Following the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike, director James Gunn quickly assured his followers on social media that “Superman: Legacy,” his next directorial effort, would not be delayed and would keep its 2025 date. And in seemingly keeping with that full-steam-ahead promise, it appears that Gunn has found one of his primary villains.
Deadline reports that Nicholas Hoult (“The Great,” “Renfield”) has been cast as Lex Luthor in the film, Superman’s famous arch-enemy in the comics, and every screen version of the man of steel we’ve ever seen. Previous reports said that the Skarsgård brothers, both Alexander Skarsgård and Bill, had been up for the role, but Hoult’s apparently landed it.
This report follows news of another villain in the movie, The Engineer, played by newcomer María Gabriela De Faría(a character who is also part of “The Authority” comics, which happens to be another DC movie that Gunn has already announced (connections!)
However, newcomers seem to be a rule of thumb for most of the casting. Gunn has already hired David Corenswet (“The Politician” “We Own This City”) in the title role and Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
“Superman: Legacy” already has a pretty big cast, though some actors might appear in more minor cameo roles. Nathan Fillion features as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Isabela Merced fits in as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi will play Mister Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan stars as Rex Mason/Metamorpho.
“Superman: Legacy” is currently scheduled for a July 11, 2025 release date and will be the first new film in Gunn’s co-run DC Studios plan.