Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Menaces Superman in Action-Packed Trailer for James Gunn’s DC Reboot

Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor sets the tone for an intense rivalry with David Corenswet’s Superman in the latest trailer for James Gunn’s upcoming DC film, Superman.

The newly released trailer, which runs for two minutes and nine seconds, showcases Luthor’s intent to destroy the Man of Steel and those close to him.

Superman Battles Crisis and Identity

The trailer opens with Superman soaring through the skies, preventing buildings from collapsing on civilians during a major disaster.

The scenes then transition to Superman crashing into a snowy landscape before being transported to the Fortress of Solitude by a group of robots.

In addition to managing crises, Superman is shown dealing with the dual challenge of handling his powers while continuing his life as journalist Clark Kent. His inner struggle between duty and identity takes center stage.

Familiar Faces in the DC Universe

Also featured in the trailer are members of the Justice Gang — Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced). Clark’s girlfriend Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan, also appears prominently.

James Gunn’s film, which was initially titled Superman: Legacy, is the first installment in the DCU’s new slate titled Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. The role of Superman, now played by David Corenswet, has previously been portrayed by Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill.

Gunn, known for directing Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad (2021), and the Peacemaker series (2022), has also penned the screenplay for this new Superman movie.

Nicholas Hoult Unpacks Lex Luthor’s Hatred

Set to release on July 11, Superman will mark the beginning of a fresh direction for DC Studios. Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor, recently spoke in interviews with Fandango and at MEGACON Orlando about what fuels Luthor’s hostility toward Superman.

According to Hoult, Luthor’s hatred stems from more than just Superman’s power. “We are weak, and that’s what Superman shows us, that we are,” he said. The arrival of Superman, Hoult explained, disrupts Luthor’s belief in human dominance and undermines the legacy Luthor has worked to build.

Hoult revealed that Lex believes he should be seen as humanity’s savior. Superman’s emergence diverts public admiration that Lex feels rightfully belongs to him. “Suddenly this person has taken all that adoration that [Lex] feels he deserved,” Hoult added.

James Gunn’s Perspective on Lex Luthor

Director James Gunn offered a unique comparison, likening Lex’s fear of Superman to the modern reaction of artists toward artificial intelligence.

“I think Lex looks at Superman like a lot of print artists look at AI,” Gunn said. “He sees him as a threat to his livelihood and his legacy.”

He elaborated that Lex’s bitterness also stems from how easily the world adores Superman. “He’s a simple guy wearing a stupid costume that all of a sudden everybody loves, and every woman loves,” Gunn said, highlighting Lex’s resentment.

A New, Strategic Lex Luthor

Hoult emphasized the difficulty of making a human like Lex a believable opponent to a superpowered alien. He praised the script’s focus on strategy and manipulation over sheer force.

Hoult has expressed interest in exploring more of Lex’s character in future DCU projects. He teased that this version of Luthor is shaping up to be a “real, credible threat” to Superman.

Though Hoult initially auditioned for the role of Superman, he was ultimately cast as Lex Luthor.

His version of the character is said to use advanced weaponry and technology, making him a “sorcerer of science.” Hoult hinted that Lex’s arsenal may even include the iconic warsuit and kryptonite-based weapons from the comics.

Not Just a Mad Scientist

Hoult clarified that his portrayal of Lex won’t lean into the trope of the “mad scientist.” Instead, this Luthor is a deeply intelligent and driven man who believes he has earned the world’s admiration through hard work.

“He’s someone who really worked hard… and then this person, this superhuman, this alien has come along who all those things come naturally to,” Hoult explained. This creates a deep sense of resentment in Lex.

In the trailers, Lex refers to Superman as an “it,” emphasizing how alien and unworthy he believes the superhero to be. This depiction promises a more comic-accurate version of Lex Luthor than previous films have shown.

New Era for DCU Begins

With Superman kicking off the rebooted DC Universe, the film introduces new faces for iconic roles. Alongside Corenswet’s Superman and Hoult’s Lex, the cast includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

James Gunn’s Superman arrives in theatres on July 11, 2025, launching the next chapter of the DCU with a compelling showdown between a bitter genius and the world’s beloved superhero.