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  • Nicholas Hoult Playing Lex Luthor in ‘Superman: Legacy’

    Nicholas Hoult in 'Renfield,' directed by Chris McKay. Lex Luthor.
    (Left) Nicholas Hoult in ‘Renfield,’ directed by Chris McKay. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Lex Luthor. Photo: DC Comics.

    Preview:

    • Nicholas Hoult will play Lex Luthor in ‘Superman: Legacy’.
    • James Gunn is directing the film, with David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
    • The film will be in theaters in 2025.

    With the end of the actors’ strike, we’re now seeing a torrent of casting announcements, with names being attached to projects big and small all over Hollywood.

    The latest is one that many had speculated one –– despite being rumored as a potential candidate to don the cape himself and play Superman, Nicholas Hoult has instead won the role of the hero’s main antagonist, the genius criminal Lex Luthor. Which feels like a good use of his particular style and charms.

    James Gunn has written and will direct ‘Superman: Legacy,’ which though it will follow a couple of TV shows to screens is intended to spearhead his new take on the DC movie universe.

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    What’s the story of ‘Superman: Legacy’?

    Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn and Superman.
    (Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.

    Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois Lane will already be an established reporting star.

    Peter Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:

    “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”

    Related Article: David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan to play Clark Kent and Lois Lane in ‘Superman: Legacy’

    Who else is in ‘Superman: Legacy’

    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix's 'The Politician.' (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'
    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix’s ‘The Politician.’ (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video’s ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’

    Gunn has already found both his Superman and Lois, as David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan were announced before the actors’ strike began.

    Shortly after that, we learned that Isabela Merced nabbed the part of Hawkgirl, regular Gunn actor Nathan Fillion would be taking the role of Green Lantern Guy Gardner, with ‘Barry’s Anthony Carrigan winning the character of Metamorpho and ‘Twilight’ veteran Ed Gathegi aboard as Mister Terrific.

    (Left) Isabela Merced in 20th Century Studios' 'Rosaline,' exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios.(Center) Nathan Fillion at the premiere of 'Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.' (Left) Edi Gathegi in 'Aporia.'
    (Left) Isabela Merced in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Rosaline,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios.(Center) Nathan Fillion at the premiere of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’ (Left) Edi Gathegi in ‘Aporia.’

    More recently (as in, the last week or so), María Gabriela de Faría, who will play The Engineer. “Who?” we hear casual comic book fans asking… Angela Spica aka The Engineer. Part of the Warner/DC flick’s villain team, her powers stem from nanotechnology built into her body.

    Created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch, she’s the second DC character to bear the name of The Engineer and was first introduced in ‘The Authority vol.1 #1’ in 1999.

    Hoult, of course, is known for movies such as ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and ‘Warm Bodies’ and has comic book form playing Beast in the most recent ‘X-Men‘ movies for 20th Century Fox.

    He will become just the latest person to play Luthor (Superman’s most famous enemy) on the big screen following Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey and, most recently, Jesse Eisenberg.

    When will ‘Superman: Legacy’ be in theaters?

    Gunn recently confirmed that the new Superman film is on track to still hit theaters on July 11, 2025.

    Lex Luthor.
    Lex Luthor. Photo: DC Comics.

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  • James Gunn Begins ‘Superman: Legacy’ Casting Process

    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix's 'The Politician.' (Center Left) Nicholas Hoult in 'Renfield.' (Center Right) Emma Mackey in Netflix's 'Sex Education.' (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'
    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix’s ‘The Politician.’ (Center Left) Nicholas Hoult in ‘Renfield.’ (Center Right) Emma Mackey in Netflix’s ‘Sex Education.’ (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video’s ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’

    With the movie set to properly show what DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran have planned for the comic book adaptation world, all eyes are naturally on ‘Superman: Legacy’, which Gunn has been writing to direct.

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    And thanks to many of his duties regarding ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ being complete now, the filmmaker is fully focused on his Superman film.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, the casting process is in full swing, with various candidates being considered.

    David Corenswet in Netflix's 'The Politician.'
    David Corenswet in Netflix’s ‘The Politician.’

    Who could be Gunn’s Superman?

    The Reporter’s story mentions ‘Pearl’s David Corenswet among the front-runners for the main character, a role that has been played in the past by the likes of Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh and Henry Cavill and, on smaller screens, Dean Cain, Tom Welling and Tyler Hoechlin.

    Corenswet has apparently impressed Gunn enough that he’s moving forward to the screen test phase, though of course there is plenty of competition for that role in particular. Names such as ‘Euphoria’s Jacob Elordi and British actors Tom Brittney and Andrew Richardson have been in the mix, but it’s still very early days and none of those are apparently in serious contention.

    Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'
    Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video’s ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’

    Related Article: James Gunn Confirms He’ll Direct ‘Superman Legacy’ in Emotional New Message

    The search for Lois Lane

    Since the film takes place during Clark/Superman’s early days as reporter at the Daily Planet and how important star reporter Lois Lane is to his story, hers is naturally a vital role to find. Rachel Brosnahan, the Emmy-winning star of ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ reportedly rocked her audition but might be seen as too old at the grand age of 32! (The roles are apparently being targeted at 20-somethings).

    So, a more likely choice, at least give age-wise, is ‘Sex Education’s Emma Mackey, who will be seen this summer in ‘Barbie’.

    Also in consideration? ‘Bridgerton’ Season 1 star Phoebe Dynevor and ‘Ready or Not’s Samara Weaving, last seen in ‘Scream VI’.

    None of the actors for Lane have screen tested yet –– that’ll happen later this month and early in June.

    Nicholas Hoult and Joseph Mikel in 'Renfield,' directed by Chris McKay.
    (L to R) Nicholas Hoult and Joseph Mikel in ‘Renfield,’ directed by Chris McKay. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Who else is involved?

    Then we have the villain, and from the sounds of it, ‘Legacy’ will feature the most famous Superman opponent, Lex Luthor. And if the Reporter’s story is to be believed, ‘Renfield’s Nicholas Hoult is currently the front-runner for the role. He’s nowhere near official yet, of course, but the word on him is positive.

    Hoult has comic book experience, of course, having starred in several ‘X-Men‘ movies. And he was in consideration for Batman in Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ but lost that role to Robert Pattinson.

    There are also other classic DC characters involved, so expect a slew of casting stories once the actors are locked in.

    Gunn, in typically open –– but still private –– style, took to twitter to reiterate that he won’t be commenting on any casting rumors.

    ‘Superman: Legacy’ is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11th, 2025.

    Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn and Superman.
    (Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.

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  • Jon Cryer is ‘Supergirl’s Lex Luthor and People Can’t Handle It

    Jon Cryer is ‘Supergirl’s Lex Luthor and People Can’t Handle It

    CBS

    Jon Cryer as Lex Luthor? The actor shared on Twitter that he’s “way too excited” to join the CW’s “Supergirl” as the legendary villain.

    But some fans can’t quite picture the “Two and a Half Men” comedian as the supervillain.

    Especially since most of us still think of him as underdog Duckie in “Pretty in Pink.”

    But, what’s this? He’s already played a Luthor? That’s right. He played Lenny Luthor, New Wave nephew of Gene Hackman’s Lex, in the 1987 movie “Superman IV: A Quest for Peace.”

    Warner Bros.

    Cryer will make his first “Supergirl” appearance in the  15th episode of the current season and will be a recurring character.

    “We are enormous fans of Jon Cryer, and he was instantly our dream actor to play the iconic role of Lex Luthor,” said “Supergirl” executive producers Robert Rovner and Jessica Queller. “Jon is a super-talent, and the fact that he played Lenny Luthor in ‘Superman IV’ brings an added layer of legacy to his casting. We’re beyond thrilled to welcome Jon to the Supergirl family.”

    [Via Variety]

  • Lex Luthor Is Coming to ‘Supergirl’ Season 4

    Lex Luthor Is Coming to ‘Supergirl’ Season 4

    DC Comics

    CW series “Supergirl” is beefing up its “Superman“-adjacent ranks, with notorious villain Lex Luthor set to make an appearance sometime during the show’s just-launched fourth season.

    The network announced on Thursday that it will begin casting soon for the role of Luthor, weaving him into the story of the titular heroine, a.k.a. Kara Danvers (played by Melissa Benoist). Luthor has been mentioned since season one of “Supergirl,” though this will be the first time that he’s seen on screen.

    “We’re beyond excited to introduce iconic villain, Lex Luthor, to ‘Supergirl’ and to weave him into our story this season,” said executive producers Robert Rovner and Jessica Queller said in a joint statement. “We’ve talked about having Lex on the show since it’s inception and we’re excited to have him finally arrive. We can’t wait for him to shake things up in National City and watch him go toe-to-toe with not only Supergirl, but his sister, Lena Luthor.”

    “Supergirl” has already introduced Kara’s more famous older cousin (played by Tyler Hoechlin), and is also set to feature Lois Lane (the recently-cast Elizabeth Tulloch) during the upcoming Arrowverse crossover event. It’s unclear exactly when Luthor will be showing up, but a rep for The CW notes that it will not be during the crossover.

    Whoever takes on the role has some big shoes to fill, since the juicy part has been played numerous times on screens both big (Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey, and Jesse Eisenbeg) and small (Scott James Wells, Sherman Howard, John Shea, and Michael Rosenbaum). Stay tuned to see who lands the coveted part this time around.

    [via: Deadline, TVLine]

  • Superman Superfan Nicolas Cage: ‘I’d Make a Great Lex Luthor’

    Superman Superfan Nicolas Cage: ‘I’d Make a Great Lex Luthor’

    Nicolas Cage in The Runner
    Alchemy

    Should the DCEU dump Jesse Eisenberg for Nicolas Cage as the next Lex Luthor? Or maybe add a Nicolas Cage Luthor to a future spinoff movie with Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker?

    Dare we dream?

    Nicolas Cage is known to be a massive Superman fan. He named one of his sons Kal-El, in honor of Superman’s birth name. He sold a copy of Superan’s debut comic for a record $2.1 million. He was supposed to play Clark Kent in Tim Burton’s “Superman Lives.” He finally did get to voice Superman in “Teen Titans GO! to the Movies,” which opened this past summer. But, at age 54, he has yet to play the superhero on screen.

    Henry Cavill is possibly out at as the DCEU’s Superman, but Nicolas Cage isn’t interested in picking up his cape. Not anymore.

    Cage just talked to The Guardian while promoting his new film “Mandy,” and the reporter mentioned an online campaign to make him the next Superman:

    “Oh, I think my Superman days are long gone,” he laughs with a little pat of his belly. He would be an amazing villain in it, I reply. His eyes light up. “Oh, that would be GREAT! I’d make a great Lex Luthor!”

    Yes. He could go Full Cage as Lex Luthor.

    When he was announced to voice “Teen Titans” we floated the idea of Nic as the DC world’s next Lex Luthor. Crazy minds think alike. There’s no saying DC *has* to go younger with the new Man of Steel (if there is one) so it’s still possible Cage could be an older Superman. If not in the DC Extended Universe, maybe under the same separate banner that is turning Joaquin Phoenix into the “Joker.”

    Imagine Joaquin Phoenix and Nicolas Cage hamming it up in the same supervillain film. We don’t even deserve it.

    Lex Luthor has been played by several actors on TV andin films, and voiced in animation or games. At this point, Jesse Eisenberg is the DCEU’s young Lex, appearing in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and (briefly) “Justice League.” Gene Hackman played Luthor in several movies with Superman Christopher Reeve, and Kevin Spacey had the role in “Superman Returns” opposite Brandon Routh.

    What do you hope DC does with the character next?

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  • Report: Lex Luthor Cut Out of ‘Justice League’ Entirely

    According to reports from people who’ve already seen “Justice League,” there’s no sign of Jesse Eisenberg‘s Lex Luthor.

    CinemaBlend reports that one of the changes made when Joss Whedon took over from Zack Snyder was to cut Eisenberg’s divisive villain out completely. That’s great news for people who really, really hated his jittery interpretation of that character.

    They also cite Batman News, who insist that “Justice League” will be Lex Luthor-free. While that hasn’t been officially confirmed, we haven’t seen Lex in any publicity for the film so far.

    “Justice League,” which may or may not be Ben Affleck‘s last go-round as Batman, opens November 17.

    [Via CinemaBlend]

  • ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ Final Trailer Kicks Major Ass

    batman v superman, dawn of justice, trailer, final trailer, wonder womanThe final trailer for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” puts the spotlight on the Caped Crusader, as he starts things off by taking down a bunch of bad guys in a single bound — though really, it’s Clark Kent’s alter ego who’s in his sights.

    The clip bends over backwards to prove Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) is a powerful vigilante, while also explaining why he’s so immediately threatened by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) arrival.

    “He has the power to wipe out the entire human race,” Wayne reasons. “If we believe there’s even a one percent chance that he is our enemy, we have to take it as an absolute certainty.”

    That latter bit paints Wayne as more of a paranoid politician-type than a man truly looking out for his planet’s best interests, though it does an effective job of establishing his motivation to start the titular battle with the Man of Steel. Or as Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) puts it, it’s really a case of “God vs. Man” or “Day vs. Night.”

    Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) certainly seems intrigued by the latter half of that equation, though she coolly smirks and dismisses Wayne when they first meet.

    “I don’t think you’ve ever known a woman like me,” she tells the billionaire, in the first words audiences have heard her speak so far. That exchange is followed by some footage of the heroine springing into action, a tease of the kickass girl power to come. We’re already rooting for her.

    “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is due in theaters on March 25.

    Photo credit: YouTube

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  • New ‘Batman v Superman’ Trailer Reveals Doomsday, Lots of (Bad) Lex Luthor

    So… this just happened.

    The new trailer for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is here and, well, it’s a trailer. Lots of punching and Bruce Wayne sounding like Bruce Springsteen ensue.

    Also, the rumor that fan-favorite villain Doomsday will appear in the Warner Bros. epic is finally confirmed.
    And it looks like, based on this trailer, he is the thing that gets Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) to stop fighting each other and start kick-punching the latest threat to their world.

    Also also? Jesse Eisenberg as Carrot Top Lex Luthor. He’s seemingly channeling Jim Carrey’s voice and hair from “Batman Forever.” (Shut it down.)
    So much is crammed into this unevenly edited trailer that one walks away expecting the movie to have a similar feel — if not also a five-hour running time. Nice to see Wonder Woman get some love, though, albeit too brief.

    What do you guys think? Do you like the trailer’s less dour tone when compared to previous ones? Will this movie be the comic book film that fans both need and deserve?

    We’ll find out when “BvS” hits theaters March 25, 2016. Watch the trailer below:

  • Jesse Eisenberg Compares Comic-Con Experience to Genocide

    Comic-Con International 2015 - Warner Bros. PresentationIn comments that he’ll no doubt attempt to clarify and and correct and ultimately apologize for a few days from now, actor Jesse Eisenberg somehow thought it was a good idea to compare his experience at Comic-Con to genocide.

    The “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” star was reflecting on his first time at the fan convention when he told the Associated Press that sitting on a panel, surrounded by excited, adoring fans, was apparently too much for him.

    “It is like being screamed at by thousands of people,” Eisenberg told the AP. “I don’t know what the experience is throughout history, probably some kind of genocide. I can’t think of anything that’s equivalent.”

    We can’t fault the first portion of Eisenberg’s remarks, since that’s literally what happens at every Comic-Con panel at Hall H. But we’re not quite sure how or why the actor thinks screaming fans are equivalent to genocide. (CinemaBlend notes that perhaps he was going the method route, and will chalk up those comments to coming from his villainous “Batman v Superman” character, Lex Luthor. Only time will tell.)

    After trashing the convention, we’re not sure if Eisenberg will ever want to go back (or will be allowed in, for that matter). But maybe he can take a cue from Bill Murray’s Comic-Con handbook for future reference?

    [via: Associated Press, h/t CinemaBlend]

    Photo credit: Getty Images

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  • Here’s Your First Look at Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (PHOTO)


    Comic book fans have been wondering how curly-haired actor Jesse Eisenberg will look as Lex Luthor in the upcoming “Man of Steel” sequel “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Now, we have our first glimpse of how Eisenberg will embody the character.

    Entertainment Weekly shared a photo of Eisenberg as Luthor, and the stark, black and white image certainly bodes well for the actor’s portrayal of the notorious villain. The now-bald Eisenberg looks every bit the part, and it’s not just the chrome dome — he stares down the camera with such a menacing intensity that it’s hard to hold his gaze for very long.

    Some of director Zack Snyder‘s casting choices for the flick have raised eyebrows (remember the uproar over Batfleck?), but we think Eisenberg looks spot-on as Luthor. As Synder explained to EW, this interpretation of the character is “not any of the Lexes that you’ve seen, that’s for sure, other than him being a captain of industry and one person to the world and another person to himself. And bald, of course.”

    Check out the image below. “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is due in theaters on March 25, 2016.
    Jesse Eisenberg, Lex Luthor, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
    [via: Entertainment Weekly]

    Photo credit: Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images; Clay Enos via Entertainment Weekly

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