(Image Source: DC / David Finch)
The first look at Lex Luthor‘s warsuit in Man of Tomorrow highlights the greatest strength and weakness of Superman‘s greatest enemy. The genius business magnate is one of the few who can challenge the Man of Steel in multiple arenas. However, despite his wealth, connections and intellect, he loses to Superman more often than not.
Fit check. Live from the set of Man of Tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/I5dxLyCy4h— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) June 1, 2026
The warsuit was first revealed in a social media post by filmmaker James Gunn. The photo shows actor Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor in the DCU, during a fit check on the set of Man of Tomorrow. The suit appears to have been taken directly from the comics, with a green and purple paint-job and stylized mecha appearance.
The only notable change is the warsuit having an physically visible bubble helm, similar to an astronaut or diver helmet. In the comics, Lex Luthor usually has a transparent force-field to protect his face. Inventive as this is, however, it does highlight one of his greatest weaknesses beyond a need for recognition.
Why Lex Luthor’s greatest strength is also his biggest weakness
(Image Source: DC / Jim Lee)
Superman is one of the most powerful beings in the reality of DC Comics. To do battle with his archenemy physically, Lex Luthor requires advanced technology. Fortunately for him, he has the money to buy the best gear possible and the intelligence to develop what doesn’t exist. However, as impressive as Luthor’s warsuit is as a reflection of his genius and wealth, it also reflects how limited he is in his worldview.
Luthor’s focus has always been upon proving himself better than Superman. To that end, most of his arsenal is based upon that goal and Kryptonite figures heavily into most of Luthor’s weaponry. However, while anything designed to stand up to Superman will resist most superheroes, that focus is a liability given the sheer variety of superpowers in existence.
(Image Source: DC / David Finch)
Batman is perhaps the best example of the flaws in Luthor’s worldview. Like Lex, Batman has considerable resources and is quite inventive. They are also both polymaths who have studied a variety of subjects. The key difference, however, is that Batman comes up with general plans to face a variety of challenges. Luthor, by contrast, is so focused upon Superman that he cannot conceive of anyone else being a threat. This has led to his defeat more than once in the comics, as other heroes came to Superman’s aid.
