James Gunn’s Superman reboot, Superman: Legacy, has been the subject of DC fans’ anticipation since the filmmaker announced the first chapter of the new DCU. The studio is reportedly looking for the right actor for the protagonist and someone who can do justice to the DC superhero on screen. Several names were also highlighted that are allegedly being looked upon for the role of Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and the iconic DC villain Lex Luthor.
Superman has several enemies in comics. And one name that has surfaced in recent casting reports is Apex Lex Luthor, the DC villain with god-like abilities and one of the most powerful nemeses of the Kryptonian superhero. And as per The Wrap, Gunn is looking for a black actor to cast in the role in his upcoming film.
Superman: Legacy to Feature a Black Actor as Lex Luthor
With his venture ending at Marvel Studios with the release of the Guardians of the Galaxy threequel, James Gunn is reportedly focused on his upcoming Superman reboot. The co-CEO earlier announced that he would be directing the film himself.
And recent reports suggest that he has already started looking at audition tapes for the lead cast of the film. It is also reported that Nicholas Hoult is being considered for the role of the DC villain Lex Luthor, which was portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg in the DCEU.
However, according to The Wrap, the studio is also looking for black actors for the part of Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy. Sources suggest that the character of Lex Luthor is being labeled as “Apex” in the film, but nothing is confirmed if Apex Lex Luthor is actually one of the characters who could appear in the reboot.
James Gunn Reportedly Planning Guardians of the Galaxy Star’s DCU Entry
While reports suggest that James Gunn is looking for a black actor for Lex Luthor’s character in Superman: Legacy, Deadline’s Justin Kroll has shared who could be Gunn’s preference for that part. Responding to a tweet about the potential casting of the upcoming DC film, he said that the filmmaker has been talking to one of the Guardians of the Galaxy stars for the part of Lex Luthor.
“One thing not mentioned, while they have been taking submissions for the Lex Luthor role, sources tell me Gunn has been talking to one of his Guardians for the part.”
Kroll also added that the ideas are probably dropped now, but his sources alleged that certain discussions regarding the casting of Lex Luthor happened during the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 press tour.
Superman: Legacy is set to release on July 11, 2025.
Source: The Wrap
