Gene Hackman and the actors to battle Superman as Lex Luthor

When it comes to Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, several actors have donned the villain’s mantle, each bringing their unique flair to the character. As the world reacts to the news this morning that Gene Hackman was found dead, along with his wife Betsy and his dog, we reflect on the legendary actor who set a high bar with his memorable performances in the original Superman movie series.

Hackman vs Superman

In the 1978 original, Hackman’s Luthor was a charismatic yet comically egotistical villain, a portrayal that continued through Superman II (1980) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987). His interpretation combined menace with a touch of humor, making Luthor both formidable and entertaining, and memorable for audiences around the world.

Spacey takes over from Hackman as Luthor

Following Hackman, Kevin Spacey took on the role in Superman Returns (2006), delivering a more straightforward and darker version of Luthor. Spacey’s portrayal leaned into the character’s ruthlessness, shedding the comedic elements of previous iterations. At times, he was rather scary for younger viewers.

Looking ahead, Nicholas Hoult is set to portray Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman movie directed by James Gunn, scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. Hoult joins a cast that includes David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. This new installment aims to bring a fresh perspective to the iconic characters, with Hoult’s Luthor anticipated to offer a unique take on the classic villain. Here’s a little teaser.

As the Superman franchise continues to evolve, each actor’s portrayal of Lex Luthor contributes to the rich tapestry of interpretations, reflecting the character’s complexity and enduring appeal. There is no doubt, though, that Hackman’s original will live on through the ages. RIP legend.

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