Before the premiere of Superman, Nicholas Hoult shared Michael Rosenbaum’s reaction to his casting as the legendary DC antagonist, Lex Luthor. Rosenbaum famously played Lex Luthor in the popular TV show Smallville for the first seven seasons and is highly regarded by fans for his portrayal.
While audiences have yet to see Hoult’s performance as Lex, the previews for Superman depict him as an excellent antagonist to the main character (portrayed by David Corenswet), characterized by his arrogant demeanor and feelings of inferiority. According to Entertainment Weekly, Hoult had a conversation with Rosenbaum about the role, describing him as “incredibly supportive and encouraging.“
Hoult elaborated that Rosenbaum “offered a sense of freedom and confidence, providing support that was truly heartening as I approached the role.” This support was particularly meaningful to Hoult because Rosenbaum was “the first portrayal of [Lex] I encountered in my youth” and “having the chance to talk with him before starting was really special.”
Rosenbaum’s advice to Hoult was straightforward and uplifting: “The wonderful thing he mentioned was, ‘You’ve got this. Go enjoy it.’ That kind of support really bolsters you…it was very generous of him to offer that.”
The Significance of Nicholas Hoult’s Remarks About Michael Rosenbaum for His Portrayal of Lex Luthor
The Influence of Smallville on the Superman Cast
Hoult has previously expressed his admiration for Rosenbaum’s version of Lex. Last year, he mentioned that Smallville was his first deep dive into the Superman saga. He stated:
“It’s so embedded in our culture—I was familiar with Superman, Kryptonite, and so forth, even before I really saw any Superman content… But Smallville was truly my first in-depth exposure to the universe. Michael [Rosenbaum] was outstanding as Lex. It was an excellent introduction to the lore, I suppose.”
His recent remarks add context to his praise for Smallville and Rosenbaum, highlighting not just his appreciation for the show but also his interaction with Rosenbaum and the insights he gained about portraying Lex.
Interestingly, Corenswet also acknowledged Smallville as a significant inspiration for his interpretation of Superman, revealing that he watched episodes of the series secretly as a child. He even referred to Smallville‘s Tom Welling as “the Superman.”
Our Perspective on Nicholas Hoult’s Comments Regarding Michael Rosenbaum
Michael Rosenbaum Passing the Torch to Nicholas Hoult
The legacy of Smallville continues to resonate with fans, including the cast of Superman. It is remarkable that Hoult and Rosenbaum had discussions about the role of Lex, particularly since Hoult has a personal childhood connection to Rosenbaum’s portrayal.
Smallville is a cherished adaptation of the Superman mythos, so incorporating elements of that series into Superman seems like a strategic choice. Additionally, Lex is a layered and compelling character when done right, and it appears Hoult is committed to honoring this legacy.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
