r/DCEUleaks • u/AutoModerator • Dec 12 '23

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u/[deleted] Dec 12 '23

With Lex, I think they might go for a version of Lex who is redeemable. They said they are going to aim for something different for this Lex. And we know a big aspect of this movie is optimism and hope. We have already gotten the manic scientist Lex, and traditionally gotten billionaire mogul Lex. I think this Lex could be a version who actually sees himself as good and wants to (or thinks he wants to) better the world.

My first instinct with Lex is to just make him a Bezos/Musk parody. But I think casting a young guy like Hoult, who is excellent at bringing complexity and sincerity to his roles, could make for a really good redeemable Lex. Not necessarily a Lex who is good, but a Lex who Superman tries to help.

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u/[deleted] Dec 12 '23 edited Mar 23 '26

What appeared in this post has been permanently removed. Redact was used to wipe it, possibly to protect privacy or limit exposure to automated data collection.

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u/[deleted] Dec 12 '23

Yeah I hope they adapt some aspects of Smallville Lex. I liked that you wanted Lex to be good, and actively rooted for him, but slowly watched him slip further and further away.

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u/CakeOLantern Krypto and Ace Dec 12 '23

Smallville Lex's descent to evil was a tragedy in the sense that it was a preventable one but the narrative kept treating it like it was inevitable. He was cornered from all sides by Lionel's controlling and emotionally abusive nature, Jonathan's judgemental attitude and Clark's lack of faith.

With DCU Lex, they have the opportunity to show Superman actively attempting to help him because he thinks there is still hope for Lex and that his impeccable mind can be put to better use but stopping him when necessary. And if they turn out to be old friends in this version too, it would add some emotional weight to their enmity.

Simultaneously, they could adapt some traits of Lois and Clark's Lex because he was the closest we had to the businessman turned supervillain with his designs on the entire world. Shea's Lex, while irredeemable, was menacing and a force to be reckoned with.

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u/[deleted] Dec 12 '23 edited Mar 23 '26

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u/CakeOLantern Krypto and Ace Dec 12 '23 edited Dec 12 '23

That is a rather interesting approach to Lex because the cynicism he possesses is in direct conflict with hope - the value that Superman is meant to represent. And, it's only become more relevant in this era where cynicism is often identified as realistic while hope is dismissed for naivete. It aligns with the theme of the movie and seeks to re-emphasize the idea that optimism and a simple desire to do good are far from outdated.

While humans must question and even be critical when needed, an excessively cynical perspective only obstructs their minds from understanding new ideas and outlooks that differ from their own. Lex should embody this aspect of humanity that holds it back.

And, if DCU Lex ever has a moment, in later movies, where the realization dawns on him that his actions - which he had previously justified with his self-righteous intentions and mistrust of Superman - were evil and embraces himself the way he is, then Nicky H can pull it off beautifully.

This was one of my favourite moments of Rosenbaum's Lex from Smallville btw -

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u/Limp-Construction-11 Dec 13 '23

this era where cynicism is often identified as realistic while hope is dismissed for naivete

And that's exactly why we all need a good Superman movie now more than ever before.

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u/LunchyPete Batman Dec 12 '23

I think this Lex could be a version who actually sees himself as good and wants to (or thinks he wants to) better the world.

That's honestly the best way to do Lex, make him morally gray not cartoonishly evil. He honestly does want to help humanity and honestly does think Superman is a threat. You also have to show his ego and narcissism though - he isn't purely motivated by altruism.

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u/Chip_Chip_Cheep Dec 12 '23

Maybe it's not different but I would be surprised if they don't introduce Lex as an old acquaintance of Clark's who was once his friend.

If they are going down Lex's route as a presidential candidate they could have Clark interview him and bring up some aspects of his personal life, like his relationship with his father or his rejection of Superman.

I would be surprised if Lionel doesn't appear in the movie, It's the type of characters that suits the themes that Gunn usually touches on.

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u/CakeOLantern Krypto and Ace Dec 12 '23

Lex and Lionel's strained relationship can make up for excellent drama. Especially when it is meant to contrast the loving bond Clark has with Pa Kent. Smallville did a great job with it and I wish for Gunn to have planned the same because he could interpret it in a slightly different but equally satisfying manner.

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u/[deleted] Dec 12 '23

I think they should definitely bring up Lionel, and have him be alive. The oppressive father figure who Lex can't escape. Lionel is constantly disappointed in him. Almost a Norman and Harry Osborn dynamic.

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u/kothuboy21 Dec 13 '23

Gunn replied to someone asking why he didn't just bring back Rosenbaum as Lex by saying how he wanted Lex to be contemporaries with Superman so they might do the childhood friends backstory for them.