Nicholas Hoult Reveals Why Lex Luthor Hates Superman in DC’s 2025 Movie: Jealousy, Power & Deep Insecurity

July 7, 2025: Get ready, DC fans! The much-anticipated film Superman is all set to hit theatres on July 11, 2025, and it promises a fresh take on the classic rivalry between Superman and Lex Luthor. This time, David Corenswet suits up as Clark Kent, while Nicholas Hoult steps into the iconic role of Lex Luthor — and he’s finally spilling the beans on why Lex has such a deep-rooted hatred for the Man of Steel.

In a recent chat on the DC Studios Showcase podcast, Hoult opened up about what makes his version of Lex tick. And no, it’s not just the usual villainous rage. According to the actor, his Lex is driven by love — yes, you heard that right.

“Lex believes he’s earned the admiration and love of the people because he’s worked hard, built his image, and sees himself as a godlike figure. But then Superman shows up out of nowhere and gets all the attention that Lex thinks he deserves,” Hoult said.

Hoult also admitted there’s a fair bit of jealousy and insecurity in the mix. For Lex, Superman represents everything he’s ever wanted — power, respect, and worship from humanity. But instead of earning it the hard way like Lex believes he has, Superman just gets it by existing. That eats at Lex, and Hoult says that inner conflict is what makes playing the character so interesting.

This isn’t the first time Hoult has spoken about Lex’s complex hatred. Earlier this year, he raised a thought-provoking point:

“If someone has ultimate power and can do anything, what happens when that power doesn’t align with what everyone believes is right?”

This question hits at the heart of Lex’s fear — the fear that someone like Superman, no matter how good he seems, is too powerful to truly be trusted.

Interestingly, Hoult also revealed that he reached out to Michael Rosenbaum, who famously played Lex Luthor in the hit series Smallville, for advice on playing the role. Fans are excited to see what Hoult brings to the table, especially since Rosenbaum’s Lex remains a fan-favorite interpretation.

So, while Hoult’s Lex may appear as a classic villain on the surface, it’s clear there’s more depth to this version. It’s not just about world domination or power — it’s about a man who wants to be loved but feels constantly overshadowed.

With Superman (2025) just days away, fans can expect a powerful new take on one of DC’s most legendary rivalries — one filled with envy, fear, and a desperate need for recognition.