James Gunn Claims Lex Luthor Isn’t a Villain, Superman Fans Prove He Is
James Gunn sparked conversation among DC fans after sharing a birthday message about one of Superman’s most infamous adversaries. The DC Studios co-head referenced Lex Luthor’s legacy while hinting at the character’s evolving dynamic in an upcoming film.
His remarks quickly prompted discussion online, with viewers revisiting Luthor’s past actions on screen as anticipation builds for the next chapter in the DC Universe.
James Gunn shares Happy Birthday post for ‘protector’ Lex Luthor
James Gunn marked Lex Luthor’s anniversary by referencing the character’s DC Comics debut and teasing his role in Man of Tomorrow. Gunn wrote, “Happy Birthday to the ambitious and unstoppable CEO and scientist Lex Luthor, who most definitely is NOT a villain, but instead of protector of earth and humanity (he swears on a stack of Bibles).” He added, “We’ll see how he does working with arch-nemesis Superman in MAN OF TOMORROW, in theaters summer of 27. He first appeared in SUPERMAN #4, written by Jerry Siegel, with pencils by Joe Shuster and inks by Paul Cassidy.”
Man of Tomorrow will be released in United States theaters on July 9, 2027, from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. Directed by Gunn, the film follows 2025’s Superman and stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, with Lars Eidinger appearing as Brainiac. Filming is scheduled to begin later this year, and Hoult’s Luthor previously appeared in Superman and made a cameo in Peacemaker Season 2.
Superman fans react to James Gunn’s statement
Users on X responded to Gunn’s description of Luthor as a “protector.” One user wrote, “Even though in Superman, he was willing to allow People to die in the rift but he’s still the ‘protector’.”
Another posted, “I’m still trying to wrap my head around how he is not a villain because he literally killed an innocent man in the previous movie.” A third user added, “Didn’t he execute an innocent falafel cart vendor? Bro should be in prison for that alone, falafels are great.”
Other users referenced the upcoming film’s premise. One wrote, “Lex Luthor as hero? That’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming! Can’t wait to see the dynamic with Superman in MAN OF TOMORROW.”
Gunn stated that Superman and Lex Luthor will work together in Man of Tomorrow, though he did not disclose further plot details.
Source: Comingsoon.net