Nicholas Hoult Addresses Why Lex Luthor Hates Superman So A lot In The DCU

Superman actor Nicholas Hoult unpacks why the DC hero rubs Lex Luthor the improper approach. Over the past 85 years, Lex has shared a legendary rivalry with the Man of Metal, with many movie and tv variations showcasing this dynamic. Releasing on July 11, 2025, Superman pits Hoult’s Lex in opposition to David Corenswet’s Clark Kent for the primary time.

Forward of the movie’s debut, Hoult mentioned why his model of Lex hates the hero in an look on the DC Studios Showcase podcast. The actor said: “I feel that is what’s enjoyable to dig into with Lex. I feel one [reason] being that he is labored to be in some methods this hero, godlike determine, and he believes he deserves this adoration and respect and love from humanity.”

Hoult described his Lex as “pushed by love,” which makes him envious of the hero. He defined: “Then Supes turns up and sort of will get all of the adoration that he feels he deserves. So there’s just a little little bit of that and, yeah, and jealousy and concern and all these issues combined into the melting pot, I suppose.“

Hoult beforehand mentioned why Lex hates Superman earlier this yr. The actor posed an fascinating query: “If somebody had final energy and the power to do something, then what occurs when what he does doesn’t align with everybody’s perception of what’s proper?” This angle differs barely from his newer clarification.

Hoult’s statements could considerably contradictory on the floor, however they share a standard thread: envy and self-importance. Lex, throughout many iterations, finds himself envious of the immense energy Superman has and the adoration this brings him. In his thoughts, Lex has earned each, so seeing another person celebrated enrages him.

Many of the greatest variations of Lex lean into his envy of Superman and ruthlessness in taking him down. Hoult’s clarification confirms he understands the character properly. Lex is extra advanced than only a jealous villain, however he is not totally sympathetic both. Utilizing a need for love and connection as a motive for his Lex is a singular take that harkens again to prior variations akin to Smallville.

Given each the movie’s advertising and statements made by the solid, a lot of Superman hinges on the title character’s relationships, particularly his rivalry with Lex. Giving Lex a deeper psychological must dethrone the hero provides some taste to a well-recognized villain, doubtlessly making Hoult’s model character-defining.