Since James Gunn has confirmed Nicholas Hoult’s role as Lex Luthor in the upcoming and highly anticipated Superman: Legacy, actor Jesse Eisenberg, who previously portrayed the role, has something to say to actor.
Fans have been speculating about Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy for long, and now that Nicholas Hoult has finally secured the role, Eisenberg humorously alarms the actor not to take notes from his previous role. In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Jesse Eisenberg debuted as the most enduring adversary of Superman, however, his portrayal wasn’t received well and drew negative comments.
Jesse Eisenberg Advices Nicholas Hoult Not To Watch His Portrayal of Lex Luthor
While Nicholas Hoult is set to play one of the most formidable villains Lex Luthor, another actor Jesse Eisenberg known for portraying the same role in previous films comes up with a bit of honest advice for Hoult. While talking about his upcoming film and sharing insights on the project, the Wild Indian star advises Nicholas Hoult to stay away from watching him in the role from previous films. In an interview with Variety, the actor says:
“Don’t watch me!… Whenever you play a role you feel connected to it. There’s no way around it. Any time you do anything, even if it’s a movie that’s a Hollywood kind of thing, you connect.”
Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of the iconic adversary received negative comments, and considering his recent advice for the Warm Bodies star, it seems like even Eisenberg accepted the harsh reality of his role. The actor also tells Hoult to forge his creativity while playing Lex.
The Camp Hell star wanted to reprise his role in future projects, but since the DCEU is concluding with Aquaman 2, his comeback seems nothing less than impossible. However, the actor is currently busy with his upcoming film A Real Pain.
Superman: Legacy Becomes The First Project Under New DCU
Now that James Gunn and Peter Safran are set to start a new DCU, Superman: Legacy becomes its first project to hit the silver screens. Since Henry Cavill has departed from the role of Superman, Gunn has hired David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, while Nicholas Hoult will play the most exciting and remarkable foe in the film. The film will also include Superman’s love interest Lois Lane portrayed by actress Rachel Brosnahan.
According to reliable sources, this upcoming movie will feature a different narrative than typical Superman stories. Another notable character Guy Gardner has been secured by Nathan Fillion. Being a member of the Green Lantern Corps, currently, it’s unclear what will be his connection with Superman.
However, since Gunn and Safran are working to craft the new DCU, it is safe to say that this Universe will likely include engaging storylines with superheroes.
As for the villain, fans have continued to share their excitement to witness the ruthless genius businessman that Nicholas Hoult will portray. Even James Gunn shared his contentment with casting Hoult as Lex Luthor when he announced his involvement through Instagram Threads.
Superman: Legacy premieres in theaters in the U.S. on July 11, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What advice did Jesse Eisenberg give Nicholas Hoult about Lex Luthor?
In an interview with Variety, Jesse Eisenberg jokingly told Nicholas Hoult, Don’t watch me, urging the new Lex Luthor not to study his own earlier take on the villain. Eisenberg encouraged Hoult to forge his own creative approach to the character, noting that any actor inevitably feels connected to a role once they commit to it.
Who is playing Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy?
Nicholas Hoult is set to play Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy, the first project in the new DCU. Eisenberg, who previously played Lex in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to negative reviews, offered Hoult his honest advice, seemingly acknowledging that his own version of the character had not been well received by fans.
Who else is cast in Superman: Legacy?
With Henry Cavill departed, James Gunn cast David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Nathan Fillion joins as Guy Gardner of the Green Lantern Corps, though his connection to Superman remains unclear. Gunn and Peter Safran are building the new DCU around the film, which premieres in US theaters on July 11, 2025.
