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Why Lex Luthor Hates Superman So Much, According to James Gunn and Nicholas Hoult — GeekTyrant
Lex Luthor's vendetta against Superman isn't just about jealousy, it's deeper, more existential, and, according to Superman star Nicholas Hoult and director James Gunn, relatable in today's world.
In a recent interview with Fandango at MEGACON Orlando, Hoult broke down what really drives Lex's hatred of the Man of Steel, saying:
'We are weak, and that's what Superman shows us, that we are.'
Hoult describes Lex as someone who built his empire on power, intelligence, and the belief that humanity could, and should, be its own savior. But then Superman drops from the sky, and suddenly Lex isn't the smartest, most admired man in the room.
The attention, the faith, the admiration that Lex worked for is gone in a flash. Hoult added:
'Suddenly this person has taken all that adoration that [Lex] feels he deserved.'
It's not just Superman's abilities that infuriate Lex, it's what he represents. His presence threatens Lex's entire sense of self-worth. If a godlike alien can save the day, what's the point of everything Lex has accomplished?
Gunn, who's both writing and directing the new Superman film, chimed in with a modern analogy:
'I think Lex looks at Superman like a lot of print artists look at AI. He sees him as a threat to his livelihood and his legacy.'
This frames Lex not just as a villain, but as someone watching the world shift beneath his feet, where everything he values and built is being overtaken by something he can't control, and didn't ask for. It's less megalomania, more existential dread. Something I can 100% relate to.
Gunn continued by pointing out that for Lex, Superman isn't just a superpowered alien, he's an uninvited cultural phenomenon:
'He's a simple guy wearing a stupid costume that all of a sudden everybody loves, and every woman loves, and all of the things that [Lex] cares about now are all going to him.'
There's also a pragmatic side to Lex's menace. Hoult pointed out that the challenge of making a human villain feel like a real threat to an unstoppable alien. The answer lies in Lex's brain, not brawn.
'Strategy and manipulation' are his weapons, not fists or lasers. That contrast, power vs. control, strength vs. intellect, is where the tension in Superman will come from.
Hoult also made it clear he's just getting started in the role.
'There is much I want to do with Lex.'
If this take on the character hits the way it sounds like it might, it will be interesting to see how his story arc will play out beyond this first Superman movie.
