Who is the villain in Superman (2025)?

In Superman (2025), Lex Luthor serves as the central villain, with Nicholas Hoult cast in the role. This aligns with the established DC Universe direction under James Gunn's creative leadership. The film establishes Luthor as Superman's ideological and physical opponent, setting up their classic conflict. Notably, the subsequent film Man of Tomorrow reveals that Superman and Luthor temporarily ally against a greater threat, Brainiac, suggesting Luthor's role evolves beyond a standalone villain in the initial installment. The Wikipedia source confirms Luthor's casting and his foundational role in the narrative, while also indicating potential character development in future DCU installments.