Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor: Villainous with a Wink and a Smile

Gene Hackman's portrayal of Lex Luthor in Superman: The Movie (1978) wasn't just fun but downright delightful. In an era where comic book movies weren't the billion-dollar juggernauts they are today, Hackman brought a mischievous charm to the Man of Steel's arch-nemesis. He wasn't the cold, calculating genius of later adaptations; he was a fast-talking, egotistical mastermind with a flair for the theatrical and a hilarious disdain for his bumbling henchmen.

Hackman's Luthor was a rare breed of villain—dangerous yet irresistibly entertaining. His chemistry with Ned Beatty's Otis and Valerie Perrine's Miss Teschmacher gave the film some of its best comedic moments. Hackman made sure every scene crackled with energy, whether he was rattling off his grandiose real estate schemes or scoffing at Superman's "Kansas farm boy" naivety.

Check out this great short video (just 25 seconds) breaking down his skill at playing to the camera:

Hackman infused Luthor with wit, intelligence, and a dash of campy fun. He made being bad look good and rocked Superman like nobody's business.

Legends never die.