Fresh reports have suggested that Superman & Lois will feature an iteration of Lex Luthor from another Earth. Played by Tyler Hoechlin, the Arrowverse's version of Clark Kent/Superman debuted during Supergirl season 2. The character has remained an intermittent presence ever since and was eventually joined by Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane. The pair were introduced to the CW's wider shared universe when they aided the heroes during the Elseworlds crossover event. They both returned during the even more ambitious and well-received Crisis on Infinite Earths event.
Serving as both an ending and a new beginning for the Arrowverse, Crisis on Infinite Earths had far-reaching implications. Not only did it serve as the dramatic swan-song for Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) and a changing of the regular superhero guard but it merged various parallel Earths into one. Though previously inhabitants of Earth-38, Superman, Lois Lane, and the cast of Supergirl now lived on Earth-Prime alongside the other heroes - including the relative Arrowverse newcomers of Batwoman. The move directly set up the titular standalone series for Superman and Lois, which skipped the pilot stage and was immediately greenlit for a 13-episode season. Soon after the announcement, casting details revealed that Wolé Parks would play a mysterious villain known only as "The Stranger" and Emmanuelle Chriqui would feature as Lana Lang.
According to The Illuminderdi, an anonymous source has revealed to them that "The Stranger" will actually be Lex Luthor from a parallel Earth. As it stands, the potential revelation is little more than a rumor at this stage. As such, it should be taken with a grain of salt. However, the report does line up with previous Superman & Lois details - which stated that The Stranger would be on a mission to prove that the world doesn't need Superman. Since the character's comic book debut in 1940, that goal has been one that Lex Luthor has pursued with ruthless efficiency across several different mediums.
A version of Lex Luthor already exists within the Arrowverse. Played by Jon Cryer, the character first appeared on-screen during Supergirl season 4, episode 15, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Despite it being established that he has a long history with the Arrowverse's Superman, he has mostly persisted as a nemesis for Kara Danvers/Supergirl (Melissa Benoist). That does little to offset the accuracy of the rumor, however. After all, the multiverse has long been an established part of the Arrowverse - with heroes frequently visiting and visited by characters from parallel Earths. Though that multiverse was seemingly wiped out of existence during Crisis on Infinite Earths, several brief vignettes (including one with the heroes of DC Universe's Stargirl) revealed that it was still out there - unbeknownst to the heroes.
If the rumors turn out to be true, it would, therefore, open several interesting avenues for Superman & Lois and the wider Arrowverse. It could be through this version of Lex that Superman and the rest of the heroes finally learn of the new multiverse. That in turn would pave the way for interesting crossover potential and even more fresh iterations of familiar characters. Equally, it would allow Clark Kent to have his comic book nemesis without encroaching on Supergirl or needing viewers to be familiar with the history of that show's Lex. Based on his past work, Parks certainly has the right demeanor and gravitas to pull off a compelling and distinct Lex Luthor. As such, that - and the mere idea of the Man of Steel facing off against a version of his iconic archenemy - would also no doubt further excite even those already eager for the show.
Superman & Lois is still scheduled to premiere in January 2021.
Source: The Illuminerdi