Superman’s Nicholas Hoult Shared The Advice Michael Rosenbaum Gave Him About Playing Lex Luthor, And The Smallville Actor Had A Lovely Response

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Despite initially auditioning for the role of Superman, Nicholas Hoult ultimately secured the part of Lex Luthor with no ill will involved, as he recognized from reading the script that the antagonist role was more suitable for him. To deliver an outstanding portrayal of Superman’s infamous nemesis, Hoult received advice from Michael Rosenbaum, who played Luthor in Smallville. In return, Rosenbaum graciously acknowledged Hoult’s kind words.

Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor Advice to Nicholas Hoult

When assuming a classic character such as Lex Luthor for James Gunn’s Superman film, it can be beneficial to seek guidance from actors who have previously played villainous roles. Jesse Eisenberg, the actor who portrayed Lex Luthor in Batman V. Superman, offered Nicholas Hoult some straightforward advice – essentially, he suggested that Hoult should avoid watching his own performance as a reference point.

Contrarily, Nicholas Hoult found himself face-to-face with the Lex Luthor he admired from his youth – Michael Rosenbaum of Smallville. They’ve had a couple of opportunities to cross paths. A year ago, they discussed Hoult preparing for the role on Rosenbaum’s podcast, and they reconnected on set during Rosenbaum’s guest appearance in Superman. Recently, Hoult opened up to Entertainment Weekly about their meeting, expressing his feelings about encountering the actor who brought his childhood adversary to life.

Truly, he was incredibly kind and motivating, offering me a sense of liberation, self-assurance, and backing that felt truly delightful. He was likely the first Luthor actor I ever witnessed during my childhood. Thus, being able to converse with him prior was quite extraordinary. I value his generosity, his time spent with me, but moreover, his encouragement held significant weight.

As a fellow movie enthusiast, I wholeheartedly resonate with Nicholas Hoult, having grown up watching Michael Rosenbaum embody the complex character of Lex Luthor in the groundbreaking series “Smallville.” This show was undoubtedly one of the finest DC superhero productions tailored for the contemporary era, offering a captivating glimpse into Clark Kent’s early life and the origins of Superman.

Rosenbaum’s portrayal of Lex Luthor was nothing short of remarkable, striking the perfect balance between his sinister intentions and understated demeanor. The friendship between Lex and Clark, which served as a catalyst for unveiling secrets surrounding the Kryptonian newcomer, added an extra layer of intrigue to the series.

It was undoubtedly a special moment for Nicholas Hoult when he had the chance to meet Michael Rosenbaum. Just before their goodbyes, the podcast host took the opportunity to share some wise counsel with the future Lex Luthor. Hoult later shared that he found these insights particularly valuable.

What he said was encouraging and delightful: ‘You’ve got this. Enjoy yourself.’ It’s quite inspiring and heartwarming to embody a character that someone else has portrayed skillfully, especially when they acknowledge your performance positively by saying, ‘Go for it. Take on the challenge.’ Such words provide a significant boost of confidence. His gesture was thoughtful because taking over a role previously played by others can be an unusual experience in acting. Typically, there’s no direct comparison when portraying unique characters, but when multiple interpretations exist, comparisons inevitably arise.

It seems that Michael Rosenbaum expressed a desire to play Lex Luthor instead of Jesse Eisenberg, but it appears he has graciously agreed for Nicholas Hoult to assume the role instead.

It’s clear from a recently-released clip that Nicholas Hoult relished playing his part in the new Superman production, where Lex Luthor pokes fun at Superman for forgetting his dog. Despite the weight of portraying a character that has been acted many times before, the actor has garnered praise for his performance.

Michael Rosenbaum’s Reaction to Nicholas Hoult’s Praises

Nicholas Hoult’s kind words about Michael Rosenbaum didn’t escape the eyes of the talented actor. Rosenbaum took to Instagram to return the favor for Hoult, writing:

It’s truly heartwarming when Nicholas compliments me so gracefully. I absolutely admire him, not just for his acting skills but also as a person. He’s destined to shine like a star and leave everyone spellbound. From the get-go, I made it clear to him that he’s in capable hands with James.

Michael Rosenbaum has a good understanding of the subject, as he worked with James Gunn on both Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Vol. 3, portraying Martinex. It’s likely that he feels confident that Gunn’s interpretation of Lex Luthor would be something that his long-time friend would approve of.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia when I crossed paths with Smallville’s beloved Lex character who dispensed sage counsel regarding my role. Fortunately, we’re arranging another meeting on his podcast for us to delve into our perspectives about the upcoming Superman. You can catch my portrayal of Lex Luthor in the 2025 movie release that’s currently gracing theater screens nationwide.

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2025-07-17 23:09