Movies

James Gunn’s Lex Luthor Is No Longer Just a Villain—You’ll Actually Relate to Him

BBG News

In July 2025, James Gunn‘s fresh take on the Superman series, marking the first DC Universe film release since he took charge in 2022, will hit theaters. This new version of Superman and his iconic adversary, Lex Luthor, are expected to introduce some intriguing twists to their familiar characters.

Recenty, Gunn shared with Rolling Stone that the upcoming Superman portrayed by David Corenswet won’t be as indestructible as past versions. Compared to Henry Cavill’s Superman who was both powerful and formidable, Corenswet’s Superman will exhibit more vulnerability. In the interview, Gunn also hinted that the new Lex Luthor character will be more relatable for the audience.

In the realm of superhero films, a hero’s greatness often lies in their adversary. Lex Luthor serves as the human arch-enemy of Superman, consistently portrayed in movies as an evil billionaire. Over the years, the comics have depicted Lex differently, but his on-screen persona is set in villainy. The appeal of Superman stems from his unwavering altruism. As Lex seeks to vanquish Superman, viewers naturally find him dislikable.

In the 1978 Superman film, despite Gene Hackman’s captivating portrayal of Lex Luthor, the character failed to gain popularity, paling in comparison to Jack Nicholson’s iconic role as the Joker in the original Batman movie. The issue wasn’t with Hackman’s acting but rather the one-dimensional representation of Lex as an ultra-rich tyrant. This character trait was difficult for audiences to connect with, leading them to root against him. To create a compelling villain, it is essential that viewers can identify with them in some way.

Under Gunn’s direction for the upcoming Superman, followers of the series might find a more identifiable portrayal of the character. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn expressed this could be the case.

I find myself identifying deeply with Lex. It’s strange because I wish I didn’t, but I do. To me, Lex sees Superman much like an artist views AI. Superman is the world’s greatest man in countless ways, performing feats that are truly exceptional. However, there’s another character who can fly and destroy buildings with seemingly no effort or merit. This individual is also incredibly good-looking. It seems that suddenly, everyone is obsessed with this newcomer. I believe Lex’s obsession stems from a fear of being replaced, of his achievements going unnoticed or undervalued. In many ways, I can empathize with everything he does – he may be meaner than I am.

In a given scenario, Lex appears far more relatable and human than any other cinematic portrayal. Throughout his lifetime, Lex has strived tirelessly to excel and prove himself as the superior intellect, only to be overshadowed by Superman, an alien perceived as flawless. Similarly, artists often criticize AI-generated art due to similar sentiments. In this adaptation, Lex transcends the stereotype of being merely Superman’s antagonist, instead becoming a character with depth and humanity rather than a one-dimensional caricature. This new version of Lex emphasizes his role as a scientist and an individual driven by change. Unlike Superman, who possesses all the advantages without undergoing the hardships, he fails to bring about substantial transformations in the world.

First Class and Nosferatu) is set to portray Lex Luthor. It’ll be fascinating to witness the depth that Gunn and Hoult will add to this previously one-dimensional villain, making him relatable to audiences.

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2025-06-21 22:04

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