A major Lex Luthor reveal in Superman & Lois sets up a villain war occurring later on in season 3. Lex isn’t a part of the show yet, but it’s no secret that he’ll be on hand soon. The CW has even offered an early look at its interpretation of the classic DC Comics villain, who will be brought to life on the small screen by Walking Dead alum Michael Cudlitz.
As season 3 has already indicated, Lex won’t be alone in posing a threat to the Kent family. Even without Superman’s archenemy around, the main characters currently have their hands full with Chad L. Coleman’s Bruno Mannheim and his Intergang minions. Not afraid of standing up to Superman. Mannheim has made it clear that he isn’t backing down and is willing to go as far as making blatant threats on Steel’s family to get what he wants. Making matters worse is what they know about his illegal operations. With Superman’s blood, he’s able to turn people into living weapons. And if that isn’t enough, Clark and Lois will also have Lex to be concerned about when the character makes his presence known.
Superman & Lois Hints At A Lex Luthor & Bruno Mannheim Conflict
Based on a comment made in Superman & Lois season 3, episode 4, titled “Too Close to Home,” it’s not just the Kents and Steel who need to be worried about Lex when he inevitably shows up. According to Mannheim, his takeover of Intergang was made possible by Lex Luthor murdering Boss Moxie, the organization’s original leader. In the comic books, Moxie Mannheim was Bruno’s father. There’s no indication in the show thus far that their TV counterparts share this relationship, but whether they’re related or not, Lex being at odds with Intergang should make his character and Bruno Mannheim natural enemies in the series.
Superman & Lois avoided explaining exactly why Lex killed Boss Moxie, but it’s a revelation that makes sense when considering his comic history. As a powerful, criminal organization with access to alien technology, it’s not surprising that someone like Lex would want control over them, hence why he eventually did assume the leadership role in DC Comics. This being one of Lex’s goals in Superman & Lois would provide an easy explanation for his murder of Boss Moxie. Of course, it was Mannheim – and not Lex – who took control in the aftermath of Moxie’s death, but that doesn’t mean this matter has been solved. If Lex was willing to kill for control of Intergang, it’s likely he’ll set his sights on Mannheim in season 3.
Lex Luthor’s Connections Make Another Villain Twist Possible
Interestingly, this idea that Lex killed Intergang’s original leader could have everything to do with the endgame planned for Superman & Lois season 3. Right now, Mannheim is the obvious candidate for season 3’s overarching antagonist, but the show’s tendency to offer huge twists with its villain stories shouldn’t be forgotten. And since Michael Cudlitz's Lex Luthor is clearly entangled with Intergang, there’s a very good chance that the ongoing battle with the organization eventually culminates in Lex killing or ousting Mannheim. A clever scheme from Lex Luthor could see the character finish whatever plan Mannheim is setting in motion.
Superman & Lois releases new episodes on Tuesdays on The CW.