By Nicholas Hoult won the role of Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s new “Superman” film and with shooting now underway he’s begun work in the part.
Specifics of his interpretation of the character remain under wraps, beyond photos confirming the actor going bald for the role.
In a recent interview with another Lex Luthor, actor Michael Rosenbaum on the latter’s podcast Inside of You, Hoult was asked what works have inspired Hoult’s take on the character.
It turns out Rosenbaum’s acclaimed portrayal of the role in the long-running “Smallville” was one of the biggest:
“I grew up. I think the first ever Lex I saw was you. Yeah, I grew up when Smallville was on, I can’t remember if it was Channel 4 or Channel 5 in the UK, but like growing up. I was like 11, 12, I guess.
So that was like the show that I would watch and see my first iterations of Superman and Lex and all those stories. Since I’ve seen Richard Donner’s movies and all the other ones and kind of seen some of the other performances, but you’re like the one. I love [your portrayal], it’s the best.
You inhabit him with such depth and charm. And then, yeah, that ability to switch, which makes him dangerous and formidable and a great opponent. I just loved what you did.”
Rosenbaum’s portrayal of Lex in the series drew acclaim at the time, offering a more subtle and empathic take on the character who was smart, conflicted, cunning, charming and had time to develop.
Hoult previously indicated that he has also drawn inspiration from Grant Morrison’s “All-Star Superman” comic series, especially in terms of his character’s physicality.
The comments come as the first behind the scenes look at James Gunn’s “Superman” filming in Norway has gone up at VG, albeit just a photo of some wind machines in the snow. The paper indicates they have filmed the first scenes which are “when Superman flees to the Fortress”.
Shooting on Gunn’s “Superman” is expected to run well into the Summer.
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