Summary:
- Michael Rosenbaum, known for his portrayal of Lex Luthor in “Smallville,” is open to reprising the role in James Gunn’s DC Universe.
- Despite expressing interest and having a friendly chat with Gunn, Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Lex Luthor in the new Superman film.
- Rosenbaum trusts Gunn’s judgment and remains hopeful for future opportunities, while fans can revisit his iconic Lex Luthor on “Smallville” streaming on Hulu.
Michael Rosenbaum, who brought Lex Luthor to life in the beloved series “Smallville,” has expressed interest in reprising the role for James Gunn’s DC Universe (DCU). However, there’s a twist!
During a recent appearance at Nashville ComicCon 2024, Rosenbaum addressed a question lingering in many fans’ minds: Why wouldn’t Gunn consider him for Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman reboot? Having played the iconic villain for seven seasons on “Smallville,” Rosenbaum seems like a natural fit.
“I’m always up for a challenge. I’m always up for fun. Whatever comes to me, I look at it, and if it’s not too silly, or if it makes me laugh, or I think I could do a really good job or I think I can make an impression, I’ll do it.”
The 51-year-old actor revealed he had a friendly chat with Gunn, where he expressed his enthusiasm for challenges and his desire to return to the DC universe. He emphasized his willingness to consider any role that’s not “too silly” and allows him to make a significant impact.
“I asked him, ‘Why am I not in Superman? Why am I not in the movie somehow?’ It was fine, though. I wish him all the happiness. He deserves all the success he has. He’s enormously talented. When it’s the right thing, he’ll ask me. Or he won’t. And that’s aside from friendship. When your friends go off and do big things, you say, ‘Hey, they know I’m here. They know my number’. And you just hope for the best.”
While clearly interested, Rosenbaum recognizes the ultimate decision rests with Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios. He playfully acknowledges their friendship and trusts Gunn to reach out when the right opportunity arises.
As of now, Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Lex Luthor in the new Superman film, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman.
Interestingly, Nicholas Hoult, during an interview on Rosenbaum’s podcast “Inside of You,” revealed he actually drew inspiration from Rosenbaum’s performance in “Smallville.” He spoke highly of the depth and complexity Rosenbaum brought to the character.
“I grew up. I think the first ever Lex I saw was you. Yeah, I grew up when Smallville was on, I can’t remember if it was Channel 4 or Channel 5 in the UK, but like growing up. I was like 11, 12, I guess.”
While Rosenbaum might not be Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman film, fans can still enjoy his portrayal on “Smallville,” currently streaming on Hulu. The new Superman movie, featuring Hoult’s Lex Luthor, is slated for release on July 11, 2025.
