A few years ago I did my top five Lex Luthor list. Since then, we’ve had no less than four new adaptions of the character. So it seems only right to revise my list and see where I think they rank. As always, just opinion.
#10. Lyle Talbot
Last time I completely ignored this guy because I really don’t care for the old serials. Which isn’t fair lots of lore come from them including kryptonite, the phantom zone, and even Luthor. Predating the series (why was there no Lex Luthor in the original series?) this is truly the OG Luthor. Not only was he the first live action version but his bald look would became the canonical comic look also (he had red hair before this) and his mad scientist motif would stick right until the Crisis caused the major character revamp that created businessman Lex.
#9. Jesse Eisenberg
I actually thought he was a good villain in B vs S, as long as you forget who he’s supposed to be playing. But as Lex Luthor the portrayal is just all over the place. Lex is supposed to be calculating and cunning and there just isn't any of that here. Doesn’t help his plan is ridiculously convoluted. True he's better when he stopped acting like a hyperactive child but not enough.
#8.Sherman Howard
Last time, I hadn’t really seen him outside of a clip on YouTube. Since then AT4W did an episode on Superboy so I was able to get a little more exposure to this Luthor. And he’s still kind of goofy. Even when he was a mad scientist Luthor had a certain charm to him. This guy seems to only have two switches: over the top or crazy loon.
#7.Kevin Spacey
Spacey is hard to place because he’s basically emulating Hackman in Superman Returns. But he’s also somehow emulating Eisenberg at parts (I know that’s impossible). While not as goofy as Sherman there’s just no complexity to him. Doesn’t help he has the dumbest plan of them all. Like Eisenberg he’s fine just not as Luthor. Luthor would never physically attack Superman as he does here.
#6.Titus Welliver/Michael Cudlitz
I don’t really know much about Welliver who appeared in an episode of Titans. But didn’t seem right to not acknowledge him. He seemed fine. As for Superman & Lois, I had my issues with this show but this was an interesting take. This was a Luthor past his prime and after he’s been incarcerated. Interesting change but what really got my attention was the actor. Cudlitz gives a hypnotic performance which made me wonder how I’d never heard of him before this.
#5.John Cryer
Getting some redemption for Superman IV, Cryer appeared as Luthor in Supergirl. Not only was he the start of the “Lex wears a beard” club, but he honestly does a good job. He really showed how Lex can seem decent and even kind one second before flipping his switch to cruel the next. Honorable mention to Katie McGrath as Lena who does not get the love she deserves for that role.
#4.Nicholas Hoult
When I talked about the new movie I didn’t say much about this portrayal. So what did I think? Good, for the most part. He absolutely nailed the quiet scenes, no argument. But he did get a little to yell-y there at the end and it got a little, cartoonish to be honest. We also learn nothing about him aside from his plan which is a bit of a flaw in the movie. Though the plan is very Luthor! When watching a Superman movie if you’re reminded of stuff from the comics, the creators are doing something right.
#3.Gene Hackman
In the interest of full disclosure I should point out my top 3 has not changed from that other list. Talbot may have put the name on the map, but it was Hackman in the first Superman movie that made Luthor the household name he is now. It’s similar to Houk that he can balance the silly moments while also being cold and nasty. They also remember Luthor is a genius which a lot of versions sort of forget. He’s fine in II and IV too.
#2.John Shea
Some may be scratching their heads at this one. But this guy is seriously underrated. Say what you want about Lois & Clark, this was a fantastic version of the character. He was cold and cunning, exactly how Luthor should be, while also having a soft side. Yeah making him fall in love with Lois was lame, but this was still well done. This was straight out of the post crisis comics with him being a billionaire who can’t be touched by the law. And I love that this version isn’t scared of Superman at all.
#1.Michael Rosenbaum
As I said before I thought the idea of Luthor growing up in Smallville with Clark was stupid (though in the comics it was the case in the golden age origin of the character). But like most everyone else I was won over by Rosenbaums performance. He’s the one Lex you can feel could have been a nice guy, if not for the baggage he’s carrying. Cold and cunning but with some traces of humanity. If you haven’t seen this then check it out, his performance is amazing.
This character has stood the test of time with good reason. He’s the perfect foil for Supermen, because he cares for no one all he wants is power. And the fact Superman isn’t as greedy or selfish is baffling to him.
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