I Like Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Way Better Than Other DC Villains, And There Are A Few Specific Reasons Why

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Discovering a fondness for a DC film antagonist, specifically Lex Luthor as played by Nicholas Hoult in the 2025 movie adaptation, wasn’t on my list of expectations. Yet, here I am, openly confessing that I have developed feelings for this character. To clarify, it’s not so much my admiration for the villain as a concept, but rather the captivating portrayal by Nicholas Hoult.

As a cinephile who’s got an eye for the unusual, it’s no secret that the DC universe isn’t exactly my cup of tea. Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the occasional DC film and find their comic books quite entertaining, but they never resonated with me as deeply as they seem to with others. Growing up, Batman was the one character from the DC universe that caught my attention, mainly because it was a favorite of my father’s, but beyond that, it wasn’t really on my radar.

Over time, as I’ve grown older and delved deeper into the comic universe, I’ve watched numerous DC movies. However, the villains never managed to captivate me. That all changed when Lex Luthor, brilliantly played by Nicholas Hoult, appeared on screen – I was completely drawn in.

The DC Movie Villains Were Always Hit Or Miss For Me

I’m not writing this piece as an opportunity to criticize all DC villains en masse, as I genuinely enjoy them in their comic book forms. In fact, there are many fantastic DC villains out there who haven’t made it to the big screen yet because the movies usually focus on the most well-known characters. It’s quite common for adaptations to concentrate on familiar faces.

In terms of DC movie villains, I’ve consistently found myself less enthused compared to others. Don’t get me wrong – some of them are excellent, like Heath Ledger as The Joker, whose portrayal was hailed as “unpredictable” by Christopher Nolan. The performance left a lasting impact, and it continues to be celebrated. Joaquin Phoenix also did an outstanding job in the role, and I admire his interpretation of the iconic clown. Similarly, Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Catwoman from earlier films is still highly regarded.

Apart from that, however, my memory isn’t particularly clear about specific details, given that I’ve been a fan of DC comics for quite some time now, having watched numerous DC films since my comic journey began. It’s worth noting that I primarily grew up with Marvel, so naturally, I eagerly anticipate any new Marvel film because the villains tend to resonate more deeply with me. And let’s not forget Thanos – the epitome of evil!

When I first became a fan of DC films, I found myself somewhat unsettled about the villains. A while ago, someone had told me that many DC villains are much darker than their Marvel counterparts, and in some instances, this seems accurate. However, several portrayals were so forgettable that even thinking of anything memorable is a struggle.

In a way, it’s not inaccurate to draw parallels between this character and Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor. Yet, Eisenberg’s portrayal didn’t really stand out. On the other hand, Nicholas Hoult… he truly embodies an exceptional villain.

The Way Nicholas Hoult Portrayed Lex Luthor Made Me Want To See Him Come Back

For quite some time now, I’ve been an admirer of Nicholas Hoult. I’ve taken pleasure in watching his top films and have always looked forward to catching him on TV shows. Notably, he was a cast member of one of my favorite Hulu originals, The Great. He truly is a gifted actor. When they announced that he would be taking on the role of Lex Luthor, there were doubts from many, but I couldn’t wait to see it.

Later, I beheld the spectacle of Superman, and I was left spellbound. I found myself fixed in my chair, completely captivated each time he graced the screen, overwhelmed by a mix of astonishment and disbelief. It was evident that Houlte invested every ounce of his talent into this role, making it truly mesmerizing to watch.

As a cinephile, let me express that the performance in question was exceptional – it was more than just acting, it was captivating. There were instances where I found myself empathizing with Lex Luthor, something I never thought I’d say, yet it rings true. Despite his villainous nature and hatred towards Superman, this portrayal revealed a glimmer of humanity beneath the cunning mind of Lex Luthor, making him an intriguing antagonist that I found myself rooting for, to my surprise.

In a different phrasing: Lex Luthor, portrayed exceptionally by Nicholas Hoult, exhibits a chilling unbalance. A particularly striking moment in the movie showcases this, as he casually takes a life, leaving me astounded and fixed to the screen. This is exactly the kind of villain we wanted – a perfect blend of campiness, drama, and a faithful yet realistic portrayal from the comics.

There Are So Few DC Movie Superhero Villains That I Can Openly Say I Want To See Again

Among the DC villains, there aren’t many I eagerly look forward to reappearing. Many of them seem to be used sparingly in the franchise due to their tendency to be defeated swiftly and effortlessly, leaving me wondering where the epic battle is. However, Lex Luthor stands out as a character who could have an extended presence, provided it’s the version portrayed by Hounslow.

In the final moments of “Superman,” we witness him at his most vulnerable, and the sorrow etched on his face speaks volumes about his unquenchable thirst for justice. A hint of vengeance gleams in his eyes, and an almost palpable tension coils within him, ready to unleash at the slightest provocation. Though Lex appears defeated, make no mistake – he’s a genius with an entrepreneurial acumen that constructed an entire empire. Can you truly doubt that he wouldn’t rebuild and strike back?

The movie starring Superman was an enormous hit, drawing thousands of viewers who adored every part of it. Among them, I included myself, becoming even more smitten with Superman, and developing a particular fondness for Mr. Terrific (as did many others). However, given the film’s outstanding success, I believe we haven’t seen the last of Nicholas Hoult portraying Lex Luthor.

I Really Think He Could Be A Mainstay In This Franchise

It’s not just my opinion that Lex Luthor will return: I strongly suspect he’ll become a regular character within the series. In fact, I think he’ll be as significant as Loki has been in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

I’m skeptical about Lex Luthor undergoing a redemption arc similar to Loki’s – his actions are too reprehensible for such a transformation. However, I think there’s an intriguing parallel in how both characters seem to unexpectedly appear in various storylines and significantly alter the overall narrative, much like Loki did within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This twist may manifest in ways we wouldn’t anticipate, making it all the more captivating – after all, part of the excitement lies in the unknown.

Honestly, Nicholas Hoult’s performance genuinely sparked my enthusiasm for the upcoming chapters in the DC movie universe. His role as a major antagonist could mark the beginning of an impressive series of memorable DC villains, and I can’t wait to be part of this thrilling journey.

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2025-07-26 16:16