Nicholas Hoult in Talks to Play Lex Luthor in Warner Bros.' Superman: Legacy

Nicholas Hoult, the talented actor known for his roles in blockbuster films like X-Men and acclaimed series like The Great, is in negotiations to portray the iconic comic book villain Lex Luthor in Warner Bros.' highly-anticipated film Superman: Legacy. According to The Hollywood Reporter, discussions for the role have been ongoing since before the SAG-AFTRA strike, although no deal has been finalized yet.

This casting news comes after reports surfaced that Bradley Cooper, star of Guardians of the Galaxy, turned down the opportunity to play Lex Luthor. Hoult, 33, would join the previously announced cast members David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Interestingly, Hoult was also considered for the Superman role before Corenswet landed the part.

Superman: Legacy will not only feature the intense rivalry between Superman and Lex Luthor but also bring together a diverse ensemble, featuring Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. The film is set to delight fans with fresh interpretations of beloved characters from the DC Comics universe.

Lex Luthor, a character created by Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, first appeared in Action Comics #23 in 1940. Since then, the villainous role has been portrayed by notable actors such as Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey, and Jesse Eisenberg in various Superman films and TV shows.

Nicholas Hoult, who began acting at a young age and gained recognition for his performance in About a Boy, has established himself as a versatile actor in both television and film. With his impressive acting range and past experience in big-budget projects, Hoult is poised to bring a fresh take on the infamous Lex Luthor character.

As negotiations progress, fans eagerly anticipate the final casting announcement and the release of Superman: Legacy. Hoult's potential portrayal of Lex Luthor is expected to add another layer of intrigue and excitement to the highly anticipated superhero film.