James Gunn's new Superman: Legacy movie is rumored to feature some popular DC Comics characters. As the DCEU is being phased out, the new DC Universe is getting ready to launch. Peter Safran and Gunn announced in late January several projects for the DCU's Chapter 1, titled "Gods and Monsters." One of the installments they're developing is Superman: Legacy, which will arrive in 2025.
With Gunn serving as writer and director on Superman: Legacy, a new Man of Steel is getting cast. However, there are several classic DC characters that are rumored to appear in the reboot. According to Jeff Sneider on The Hot Mic Podcast, three core players are said to be part of Superman: Legacy. Supposedly, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Lex Luthor will appear in the film. Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios have yet to comment on this rumor. Sneider said:
The thing I am told is that Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Lex Luthor are all in the movie.
Will Lex Luthor Be the Villain Of Superman: Legacy?
While Lex Luthor is rumored for Superman: Legacy, the bigger question is if he will be the main villain. The last time Lex was one of the main villains in a DC movie was Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Since then, Lex has been absent from the big screen. However, it is worth noting that Lex has served as the primary antagonist in past Superman franchises.
It's possible that Lex Luthor may be a supporting character in Superman: Legacy, but not the central villain. The reboot could seed the idea for Lex to have a villain role in a future sequel. It would feel repetitive if Superman had to face Lex as his first main villain. Instead, having the franchise build to a larger war between the two would be far more interesting.
Additionally, There are so many Superman villains that have yet to appear on the big screen. Starting a new Superman franchise with a different main villain will also help the reboot stand out from past films. Hopefully, that is something Gunn is taking into consideration if Lex Luthor truly is in Superman: Legacy. As for Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, since they're mainstays of the Superman mythos, it makes sense for them to appear in Superman: Legacy.
Source: The Hot Mic Podcast/YouTube
