Actor Nicholas Hoult is reportedly being eyed for a major role in James Gunn's upcoming DC Studios film, Superman: Legacy.
The Hollywood Reporter recently claimed Hoult is one of several actors being looked at to play the iconic supervillain, Lex Luthor. However, it should be noted that Deadline reporter Justin Kroll later suggested that Hoult is being eyed for the role of Clark Kent. It should be noted that neither one of these claims have been officially confirmed.
Hoult is known for playing Hank McCoy, also known as Beast, in Fox's X-Men saga, before the studio was acquired by Disney. His appearance in the franchise began in X-Men: First Class and came to an end in X-Men: Dark Phoenix in 2019. According to reports, there were talks of a Beast-focused X-Men spinoff film. While a script was drafted, it ultimately went unproduced.
Who Is in the Running For the Man of Steel?
At the current time, there has been no official word on who might play Superman: Legacy's titular Man of Steel. Casting only recently began, with Gunn himself stating at the end of April that the DC film already had several choices for its star role. There has also been no official word on the film's central antagonist, though rumors suggest it will be Superman's classic arch-nemesis Lex Luthor.
Superman: Legacy is being written and directed by Gunn. The film was announced as the first release of DC Studios and Chapter One of the new DCU, titled "Gods and Monsters." Pre-production on the Superman film recently began in mid-April and few details have been officially released since then. Gunn only confirmed at the time, "Costumes, production design, and more now up and running."
What Fans Know About Superman: Legacy
Regarding casting, Gunn has only confirmed that the upcoming film will see one of the stars of his Marvel Cinematic Universe films, Guardians of the Galaxy, though he did not provide any details or hints concerning which actor specifically. He did, however, explain why fans are likely to see him collaborate with the same actors. Citing filmmakers such as Martin Scorcese, Quentin Tarantino and more who work with the same stars, Gunn stated, "We know how they work, how they tick, we develop a shorthand. We know they're reliable, good people."
Superman: Legacy centers on a younger Clark Kent, as he continues to struggle in balancing his life on Earth with this Kryptonian heritage. Hinting at the film's depiction of the iconic superhero, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran stated, "Superman represents truth, justice and the American way... He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old fashioned."
Superman: Legacy is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.
Source: THR, Twitter