Nicholas Hoult is about to introduce a new version of Lex Luthor to the world thanks to Superman. A new look at the antagonist has been released, giving viewers a taste of what they will confront on the big screen once the blockbuster premieres later this summer. Clark Kent (David Corneswet) will try to save as many people as possible, but the determined billionaire will try to make sure that the Man of Steel becomes a failure as a hero. Hoult also talked about some of his inspirations for his performance as Lex Luthor. It all goes back to Michael Rosenbaum‘s portrayal of the character from the Smallville television series.

“Gene’s one of my all-time faves, just as an actor in general. I went back and watched Gene, and Michael Rosenbaum, who was the first Lex I saw, growing up watching Smallville [on TV]. It’s interesting when you play a character that’s been played before — you’re working from a different script, but it’s fun to draw inspiration from all of those places.”

Michael Rosenbaum played Lex Luthor over the course of ten seasons. Tom Welling was responsible for playing Luthor’s greatest adversary, the young man known as Clark Kent. The characters were presented as friends for some time, but when Luthor’s true nature rose to the surface, it was evident that the legendary rivalry from DC Comics would come to life on the screen eventually. Nicholas Hoult will be given the opportunity to play a new version of the classic comic book villain in the upcoming movie directed by James Gunn.

Superman will follow Clark Kent as he attempts to balance his life as the Last Son of Krypton and a journalist for the Daily Planet. While a relationship with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) helps to balance things out, it will be hard for Superman to become a hero who can be admired by the people he saves. Lex Luthor will be a direct reflection of society’s disdain towards Superman. After playing Beast in the X-Men movies for so long, Nicholas Hoult is ready to show the world that he can be a compelling villain.

The Talented Cast of ‘Superman’

James Gunn recruited a wide variety of talented stars to perform in the first theatrical installment of the DCU. Nathan Fillion will portray Guy Gardner, a member of the Green Lantern Corps. Isabela Merced, who recently stole the spotlight during the second season of The Last of Us, will play Hawkgirl on the big screen. The presence of many heroes invites the introduction of major threats. María Gabriela de Faría will shock the world as the fearsome Engineer, a character who belongs to The Authority in the comic books that inspired one of the most anticipated movies of the year.

Superman premieres in theaters on July 11.

via Collider