James Gunn responds to ‘Superman’ plot hole debate over Lex Luthor failing to recognize Clark Kent
The filmmaker shared several possible explanations, leaving audiences to decide which fits best with canon.
The constant evolution of comic books has meant that, on more than one occasion, what we see on their pages—as well as on screen—can be contradictory. Whether it’s conflicting ideas or even elements that don’t align with the logic of our reality. A few weeks ago, the topic that sparked debate among comic book fans online was James Gunn’s recent film, ‘Superman,’ where many noticed what appears to be a plot hole that defies logic. And in the midst of this debate, the director himself had to weigh in.
Warning: ‘Superman’ spoilers ahead.
The flaw that Gunn’s critics point out is that Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, has a clone of Superman, played by David Corenswet. This clone, Ultraman, is identical to Superman, except for having long hair, making it unbelievable that Luthor couldn’t realize he bears a striking resemblance to a certain Daily Planet reporter, Clark Kent.
Gunn offers an explanation based on past comics
This discussion reached Gunn, who took to his Threads account to defend himself against these criticisms. And while he doesn’t provide a definitive answer—since he mentions, “Lex doesn’t know who he is, but I don’t know how he would”—he offers several possibilities so that each viewer can draw their own conclusion.
- Lex thinks Superman is a disconnected alien who wants to take over the world, so I’m not sure why he’d assume he has a “secret identity.”
- Hypno Glasses are real. Clark looks like another person.
- Being a genius in some ways doesn’t mean you are a genius in all fields. Like many scientists (& artists!) he can miss basic things.
Gunn’s explanation fits perfectly with decades of DC Comics history. In John Byrne’s famous 1986 Superman run, Lex is shown proof that Clark Kent is Superman, but he ignores it completely. Byrne showed that Lex’s huge ego and sense of superiority make him unable to imagine that connection. The addition of the Hypno-Glasses also has a long history in Silver Age comics. These glasses were first seen in Superman #330 in 1978, written by Martin Pasko and drawn by Curt Swan. They are made of Kryptonian materials. They make Clark’s natural super-hypnosis stronger, so that anyone who looks him in the eye sees someone else.
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But which explanation makes the most sense to you?—if any do. Let us know in the comments.
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