Superman actor Nicholas Hoult unpacks why the DC hero rubs Lex Luthor the wrong way. Over the last 85 years, Lex has shared a legendary rivalry with the Man of Steel, with many film and television adaptations showcasing this dynamic. Releasing on July 11, 2025, Superman pits Hoult’s Lex against David Corenswet’s Clark Kent for the first time.

Ahead of the film’s debut, Hoult discussed why his version of Lex hates the hero in an appearance on the DC Studios Showcase podcast. The actor stated: “I think that’s what’s fun to dig into with Lex. I think one [reason] being that he’s worked to be in some ways this hero, godlike figure, and he believes he deserves this adoration and respect and love from humanity.”

Hoult described his Lex as “driven by love,” which makes him envious of the hero. He explained: “Then Supes turns up and kind of gets all the adoration that he feels he deserves. So there’s a little bit of that and, yeah, and jealousy and fear and all those things mixed into the melting pot, I suppose.“

What Nicholas Hoult’s Comments On The Superman-Lex Rivalry Mean

Hoult previously discussed why Lex hates Superman earlier this year. The actor posed an interesting question: “If someone had ultimate power and the ability to do anything, then what happens when what he does doesn’t align with everyone’s belief of what is right?” This perspective differs slightly from his more recent explanation.

Hoult’s statements may somewhat contradictory on the surface, but they share a common thread: envy and self-importance. Lex, across many iterations, finds himself envious of the immense power Superman has and the adoration this brings him. In his mind, Lex has earned both, so seeing someone else celebrated enrages him.

Our Take On Nicholas Hoult’s Comments On The Superman-Lex Rivalry

Most of the best versions of Lex lean into his envy of Superman and ruthlessness in taking him down. Hoult’s explanation confirms he understands the character well. Lex is more complex than just a jealous villain, but he’s not entirely sympathetic either. Using a desire for love and connection as a motive for his Lex is a unique take that harkens back to prior versions such as Smallville.

Given both the film’s marketing and statements made by the cast, much of Superman hinges on the тιтle character’s relationships, especially his rivalry with Lex. Giving Lex a deeper psychological need to dethrone the hero adds some flavor to a familiar villain, potentially making Hoult’s version character-defining.