Superman’s First Reviews: Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Steals the Show in DC’s Reboot

Superman’s First Reviews are electrifying the internet, and Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman 2025 is a standout topic. Premiering at the TCL Chinese Theatre on July 7, 2025, and hitting theaters worldwide on July 11, this DC Universe DCU reboot has sparked intense debate.

While David Corenswet’s Superman and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane draw praise, it’s Hoult’s cunning, charismatic Lex Luthor that’s generating major buzz.

Critics and fans alike are dissecting his performance, with some calling it iconic and others noting its bold departure from past iterations. Let’s compile every review and comment on Hoult’s villainous turn, exploring why he’s the talk of this Man of Steel revival.

What Are Critics Saying About Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor?

A Diabolical Triumph

Critics are raving about Hoult’s Lex Luthor, emphasizing his magnetic presence. Courtney Howard, a respected critic, described him as delightfully diabolical, bringing a layered menace to the role, @Lulamaybelle, July 8, 2025.

Her review highlights Hoult’s ability to balance charm and malice, making Lex a compelling foil to Corenswet’s earnest Superman.

Fandango’s Erik Davis echoed this, noting that Hoult’s performance elevates the film’s thrilling start to the DCU, suggesting his Lex is a cornerstone of the reboot’s success.

These comments position Hoult as a scene-stealer, with his sharp wit and commanding screen presence drawing near-universal acclaim.Charisma and Complexity

Brandon Davis of the Phase Hero podcast praised Hoult’s Lex as a highlight, describing him as slick, intelligent, and menacing, with a charisma that rivals Corenswet’s heroic charm.

Davis noted that Hoult’s Lex feels ripped from the comics, blending the calculating genius of John Byrne’s post-Crisis Lex with a modern, tech-mogul edge.

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff also lauded Hoult, saying his Lex brings well-placed humor and gravitas to key scenes, making every confrontation with Superman crackle with tension.

These reviews suggest Hoult captures Lex’s essence, a brilliant but narcissistic adversary, in a way that resonates with DC fans.A Fresh Take on a Classic Villain

GQ Magazine’s review called Hoult’s Lex one of the most distinct villain performances in recent superhero films, praising his ability to avoid caricature while embracing the role’s theatricality.

The critic highlighted a scene where Lex manipulates a boardroom with chilling precision, showcasing Hoult’s knack for subtle menace.

On X, @RachelLeishman celebrated Hoult’s Lex as a perfect blend of menace and charisma, noting that he makes the character feel fresh yet timeless, @RachelLeishman, July 8, 2025.

These reactions underscore Hoult’s reinvention of Lex, distancing him from Jesse Eisenberg’s erratic DCEU portrayal and Gene Hackman’s campy charm.

Fan Reactions on X: Hoult’s Lex Sparks Debate

High Praise from Fans

Fans on X are largely thrilled with Hoult’s Lex Luthor. @bestever23 called him a standout, saying his performance feels like Lex leapt off the comic page, with a cunning energy that rivals classic portrayals, @bestever23, July 8, 2025. @neilvagg, who saw a 30-minute preview, raved about Hoult’s chilling delivery in a key confrontation with Superman, calling it Oscar-worthy.

Another user, @SupermanFanatic, tweeted that Hoult’s Lex is the best since Michael Rosenbaum in Smallville, praising his sleek, corporate villain vibe. These posts reflect a fanbase energized by Hoult’s commanding take, seeing it as a high point of the DCU’s launch.

Some Mixed Sentiments

Not all fan reactions are glowing. @filmsbyJuan, while critical of the film overall, admitted Hoult’s Lex is a saving grace, though he felt the character’s motivations were underdeveloped, @filmsbyJuan, July 8, 2025.

@ecranlarge.bsky.social expressed mixed feelings, saying Hoult’s Lex is charismatic but occasionally overshadowed by the film’s chaotic pacing, @ecranlarge.bsky.social, July 8, 2025.

These critiques suggest that while Hoult’s performance is widely admired, some fans feel the script doesn’t fully showcase Lex’s potential, a minor blemish on an otherwise stellar turn.

Highlights of Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Reviews

• Critical Acclaim: Critics call Hoult’s Lex delightfully diabolical, charismatic, and a perfect comic-book villain.

• Scene-Stealing Presence: Hoult’s sharp wit and menacing charm make him a standout, rivaling Corenswet’s Superman.

• Fan Excitement: X users praise Hoult’s fresh, timeless take, with some calling it Oscar-worthy.

• Minor Critiques: Some fans note underdeveloped motives or pacing issues but still admire Hoult’s performance.

• Film Context: Superman premieres July 7, 2025, and releases worldwide on July 11, 2025.

Why Is Hoult’s Lex Luthor Resonating?

A Modern Comic-Book Villain

Hoult’s Lex draws inspiration from modern DC comics, portraying him as a tech billionaire with a god complex, per Gunn’s comments to io9. Critics note that Hoult nails Lex’s duality, a public-facing philanthropist hiding a ruthless agenda.

His performance aligns with Gunn’s vision of a hopeful yet complex DCU, where villains like Lex challenge Superman’s moral clarity.

Brandon Davis highlighted a scene where Lex’s calculated cruelty contrasts with Superman’s kindness, a dynamic that anchors the film’s themes of truth and justice.

This comic-accurate approach makes Hoult’s Lex a linchpin for the DCU’s narrative.Reinventing a Legacy

Past Lex Luthors, from Hackman’s sly schemer to Eisenberg’s manic tech bro, set a high bar.

Hoult’s version, per GQ, avoids these archetypes, offering a grounded yet theatrical villain who feels both contemporary and timeless. X user @SupermanFanatic praised Hoult’s ability to make Lex feel dangerous without over-the-top theatrics, a sentiment echoed by Nemiroff’s review.

Hoult’s prior roles in The Menu and Mad Max: Fury Road showcase his range, which critics say he leverages to make Lex both relatable and terrifying, a key factor in his widespread praise.

Impact on the DC Brand

Superman’s mixed reviews, with some like Peter Howell criticizing its plot, make Hoult’s consistent acclaim a bright spot.

His performance could anchor future DCU projects, as Lex is rumored to appear in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow 2026, per web sources.

The film’s $250 million budget demands strong box office performance, and Hoult’s buzz, reflected in X posts like @neilvagg’s, could draw audiences.

As the review embargo lifts fully on July 8, 2025, at 3 PM EST, and Rotten Tomatoes scores emerge, Hoult’s Lex may prove a cornerstone of DC’s revitalization.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor in Superman is a triumph, earning near-universal praise in Superman’s first reviews for its charisma, menace, and comic-book fidelity.

Critics like Courtney Howard and fans on X celebrate his diabolical charm, with only minor critiques about pacing or motive depth.

As the DCU launches with Superman on July 11, 2025, Hoult’s performance stands as a beacon of promise, potentially redefining DC’s villain roster.

Whether you’re a comic fan or new to Metropolis, Hoult’s Lex is a must-see. Catch the film and decide: is this the greatest Lex Luthor yet?