James Gunn Reveals the Comic Inspirations Behind His Lex Luthor in ‘Superman’

As a seasoned gamer and comic book enthusiast with over two decades of immersion in the DC Universe, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming DCU, especially James Gunn‘s take on Lex Luthor in Superman.


The DC Universe is all set to debut with the imminent launch of “Creature Commandos”, which is approximately two months from now. Yet, as both Gunn and Safran have hinted earlier, “Superman” slated for release in 2025 will mark the formal commencement of the DCU.

As I eagerly await the release of this upcoming movie, details about its main storyline are still being kept under lock and key. However, what we do know is that Nicholas Hoult will be stepping into the shoes of the infamous adversary of Superman, Lex Luthor. I can’t wait to see how he brings this iconic character to life!

In various adaptations of the Superman series, especially those in live-action, Lex Luthor is often portrayed by different actors. Most recently on the show “Superman & Lois,” Michael Cudlitz delivers a fresh take on the character that differs from previous interpretations.

Currently, James Gunn has unveiled the key aspects that will shape his interpretation of Lex Luthor, drawing from the comic books as sources of inspiration.

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James Gunn’s portrayal of Lex Luthor incorporates key elements from various significant comic book tales, revealing various aspects of the character.

In the comic book All-Star Superman, Lex Luthor is portrayed as an intelligent yet deeply flawed antagonist. His primary goal is to outsmart Superman, demonstrating both cunning intelligence and unyielding arrogance. This interpretation of Luthor delves into his internal conflicts and vulnerabilities, making him a formidable adversary while also evoking sympathy as a tragic figure.

In the comic book “Lex Luthor: Man of Steel“, the narrative centers entirely around Lex Luthor’s perspective. Here, we see Lex Luthor as a charismatic yet cunning businessman who perceives Superman as a danger to mankind. He justifies his actions as essential in a world where a being of divine power exists.

To conclude, during the Silver Age of comics, Luthor was frequently depicted as a genius inventor with a penchant for crafting devices to combat Superman. However, in more recent interpretations, he is recognized for his intellectual prowess, cunning strategies, and unyielding pursuit of power.

Judging by Gunn’s previous remarks on the inspiration for the film, it appears probable that he will predominantly base the character of Luthor on the “All-Star Superman” version.

David Corenswet, cast as Superman, characterized the plot as a fusion of “For All Seasons” and “All-Star Superman,” yet infused with Director James Gunn’s distinctive flair.

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2024-10-07 12:43