Superman introducing an even bigger villain than Doomsday in its recent episodes, the final episodes of the hit series promise to be big and exciting. It seems that the showrunners wish to pack the conclusion with all kinds of iconic characters pulled directly from the pages of DC comics. One of the most iconic villains is already becoming the most exciting of these.

The main villain in Superman projects has often been the iconic Lex Luthor. Examining the excellent Michael Rosenbaum has discussed Lex's legacy after playing what I believe to be the most successful iteration of the villain so far, and the series Superman and Lois appears to be following in that path with a complex and intriguing version of their own.

Superman & Lois' Lex Luthor Is The Most Intensely Malicious Live-Action Version Of The Villain So Far

Michael Cudlitz Has Already Made An Incredible Impact On The Series

It is satisfying to see such a dangerous and terrifying version of Lex Luthor in Superman and Lois. While previous iterations have been marked by their distinguished characterization and mental prowess, Michael Cudlitz’s version of the villain brings a fresh, malicious take on the character. Only two episodes into season 4, Cudlitz has distinguished himself with his raw performance and his disturbing hatred for Superman and even for Lois. This has led to incredible tension through the beginning of the season.

With much of Lex's story already behind Cudlitz's version of the villain, he instead gets to focus on being ruthless and instilling fear in others. This Lex has shown so much disturbing joy at the death of Superman in the series, and he has been using much of that experience as a weapon to taunt Clark’s family. This version of the villain is a stark contrast from versions like Jesse Eisenberg and Gene Hackman, who, while destructive, have been much quieter and more plotting in their experiences.

I Can't Believe How Intense Lex Luthor's Superman & Lois Season 4 Story Is Already

The Character Has Already Made An Incredible Impact In The First Episodes Of The DC Series

Superman and Lois's take on the "Death of Superman" story has already been disturbing and exciting across only two episodes. During this time, Lex has performed some truly despicable actions. He has used Superman's death as an opportunity to taunt his wife and his son. He used Superman's heart and voice to set traps for his family and even made Lois choose between her sons. Perhaps most upsettingly, he stomped on Superman's heart in front of his son.

These moments feel extremely true to the Lex Luthor character, although they are not features that have been seen in much of Superman media through the years. Lex has leaned into madness in several of his film and television appearances in the past, although it is rarely shown as violently as it is here. With the series essentially turning Superboy into Batman in one pivotal scene, it is clear that darkness and terror have been major themes of the new season, and I love it.

Superman & Lois Season 4 Proved Michael Cudlitz Is The Perfect Casting For This Version Of Lex Luthor

Cudlitz Has Provided An Iconic New Take On The Historic Villain

Many actors have played Lex Luthor over the years, and each has brought something different to the role. Michael Cudlitz, who is best known for his appearances on The Walking Dead and his role in Grosse Pointe Blank, has brought something unique to the big bad of the show's final season. An established actor who has been around for some time, Cudlitz brings a new take on the hero that departs from what I have seen from the villain in the past.

Lex Luthor is an iconic role, and seeing an actor like Cudlitz embrace the viciousness of Luthor is an excellent way to differentiate his portrayal while allowing the actor to lean into his strengths. It is hard to imagine any other Luthor performer playing the role quite like this, and yet, somehow, I can’t help but see the possibility that those past Luthors could eventually grow into this iteration. This kind of fearful anger is made to feel natural by Cudlitz's excellent work.

With Superman set to introduce Nicholas Hoult as a younger Lex Luthor next year, now is the perfect time to introduce an unusual and exciting take on the villain for one final season. Superman and Lois has done something truly original with the villain, which makes each episode of the new season a compelling watch. I hope that there is much more of Luthor to come throughout this season as Cudlitz has helped to continue making Superman and Lois into must-watch television.

DC Movie Releases

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  Superman

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  Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

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  The Batman Part II

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