James Gunn has finally pulled back the curtain on Lex Luthor’s true motivation in the DC Universe. In Superman (2025), shallow jealousy or random cruelty does not drive Lex. Instead, his hatred of Superman is deeply personal, psychological, and rooted in lost identity and wounded pride.
Rather than presenting Lex as evil for the sake of evil, Gunn redefines him as a man who believes the world has stolen something from him. As a result, this version of Lex feels far more dangerous—and far more real.
James Gunn Reimagines Lex Luthor as a True DCU Threat
In the DCU, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) leads LuthorCorp as its CEO and ranks among humanity’s greatest minds. Before Superman arrives, people widely regard Lex as the smartest and most influential man on Earth. However, that perception changes the moment David Corenswet’s Superman appears.
Speaking to CBS Mornings, James Gunn explained that, to stand out from earlier versions, it was especially crucial this time to make Lex genuinely frightening:
“What was important for me is that Lex Luthor is incredibly dangerous. In the past, I haven’t been particularly scared of Lex Luthor. I wanted a Lex Luthor where I’m like, ‘Superman’s got his work cut out for him.’”
Because of this approach, Lex is no longer just a rich genius in the background. Instead, he becomes a constant and credible threat to Superman’s existence. His cunning plans and relentless ambition make every encounter with him tense and unpredictable, raising the stakes for the hero at every turn.
Why Lex Luthor Wants Superman Dead in the DCU
Unlike many past interpretations, this Lex does not simply want to defeat Superman. He wants him erased completely.
James Gunn emphasizes Lex’s calculated nature, stating,
“Lex has planned all this out. He wants to kill Superman. Kill Superman. Like, really kill him. And I think he’s figured out some good ways to do it.”
One of those ways includes creating Ultraman, a powerful clone engineered to rival—and potentially destroy—the Man of Steel. At the same time, Lex works to manipulate public opinion, carefully turning humanity against the hero it once admired.
As a result, Lex attacks Superman on multiple fronts: physical, emotional, and ideological.
The Emotional Core Behind Lex Luthor’s Hatred
James Gunn explains the personal stakes behind Lex Luthor’s hatred of Superman. From Lex’s perspective, Superman’s arrival threatens his identity and erases all his past achievements. Gunn states,
“Lex Luthor is the smartest man in the world. He’s done great things for humanity. He was probably considered the greatest man in the world—until this guy flies in with dimples and a cape, and suddenly everybody thinks he’s the greatest man in the world.”
Lex cannot accept this sudden shift in admiration. Superman’s arrival shatters his pride and ambition, fueling his obsession with defeating the hero. Gunn adds,
“Lex just cannot deal with it. It just kills him. His ambition was everything, and it’s gone. It’s been destroyed by this guy.”
Because of this, Lex’s hatred is not impulsive. Instead, it grows slowly, fueled by resentment and obsession.
How Lex Luthor Justifies His War on Superman
Unable to cope with losing relevance, Lex convinces himself that his hatred is justified. In his own mind, Superman is not a savior—but a threat to humanity’s progress.
Gunn explained how Lex justifies his obsession, saying,
“He’s sort of rationalized his own way of believing that he is put here on Earth to destroy Superman.”
This self-deception allows Lex to see himself as humanity’s protector rather than its enemy. Consequently, his actions become more calculated, cold, and terrifying.
James Gunn on Lex and Superman’s First DCU Meeting
James Gunn also explains how this version of Lex compares to earlier portrayals, including Michael Rosenbaum’s iconic performance in Smallville, which combined fear with emotional depth and relatability.
However, Gunn emphasized a key difference in the DCU:
“In this movie, Lex and Superman are meeting for the very first time. You’ve got to make Lex scary. He’s got to be fully himself. But also, you have to understand him. You have to understand his hatred of Superman—and that’s what Nick gets across so beautifully.”
According to Gunn, Nicholas Hoult captures Lex’s insecurity, rage, and intelligence in a way that makes the rivalry feel immediate and intense.
Why This Lex Luthor Is One of the DCU’s Most Dangerous Villains
Ultimately, James Gunn’s version of Lex Luthor reinforces a core storytelling truth: great heroes are only as strong as their villains. Rather than portraying Lex as a simple monster, Gunn presents him as a brilliant human being who allows ego, ambition, and fear to override empathy. This human flaw is precisely what makes him so unsettling—and so believable. By moving away from the cartoonish villain trope, Lex becomes a cautionary figure, showing the dangers of unchecked pride.
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Patrick Webb