6 actors who could replace Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor in the DC Universe

3. Nicholas Hoult

When it comes to the role of Lex Luthor, fans have seen a variety of actors bring their own take to the iconic villain. But what about Nicholas Hoult? Despite not being the first name that comes to mind when considering the role, Hoult has the range and physicality to make for a fantastic Lex Luthor.

At 6’3″, Hoult has the imposing height and build that could make him a physically formidable opponent for Superman. But it’s not just his appearance that would make him a great fit for the role. Hoult has proven himself as a versatile actor with a wide range of roles under his belt, from the comedic Hank McCoy in the X-Men franchise to the dramatic and intense Nux in Mad Max: Fury Road.

Perhaps most importantly, a younger version of Lex Luthor could benefit from an actor like Hoult. With a younger Superman likely on the horizon in the DC universe, having a similarly-aged actor in the role of Lex could make for an interesting dynamic. Seeing these two characters at the beginning of their respective journeys, with the potential for a long-term rivalry to develop, could be a fascinating angle to explore.

While some may initially scoff at the idea of Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, it’s worth considering the range and physicality he would bring to the role. Now could be the perfect time to explore a different take on the iconic villain, and Hoult could be just the actor to bring that vision to life.