DC just made the DCEU’s Lex Luthor crime even more unforgivable

Superman & Lois Arguably made the DC Extended Universe’s Lex Luthor look worse with his new iteration of Superman’s most iconic DC rival. While Superman’s Golden Age Adventures initially positioned the ultra-human as the Man of Steel’s nemesis, Lex Luthor would soon replace him as Superman’s main rival. As Lex Luthor’s genius, obsessive hatred of Superman, and personal connection to Clark Kent were developed further over the decades, he would become not only Superman’s greatest enemy, but also one of his most complex.

Not surprisingly, Lex Luthor is featured in an abundance of Superman adaptations, with Gene Hackman juxtaposing a comedic flair with his lack of empathy in the Richard Donner Superman films. Michael Rosenbaum would portray Lex Luthor over the long run Smallville TV series, with his iteration growing into the role of Superman’s bitter rival. The DC Animated Universe would also feature a fascinating and iconic take on Lex Luthor (voiced by Clancy Brown), who was initially portrayed as a corrupt businessman inspired by John Byrne’s post-Crisis comics, but who transitioned into the role of a mad scientist and criminal syndicate leader.

Superman & Lois season 4’s Lex Luthor story makes the DCEU’s version look worse

Taylor Hoechlin portrays Superman in both Supergirl And Superman & Loiswith the two points inhabiting different continuities. The Supergirl Iteration of Lex Luthor – played by Jon Cryer – is a completely ruthless modernized take on the classic criminal mastermind and mad scientist image of Luthor, making him a credible threat to even the likes of Supergirl and Superman. Superman & Lois Establishes a new version, however, played by Michael Cudlitz. This iteration too Has an established history as Superman’s arch nemesis, but has spent the last 17 years in prison seeking revenge On both Superman and Lois Lane.

Michael Cudlitz’s Lex Luthor is a slight departure from most versions of the iconic villain, with Lex having a physically imposing build in Superman & LoisLikely as a result of his nearly two decades in prison. Some viewers may argue that this and other factors make him a more suitable reimagining of Lex Luthor than the Jesse Eisenberg version. who serves as the main antagonist of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice In the DCEU. Eisenburg’s Lex Luthor included many of the comic iteration’s most prominent features, but he is nonetheless controversial among many viewers.

Why the DCEU version of Lex Luthor is so controversial

Jesse Eisenburg’s Lex Luthor is in many ways an authentic and comically accurate version of Superman’s greatest enemy, with Dawn of justice Give Luthor some similarities to his image in Superman: Birthright. Luthor is socially awkward and quirky, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most dangerous characters in the DCEU. Lex Luthor’s manipulations pit Superman and Batman against each other and lead to many horrified deaths throughout. Dawn of justiceWith Superman himself being the film’s final casualty, having been killed by Doomsday – Lex Luthor’s creation in the DCEU.

Unfortunately, many viewers did not like Eisenberg’s version of Lex LuthorAnd he ends up as one of the many polarizing elements of Dawn of justice. Some viewers found Eisenberg’s Luthor to be too funny and unhinged, perhaps lacking the seriousness and gravitas that many would expect from Superman’s ultimate foe. Although notable, Gene Hackman’s version of Luthor also combined occasional goofy antics with his deadly criminal schemes. Unfortunately, Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor never really had a second chance with viewers, only briefly appearing again at the end of 2017’s. Justice League And these Zack Snyder’s Justice League Director’s cut.

Superman & Lois’ Lex Luthor is exactly what the DCEU needed

Although both the Jesse Eisenberg and Michael Cudlitz versions of Lex Luthor are portrayed as master manipulators and criminal geniuses, the two have vastly different demeanors. In the DCEU, Eisenberg’s Luthor becomes Superman’s nemesis over the course of Dawn of justice And is initially a seemingly unhinged and almost stupid take on the character – despite resembling the classic Lex Luthor through his subsequent appearances. Cudlitz’s version carries with it an intensity and fury This comes from an established history with Superman and many years of incarceration.

For this reason, critics of Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor who otherwise enjoyed the DCEU may wish the franchise made Luthor more than his Superman & Lois iteration. Zack Snyder’s DCEU films are notable for their intensity and often gritty spins on classic DC characters, Perhaps making a version of Lex Luthor like Michael Cudlitz’s a natural fit for them. In any case, both Jesse Eisenberg’s DCEU version and Michael Cudlitz’s iteration in Superman & Lois are ruthless criminal masterminds who are worthy threats to their respective versions of Superman.

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