James Gunn just revealed the most relatable version of Lex Luthor’s backstory in DC movie history. His Superman reboot, hitting theaters on July 11, 2025, reimagines both the Man of Steel and his greatest human enemy.
As the first theatrical release under his new DC Universe leadership, Gunn promises a bold shift in how audiences connect with classic characters. Notably, this shift includes a Lex Luthor we’ve never seen before.
A Fresh Take on Superman and Lex Luthor’s Backstory
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Gunn explained how his Superman, played by David Corenswet, will be far more vulnerable than previous versions. Unlike Henry Cavill’s ultra-powerful portrayal, this Superman is beatable, more grounded, and more human.
But it’s not just Superman who’s evolving.
Moreover, Gunn emphasized that this version of Lex Luthor’s backstory will feel real, relatable, and surprisingly human. At the heart of this transformation is Lex’s motivation — and his growing frustration — with Superman’s effortless rise.
Why Lex Luthor Hates Superman — And Why We Might Understand Him Now
Lex Luthor has always been Superman’s most iconic human enemy. While comic books have explored many versions of Lex, movies typically reduce him to a cartoonish billionaire villain.
Even Gene Hackman’s 1978 portrayal couldn’t make Lex Luthor beloved. Compared to Jack Nicholson’s legendary Joker, Lex always fell flat. The reason? He was one-dimensional — just another rich megalomaniac with no emotional core.
James Gunn plans to change that.
He told Rolling Stone:
“I really understand Lex. I feel like I relate to Lex way more than I wish I did.
But for me, Lex looks at Superman like artists look at AI. He is the world’s greatest man in so many ways. He’s done these unparalleled things. And then this guy shows up — someone who’s done nothing to earn the ability to fly or bring down buildings. To top it off, he’s extraordinarily handsome. Suddenly, he’s all the world can talk about. That sort of obsession with being replaced—with your gifts not being seen or passed over—I think is what drives Lex. I relate to everything he does. He’s just meaner than I am.”
This comparison — Lex as a hardworking genius passed over for a perfect alien — is powerful. It mirrors how many artists feel about AI: threatened, overlooked, and deeply human in their anger.
In Gunn’s hands, Lex isn’t just evil — he’s relatable.
He’s a scientist and visionary who has spent his life striving to change the world. And then, out of nowhere, Superman appears with unearned power, adored by the public for doing very little. That resentment is personal and emotional.
This version of Lex doesn’t just want power. He wants recognition, something many viewers will understand.
Lex Luthor’s Backstory Finally Feels Human
James Gunn has a proven record of transforming underwhelming characters. Just look at Peacemaker. With help from John Cena, Gunn turned a D-list character with a goofy helmet into a layered anti-hero fans now love.
So there’s real hope for Lex.
Moreover, Nicholas Hoult, known for adding depth to complex roles (X-Men: First Class, The Great, Nosferatu), has been cast as Lex Luthor. With this collaboration, Gunn and Hoult could ultimately make Lex one of the most fascinating characters in the new DC Universe.
Lex Luthor is no longer just a villain; instead, he’s a man desperately trying to be seen. Through Gunn’s fresh lens, Lex Luthor’s backstory becomes emotionally rich and grounded in real-world feelings of insecurity, jealousy, and ambition.
As a result of this new approach, audiences may not just understand Lex — they might even begin to feel sorry for him.
Ultimately, that, more than anything, proves that the DCU under Gunn is ready to evolve. In fact, Superman (2025) might just give us the most compelling Lex Luthor yet.
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