Fortress of Solitude
FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
  • Movies
  • TV
  • Anime
  • Gaming
  • Tech
  • Win
No Result
View All Result
POPULAR
  • DC
  • Marvel
  • Superman
  • Batman
  • Star Wars
  • Horror
  • Sci-Fi
  • Netflix
  • Predator: Killer of Killers
FOLLOW US
Newsletter
Fortress of Solitude
FORTRESS
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Predator: Killer of Killers
  • DC
  • Marvel
  • Superman
  • Batman
  • Star Wars
  • Horror
  • Sci-Fi
  • Netflix
Home Movies Movie News

Gene Hackman, The Original Lex Luthor, Has Died

Actor Gene Hackman, known for his iconic portrayal of Superman's greatest nemesis, has died at the age of 95.

Jarrod SaundersbyJarrod Saunders
February 27, 2025
0
Gene Hackman Lex Luthor Dead Died

Custom image created by Jarrod Saunders for Fortress of Solitude

Lex Luthor actor Gene Hackman, recognized for his iconic performances over a span of more than 40 years, has died at 95. He was found dead alongside his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe home Wednesday afternoon. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the couple’s serene Santa Fe Summit residence to investigate why the couple had not been heard from for several days and found the two dead.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that they didn’t suspect any foul play but that the cause of death is still under investigation.

RELATED: Superman Returns Still Has The Best Superman Scene Of All Time

Gene Hackman Lex Luthor Christopher Reeve Superman
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Best known for his portrayal of the iconic villain Lex Luthor in the Superman franchise, Hackman was a several-decade-long figure in critical and audience acclaim for being able to navigate both drama and comedy, equally adept in both genres. But in and of itself, that kind of acclaim would hardly make him unique. After all, Hollywood is filled with actors who are known for being good in both kinds of parts. What perhaps makes Hackman more special is that he was virtually able to own the roles he played.

Lex Luthor, as interpreted by Hackman in Superman: The Movie (1978), remains one of the definitive portrayals of the character. His version of Luthor was a perfect mix of menace, wit, and comic relief. Unlike the cold, calculating mastermind seen in many comic books, Hackman’s Luthor was a humorous, sometimes bumbling, but always a dangerous criminal mastermind. He played the character with a kind of unpredictable charm, making the villain both funny and formidable. Hacksman’s portrayal was not just about schemes and megalomania, but about a character who was always a step ahead of Superman—or at least thought he was.

What really distinguished Luthor, as played by Hackman, was the ability to be comic while also being villainous. Not only was Luthor Superman’s archfoe, but his plots were also frequently ludicrous. They included, but were certainly not limited to, plans to divert a nuclear missile so that it would sink California, and help Zod, Superman’s other main adversary, to overthrow Earth. Yet Hackman’s mix of timing and pomposity kept the character light, delightful, and memorable in a film full of heavy, serious, larger-than-life figures.

RELATED: 12 Greatest Superman Villains Who Pushed the Man of Steel to His Limits

Gene Hackman lex luthor
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Hackman’s Lex Luthor was much more than just a source of laughs. He was a businessman driven by motives that were far from funny, and with a plan that was truly diabolical. He wanted Superman out of the way, not because he had any personal animus against him, but because he wanted wealth, power, and respect. Hackman played Luthor magnificently, and almost everybody can visualize him laughing after saying, “I am a genius!”

While other actors, including Kevin Spacey in Superman Returns, took on the role of Luthor in later years, Hackman’s portrayal is still considered by many fans to be the gold standard.

Tags: ActorsCelebritiesDC NewsMovie NewsSuperhero MoviesSuperman
ShareTweetShareSend

About the Author: Jarrod Saunders

Jarrod Saunders is a Cape Town-based creative and founder of Fortress of Solitude, with over 20 years in film, gaming, and pop culture. He’s directed award-winning movies, built entertainment sites, and somehow still finds time to watch 500 films a year. Also: sneakerhead and part-time superhero.

Related Posts

Red-Sonja-Trailer
Movie News

Red Sonja’s First Trailer Screams Zack Snyder Vibes

July 10, 2025
Movie Titles That Sound Like Keyboard Keys
Movie Lists

10 Movie Titles That Sound Like Keyboard Keys (But Are Actually Real)

July 8, 2025
James-Gunn-The-Batman-Part-II-Script
Movie News

James Gunn Says The Batman Part II Script Is “Great” but Won’t Talk About Bat-Mite

July 8, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MOST READ

James-Gunn-DCU-superheroes
Movie News

James Gunn Reveals The DC’s First Black Female Superhero Is Coming

June 30, 2025
superman 2025
Movie News

A Film Pundit Claims James Gunn’s Superman Is a Mess

June 28, 2025
Ed Boon Mortal Kombat 2 Karl Urban Johnny Cage
Movie News

Ed Boon Says Mortal Kombat 2 ‘Nailed It’

June 28, 2025
Michael Bay New Transformers Movie Sequel
Movie News

Michael Bay Is Back With A New Transformers Movie Sequel

June 27, 2025
Fortress of Solitude

© 2025 Fortress of Solitude, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

More about Fortress of Solitude

  • About Us
  • Contact Fortress of Solitude
  • Work With Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • Publishing Principles
  • Ethics Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Ownership
  • Privacy Policy & Site Disclaimer

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
SUBSCRIBE
  • MOVIES
    • Movie Features
    • Movie Lists
    • Movie News
    • Movie Reviews
  • TV
    • TV Features
    • TV Lists
    • TV News
    • TV Series Reviews
  • ANIME
    • Anime Features
    • Anime Lists
  • COMICS
    • Comic Features
    • Comic Lists
  • GAMING
    • Gaming Features
    • Gaming Lists
    • Gaming News
    • Game Reviews
  • TECH
    • Tech Features
    • Tech News
    • Tech Reviews
  • INTERVIEWS
  • WEB STORIES
  • ABOUT US
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Ownership
    • Work With Us
  • WIN

© 2025 Fortress of Solitude, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.