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'Finally lands one': Fans relieved as Nicholas Hoult enters DCU as Lex Luthor after Batman, Superman snub

Nicholas Hoult, who previously auditioned for Superman and Batman roles, has been cast as Lex Luthor in James Gunn's upcoming 'Superman: Legacy'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nicholas Hoult has reportedly been cast as Lex Luthor in James Gunn's upcoming DCU film, 'Superman: Legacy', reported Deadline.

The 33-year-old British actor has finally made it into the world of DC superhero films, after previously losing out on the titular role to David Corenswet. He had also auditioned for the role of Bruce Wayne for Matt Reeves's 2021 film, 'The Batman', which finally went to Robert Pattinson.

Hoult is already working with the studio making the film, Warner Brothers, for Clint Eastwood's 'Juror No 2'. He had also starred in their 2015 blockbuster movie, 'Mad Max: Fury Road'.

When it comes to superhero flicks, Hoult is no newcomer, as he played the role of Hank McCoy/Beast in Fox's 'X-Men' films, debuting in 2011 with 'X-Men: First Class', and last appearing in 'Dark Phoenix', in 2019.

Other actors in 'Superman: Legacy'

The lead role of Superman went to David Corenswet in June, and Rachel 'Mrs Maisel' Brosnahan was cast as the female lead, intrepid reporter Lois Lane, at the same time.

Since then Gunn has confirmed other casting other actors, such as Nathan Fillion for Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced for Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi for Mister Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan for Rex Mason/Metamorpho.

The last actor whose casting was confirmed before Hoult was Maria Gabriela De Faria as The Engineer.

Actors who have played Lex Luthor on the big screen

Nicholas Hoult joins a handful of stars who have portrayed Superman's arch-nemesis in movies.

The character was first brought to life on the silver screen by Lyle Talbot in 1950's 'Atom Man vs. Superman', but it was Gene Hackman, in 1978, who notably left an impression on the character. He played the first antagonist against the Man of Steel portrayed by Christopher Reeves, the man who embodied the character like no other.

As Superman took a break from the big screens, so did Lex Luthor, but it would be amiss not to mention Michael Rosenbaum's work in 'Smallville', from 2001-2011, considered by many to be the best portrayal of Luthor on screen.

Kevin Spacey brought the character back to the cinemas in 2006 with 'Superman Returns'. Jesse Eisenberg was the last actor to carry the mantle in the DCEU films, 'Batman v Superman', 2016, and Zack Snyder's 'Justice League', 2021.

Internet reacts to Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor

Netizens took to social media to share their views on the casting, and it is overwhelmingly in favor of the actor, as the following tweets demonstrate.

"Ngl the most exciting casting announcement for Superman Legacy imo 🔥🔥🔥🔥", posted a user.

"He finally lands one," wrote another.

"LETS GO!!" exclaimed a third.

"Hell yeah I actually really dig this casting," read another tweet.

"He's gonna absolutely nail it, dude's a phenominal actor," commented a fifth.