I just put my trust in him.”

Along with Corenswet and Hoult, Superman will star Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Terence Rosemore as Otis, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent, Neva Howell as Martha Kent, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho.

Superman will be released in United States theaters on July 11, 2025, as part of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.

Prior to that, the first project that is officially set within the DCU, Creature Commandos, premieres this coming December on Max. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow has been given a June 26, 2026 release date, while Peacemaker Season 2 will premiere in 2025. No other release dates for DCU projects have been announced at this time.