Superman: Legacy May Have Found Its Lex Luthor

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Superman: Legacy may be close to filling one of its crucial roles: Superman’s most famous villain, Lex Luthor.

THR reports on Monday that Nicholas Hoult is in talks to play Luthor in James Gunn’s upcoming film about the Man of Steel. We should note that no deal is done yet, per the report, but talks had apparently been in progress before the SAG-AFTRA strike was called in July. The work stoppage ended earlier this month, allowing production – and deal-making with actors – to continue.

IGN has reached out to Warner Bros. and Hoult’s reps for comment. WB had no comment to THR.

Should the deal go through, Hoult would appear opposite David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, who were cast as Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane respectively in June.

Interestingly enough, Hoult was at one point reportedly one of the actors in contention to play Superman – back in May, THR reported that Hoult was being eyed for Luthor, while Deadline reported that Hoult was up for the role of Kent. According to THR’s latest report, he was indeed one of the finalists for Superman, but threw his hat in the ring for Luthor as well.

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Thumbnail credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Jaeger-LeCoultre

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.