Nicholas Hoult recently shared some insights into his preparations for his role as Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie. The actor discussed his audition process and working with Gunn on the Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum podcast. Hoult praised Gunn's ability to keep things fun and spontaneous on set, allowing for creative freedom in the moment.
Leading up to filming, Hoult revealed that he began a workout regimen to embody the physicality of Lex Luthor, drawing inspiration from the All-Star Superman comic series. Despite his physical preparation, he mentioned that he doesn't anticipate any shirtless scenes for the character in the film.
During the podcast, Hoult expressed his admiration for Rosenbaum's portrayal of Lex Luthor in Smallville, noting that it was his first introduction to the character on screen. He credited the show for shaping his early understanding of the Superman mythos.
In late February, Gunn shared a photo of the cast together after their first table read, with Hoult sporting a shaved head in preparation for his role as Lex. The movie, set to be released on July 11, 2025, also stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.