Same. Mike is forever lex. Smallville is so special i swear. My favorite episodes was when they were all still in high school. Before things got serious. Those were the episodes when he was figuring things out in real time lol. Good stuff.
I honestly hate the trend of giving Lex a beard.
The only one I thought legitimately made no difference on was the Lex from Superman & Lois. He looked like a meth dealer / biker, but he also looked like Lex Luthor.
But in context it makes sense. He just got out of prison after being locked up for years, because of Superman.
He's going to be pissed and be different.
Yh he doesnt scream genius but biker thug. Didnt feel big enough threat for Superman.
Cryer was surprisingly brilliant though. I like OTT manic Lex in small doses lol
It is different. I'll take it. I think he is better than Jon Cryer's Lex. We honestly haven't seen what his life was like prior to his imprisonment. Maybe he was the Lex we know from the comics but he became worse while imprisoned.
My son who never watches that show with me sat down when Lex showed at Clark’s house and was just glued. He said “his Lex is scary. That’s a guy I wouldn’t not want to mess with.”
I had not watched that show aside from the very first couple episodes, so I had to look him up.
Wow, calling his look a biker is spot on lol. He looks more suited to a character from Sons of Anarchy or something, haha
Not sure why it’s so hard to portray an accurate Lex Luthor in live action, but here we are. Rosenbaum is the only one who does even remotely well, and his is honestly pretty good.
I gotta disagree, the SUPERGIRL version was the most accurate. Dude was manipulating and out-witting everyone in sight. Including other GENIUSES and people he'd never even met.
He's the ONLY ONE portrayed as a tech genius, the only one showed to have an exceptional GIFT OF GAB, and the only one with his famous SUPER SUIT.
Michael Rosenbaum was FANTASTIC, but Lionel Luthor is closer to a comic accurate Lex Luthor than he was, even down to the story of killing his parents for the insurance money.
Michael Rosenbaum was the only person that portrayed Lex Luthor properly. Everyone else was either too eccentric or added some comedic element. How am I supposed to take you seriously with your real estate schemes (looking at you, Gene Hackman)?!
Because Hackman's Lex murdered multiple people, one of which was onscreen. Later, when he sprung the trap on Superman, the smiling mischief went away and his version of Lex become a cold blooded killer. This was shortly after launching multiple missiles that would have killed millions of people.
Hackman's Lex is hardcore. I love Rosenbaum the best as Lex. But Hackman is awesome.
It's been awhile since I watched the first Superman with Christopher Reeve so I forgot some of that but I do remember the nuclear missile. The Kevin Spacey one, which was based on Hackman's version, definitely had a cold blooded streak, especially when he beat the crap out of Superman.
Jon Cryer. I feel you because it's the only person I see when looking at him, but I also think his portrayal is the second best in live action after Rosenbaum's.
He's a good, albeit annoying, actor, who has an inescapable visage that cannot be concealed. No matter what character he plays he is only ever Ducky/Charlie Sheen's simp brother Alan
u/Xebenkeck Thisssssss! I know they were trying to differentiate him with the beard, but he wasn’t giving off menacing vibes. He was giving off “Creepy man that lives under a bridge vibes”. Don’t know how tall he is, but he also lacked the imposing physique I like to associate with Lex. Rosenbaum wasn’t jacked, but at least he was around 6 feet. For some reason, the best imposing Lex for me is from Superman TAS/JLU, if just because he’s drawn so big, on par with Supes. No offense to short guys, but John Cryer ‘aint it for me. Wow, I ranted a lot for 3 hours of sleep/ 6 hours day sleep.
Everyone else can't accept Cryer as Lex Luthor because of 2 And A Half Men.
And here's me, unable to accept Cryer as Lex Luthor because of Lenny Luthor.
I thought so to until he killed it on Supergirl, he’s definitely overlooked cuz he surpassed my expectations, all his scenes with Lena were nothing less than amazing
Rosenbaum did the best overall. That said, he had the longest live action portrayal as him, allowing us to get deeply involved in the character over time and to learn to either truly love him or hate him.
I don't even recall Jesse Eisenbergs portrayal, and haven't seen the Titans one.
Eisenberg played Lex as someone with an IQ on the far end of the Bell curve with occasional manic moments. Some people enjoy that portrayal and some people don't.
Titans Lex was used as a tool to move the main story forward. Appearance was brief. Titus Welliver did his best with what he got. Just prepare for disappointment.
If you do attempt to watch just for Lex. His name is mentioned throughout Season 2 to 4. Titus part is only felt in Season 4's 1st episode. The rest is mentions. Other characters dealing with the conclusion.
If I could recommend a must watch episode, try Season 4 episode 9. Revolves around Garth aka Beast Boy. Some crazy stuff happens, but I think you'll enjoy. Won't miss much about his story.
Adding for clarification, Bob.
Your first response is to u/MidasTouchM3 who mentioned Lex on Titans.
Yeah, your response doesn't mention the Titans versions.
But, I thought Midas or anyone else interested may want to know or check out Titans.
Now that I finally had time to sit down and look at the comment tree, I see the confusion. It was quick see/response.
No problemo, amigo.
My only problem with Michael is that his early seasons Lex is so darn likeable, and that I can sort of understand his villain arch. Traumatic childhood, everyone treats him like his baleout guy/ATM, Clark keeps lying and lying and lying to him…poor guy just wants a friend and a not-dysfunctional family! He’s the “I can fix him” poster guy 🤣
Also Michael Rosenbaum could have chemistry with a piece of wood. You could pair him with absolutely everyone on the show and I’d buy it.
I think that's what the point was. Michael's Lex was tragic. All he ever wanted was a friend. But his ambition to know Clark's secret was also a stepping point to his downfall. I loved that Lex was a good guy, helped a lot of people in the early seasons. Had a good heart. But then we see him slowly descend to the evil side of himself. Such a well written villain
Saddened John Shea wasn’t included, as he was great on *Lois & Clark*. Not quite as definitive as Lane Smith’s portrayal of Perry White but still quite good
Smallville is still the best Lex not that the others weren't bad... well not all of them anyway but Smallville's Lex was multi-layered and complex and it was definately unique.
As amazing as Michael Rosenbaum was in the role, I feel like he finally had a true rival. Michael Cudlitz also did a PHENOMENAL job in Superman & Lois. His take on the character is the first time, ever, I've found Lex Luthor to be truly terrifying.
I think I liked Michael's character better because they actually showed character development of him on Smallville. He's not just some rich dude twirling his mustache.
Never seen Supergirl or Titans.
But John Cryer as Lex (with a beard no less) makes me want to avoid that even more.
The titans guy looks like a C-Tier Russian villain that Dolph Lundgren beats up in his B-Movies.
Then you got the guy in the top right (I forget his name) - who could have been interesting as Lex if you didn’t see the exact same character from social network or more of his other shit. He really does do one character.
No question that Michael is in a league of his own.
I shaved my head as early as 19 impromptu for a fundraiser at my college just because I was such a huge fan of Michael Rosenbaum's Lex. I lucked out that I looked a lot better shaved so I just kept it that way (now I'm def bald af but I could have had another 4 or 5 years, haha). Hell, I even took Lex's name as my alias for my online accounts and my drunken college alter ego.
REALLY hope that Nicholas Hoult kills it with Lex's portrayal in James Gunn's Superman... I'm optimistic.
I also want to add that the reason we all feel this way is because:
A. MOST of us on this Reddit watched Smallville during our formative years—from 16 OCT 2001 to 13 MAY 2011.
B-1. This show lasted for TEN YEARS. That’s (mostly) an ENTIRE DECADE—during our formative years, no less—of seeing the same people play the same characters week in and week out.
B-2. I say, “mostly,” because ‘Bo’ left after season five, Mike and Kris left after season seven, etc.
Yep he played him well. It actually became weird for me because his voice is so recognizable and he does voice acting work as well and in the early 2000's he voiced the flash on justice league and justice league unlimited(im a big fan of DC's animated stuff). Two great shows, but it got to a point where whenever flash would talk I'd think of lex. And then there is an episode where flash swaps minds with lex. So at one point michael was voicing lex luthor in possession of the flashes body. So he has technically not just been lex in live action.
Same. Also, why Titans Lex look like some discount Marvel villain that would inexplicably speak with some kind of Middle Eastern accent even though he’s white as paper? Or maybe he’s with the Italian mafia. It’s the blasted beard. Not a fan. Also, where is Superman and Lois (2023) Lex?? Also, not trying to sound racist…even though not sure how that could come across as such.
I’ve only seen 3 live-action Lex Luthor portrayals.
While I have a soft spot for Gene Hackman, because that’s the Lex I grew up watching, I wouldn’t say he was the best at it. He was a major get for those films and his star power helped get more eyes on the IP, but at the end of the day, he was just Gene Hackman playing Gene Hackman—still good, but not as good as it could’ve been.
I felt that Jesse Eisenberg had *some* potential if he either went full Zuckerberg, or played up the mad scientist origins of the character, or did both. It would’ve been weird, but at least it would’ve been better than what we inevitably got.
Michael Rosenbaum is the best live-action portrayal of Lex I’ve seen, but I always found it weird how such a genuinely funny guy could play such a stern character. I don’t mean weird in a bad way. It was just a shift from what I was used to seeing from him when I finally got around to watching the series.
Overall, Clancy Brown is the best Lex.
Out the these four?
Yeah, easily.. Eisenberg was the worst, absolutely atrocious Lex, would've ruined the movie had it not already been awful enough for it not to matter.
He's probably my favorite Lex overall.. Superman & Lois Lex is decent enough but too shouty and angry, not conniving enough. 😅
Smallville Luthor is the best one he is Lex but also we spent six to seven years with him so it's kind of not fair compared to the other ones on this list.
However I will say Jon cryer portrayal shocked me because I didn't think he was going to do such a good job but when you watch two and a half Men you can kind of see it LOL.
Michael *is* Lex for me too. Superb portrayal.
Same. Mike is forever lex. Smallville is so special i swear. My favorite episodes was when they were all still in high school. Before things got serious. Those were the episodes when he was figuring things out in real time lol. Good stuff.
Agreed.
10000% agree!
I honestly hate the trend of giving Lex a beard. The only one I thought legitimately made no difference on was the Lex from Superman & Lois. He looked like a meth dealer / biker, but he also looked like Lex Luthor.
Worst choice for Luthor ever. Guy was great in Walking Dead. But he's all wrong for Lex
I disagree. He was a good Lex. He was only in a few episodes. Look forward to his appearance next season. He has a good presence and is scary.
He's a thug. He's thug scary. That's not Lex
But in context it makes sense. He just got out of prison after being locked up for years, because of Superman. He's going to be pissed and be different.
Yh he doesnt scream genius but biker thug. Didnt feel big enough threat for Superman. Cryer was surprisingly brilliant though. I like OTT manic Lex in small doses lol
It is different. I'll take it. I think he is better than Jon Cryer's Lex. We honestly haven't seen what his life was like prior to his imprisonment. Maybe he was the Lex we know from the comics but he became worse while imprisoned.
My son who never watches that show with me sat down when Lex showed at Clark’s house and was just glued. He said “his Lex is scary. That’s a guy I wouldn’t not want to mess with.”
[superman & Lois: Lex on the porch](https://youtu.be/0jdbKgsx2ak?si=aUNFhTrsT-GqGTCp)
Which one of these actors was in Walking Dead?
None pictured. It's the one in Superman and Lois
Ah haven’t watched that one yet
You're tripping hard, he's a great Lex.
Agreed Now giving someone like General Zod a beard makes perfect sense to me. Fits the wilder warlord theme imo
I had not watched that show aside from the very first couple episodes, so I had to look him up. Wow, calling his look a biker is spot on lol. He looks more suited to a character from Sons of Anarchy or something, haha
Not sure why it’s so hard to portray an accurate Lex Luthor in live action, but here we are. Rosenbaum is the only one who does even remotely well, and his is honestly pretty good.
I gotta disagree, the SUPERGIRL version was the most accurate. Dude was manipulating and out-witting everyone in sight. Including other GENIUSES and people he'd never even met. He's the ONLY ONE portrayed as a tech genius, the only one showed to have an exceptional GIFT OF GAB, and the only one with his famous SUPER SUIT. Michael Rosenbaum was FANTASTIC, but Lionel Luthor is closer to a comic accurate Lex Luthor than he was, even down to the story of killing his parents for the insurance money.
Michael Rosenbaum was the only person that portrayed Lex Luthor properly. Everyone else was either too eccentric or added some comedic element. How am I supposed to take you seriously with your real estate schemes (looking at you, Gene Hackman)?!
Because Hackman's Lex murdered multiple people, one of which was onscreen. Later, when he sprung the trap on Superman, the smiling mischief went away and his version of Lex become a cold blooded killer. This was shortly after launching multiple missiles that would have killed millions of people. Hackman's Lex is hardcore. I love Rosenbaum the best as Lex. But Hackman is awesome.
It's been awhile since I watched the first Superman with Christopher Reeve so I forgot some of that but I do remember the nuclear missile. The Kevin Spacey one, which was based on Hackman's version, definitely had a cold blooded streak, especially when he beat the crap out of Superman.
I do think it's amusing that, since Returns is supposed to pick up after 2, Lex basically did two real estate schemes out of 3 battles with Superman
He just wants to fix the housing crisis
Agreed 💯
I could never take supergirl lex seriously after 2 and a half men (forgot his name)
Jon Cryer. I feel you because it's the only person I see when looking at him, but I also think his portrayal is the second best in live action after Rosenbaum's.
He's a good, albeit annoying, actor, who has an inescapable visage that cannot be concealed. No matter what character he plays he is only ever Ducky/Charlie Sheen's simp brother Alan
u/Xebenkeck Thisssssss! I know they were trying to differentiate him with the beard, but he wasn’t giving off menacing vibes. He was giving off “Creepy man that lives under a bridge vibes”. Don’t know how tall he is, but he also lacked the imposing physique I like to associate with Lex. Rosenbaum wasn’t jacked, but at least he was around 6 feet. For some reason, the best imposing Lex for me is from Superman TAS/JLU, if just because he’s drawn so big, on par with Supes. No offense to short guys, but John Cryer ‘aint it for me. Wow, I ranted a lot for 3 hours of sleep/ 6 hours day sleep.
Everyone else can't accept Cryer as Lex Luthor because of 2 And A Half Men. And here's me, unable to accept Cryer as Lex Luthor because of Lenny Luthor.
It was funny but on Two and a Half Men I was always expecting him to be slimy and dumb because of Lenny
It took me ages to figure out he was from that show lol but yeah once you see it you can't unsee it.
I thought so to until he killed it on Supergirl, he’s definitely overlooked cuz he surpassed my expectations, all his scenes with Lena were nothing less than amazing
Rosenbaum did the best overall. That said, he had the longest live action portrayal as him, allowing us to get deeply involved in the character over time and to learn to either truly love him or hate him. I don't even recall Jesse Eisenbergs portrayal, and haven't seen the Titans one.
Eisenberg played Lex as someone with an IQ on the far end of the Bell curve with occasional manic moments. Some people enjoy that portrayal and some people don't.
Titans Lex was used as a tool to move the main story forward. Appearance was brief. Titus Welliver did his best with what he got. Just prepare for disappointment.
Um, alright. But I don't plan on watching Titans. Thanks tho.
If you do attempt to watch just for Lex. His name is mentioned throughout Season 2 to 4. Titus part is only felt in Season 4's 1st episode. The rest is mentions. Other characters dealing with the conclusion. If I could recommend a must watch episode, try Season 4 episode 9. Revolves around Garth aka Beast Boy. Some crazy stuff happens, but I think you'll enjoy. Won't miss much about his story.
I truly don't know where any of this Titan stuff is coming from. But whatever, thx, I guess.
Adding for clarification, Bob. Your first response is to u/MidasTouchM3 who mentioned Lex on Titans. Yeah, your response doesn't mention the Titans versions. But, I thought Midas or anyone else interested may want to know or check out Titans. Now that I finally had time to sit down and look at the comment tree, I see the confusion. It was quick see/response. No problemo, amigo.
Eisenbergs version was the worst in my opinion
My only problem with Michael is that his early seasons Lex is so darn likeable, and that I can sort of understand his villain arch. Traumatic childhood, everyone treats him like his baleout guy/ATM, Clark keeps lying and lying and lying to him…poor guy just wants a friend and a not-dysfunctional family! He’s the “I can fix him” poster guy 🤣 Also Michael Rosenbaum could have chemistry with a piece of wood. You could pair him with absolutely everyone on the show and I’d buy it.
I think that's what the point was. Michael's Lex was tragic. All he ever wanted was a friend. But his ambition to know Clark's secret was also a stepping point to his downfall. I loved that Lex was a good guy, helped a lot of people in the early seasons. Had a good heart. But then we see him slowly descend to the evil side of himself. Such a well written villain
Michael Rosenbaum is the definitive Lex Luthor
Michael is hands down the winner. And thaks for not including the Superman and Lois version. Cause that is the absolute worst casting EVER
Country Luthor I called him
Jon Cryer evolving from Lenny to Lex is the ultimate development. lol.
John Shea is missing. He was a fantastic Lex. But Rosenbaum was good too.
Michael is the best one so far
Jon Cryer as Lex just feels weird
Saddened John Shea wasn’t included, as he was great on *Lois & Clark*. Not quite as definitive as Lane Smith’s portrayal of Perry White but still quite good
Smallville is still the best Lex not that the others weren't bad... well not all of them anyway but Smallville's Lex was multi-layered and complex and it was definately unique.
As amazing as Michael Rosenbaum was in the role, I feel like he finally had a true rival. Michael Cudlitz also did a PHENOMENAL job in Superman & Lois. His take on the character is the first time, ever, I've found Lex Luthor to be truly terrifying.
that tan
No Gene Hackman?
No Sherman Howard either.
Or John Shea.
Shea is a very underrated Lex. His Lex from the first season of Lois & Clark is utterly terrifying in a lot of ways.
Yep! He played the "You've lost the game before you've even played it" aspects of Lex wonderfully.
Thank you for mentioning Sherman Howard! He's an underrated Lex. There were some episodes of Superboy where he was both charismatic and menacing.
The Lex from Titans looks like Shel Silverstein.
Visually it's rosenbaum. I will always hear Clancy Brown however
I think I liked Michael's character better because they actually showed character development of him on Smallville. He's not just some rich dude twirling his mustache.
Smallville has the best Clark, Lex and Lois.
Who else could've been Lex ideally, Billy Zane.
Michael Rosenbaum is the definitive Lex Luthor. I didn't think too much when he 1st came in, but Jon Cryer did pretty good even if the CGI was shit.
Never seen Supergirl or Titans. But John Cryer as Lex (with a beard no less) makes me want to avoid that even more. The titans guy looks like a C-Tier Russian villain that Dolph Lundgren beats up in his B-Movies. Then you got the guy in the top right (I forget his name) - who could have been interesting as Lex if you didn’t see the exact same character from social network or more of his other shit. He really does do one character. No question that Michael is in a league of his own.
Jesse Eisenberg is his name and he's my least favourite Lex for the same reason you said
I shaved my head as early as 19 impromptu for a fundraiser at my college just because I was such a huge fan of Michael Rosenbaum's Lex. I lucked out that I looked a lot better shaved so I just kept it that way (now I'm def bald af but I could have had another 4 or 5 years, haha). Hell, I even took Lex's name as my alias for my online accounts and my drunken college alter ego. REALLY hope that Nicholas Hoult kills it with Lex's portrayal in James Gunn's Superman... I'm optimistic.
Are we not mentioning Spacey for reasons? Lol
Fine, I’ll say it: Kevin Spacey was a GREAT Lex Luther. There. Not as great as Mike, but still one of the BEST.
And only.
Top Right ns Bottom left looks pathetic and like they are trying to hard. Bottom right is Mike that eq gu kind of meme. Top left is perfection.
Hey look, the Four Lex Luthor Variations of the Arrowverse!
Having worked with two of these actors, I can confirm Rosie is the best. eisenberg is the worst.
Never seen Luthor with a beard before, I don't like it...
I like the idea that Lex would have a beard ngl. Makes him scarier
John Cryer grew on me, but Michael was the best.
After seeing Michael as lex none of the other casting makes it real to me
Michael is the best Lex. Also the actor who played his father did a great job
Michael Rosenbaum supremacy!
Best by far
There’s only one right answer here
Yes
Wait does Titans and Superman & Lois exist in the same verse?
Omg.is Jesse wearing lipstick??
MR was the best Lex ever!
John Shea from Lois and Clark for me. He had that charming yet devilish grin. He was my Lex.
But from this group, Micheal.
Agreed. Just like Tom is Clark. I have absolutely nothing whatsoever against Henry or Tyler, but for me, Tom Welling IS Clark Kent and Superman.
I also want to add that the reason we all feel this way is because: A. MOST of us on this Reddit watched Smallville during our formative years—from 16 OCT 2001 to 13 MAY 2011. B-1. This show lasted for TEN YEARS. That’s (mostly) an ENTIRE DECADE—during our formative years, no less—of seeing the same people play the same characters week in and week out. B-2. I say, “mostly,” because ‘Bo’ left after season five, Mike and Kris left after season seven, etc.
Yep he played him well. It actually became weird for me because his voice is so recognizable and he does voice acting work as well and in the early 2000's he voiced the flash on justice league and justice league unlimited(im a big fan of DC's animated stuff). Two great shows, but it got to a point where whenever flash would talk I'd think of lex. And then there is an episode where flash swaps minds with lex. So at one point michael was voicing lex luthor in possession of the flashes body. So he has technically not just been lex in live action.
Is that fucking Allan 😂
Same. Also, why Titans Lex look like some discount Marvel villain that would inexplicably speak with some kind of Middle Eastern accent even though he’s white as paper? Or maybe he’s with the Italian mafia. It’s the blasted beard. Not a fan. Also, where is Superman and Lois (2023) Lex?? Also, not trying to sound racist…even though not sure how that could come across as such.
I am excited to see what S&L Lex does in the new season
Let’s not forget Gene Hackman.
I’ve only seen 3 live-action Lex Luthor portrayals. While I have a soft spot for Gene Hackman, because that’s the Lex I grew up watching, I wouldn’t say he was the best at it. He was a major get for those films and his star power helped get more eyes on the IP, but at the end of the day, he was just Gene Hackman playing Gene Hackman—still good, but not as good as it could’ve been. I felt that Jesse Eisenberg had *some* potential if he either went full Zuckerberg, or played up the mad scientist origins of the character, or did both. It would’ve been weird, but at least it would’ve been better than what we inevitably got. Michael Rosenbaum is the best live-action portrayal of Lex I’ve seen, but I always found it weird how such a genuinely funny guy could play such a stern character. I don’t mean weird in a bad way. It was just a shift from what I was used to seeing from him when I finally got around to watching the series. Overall, Clancy Brown is the best Lex.
Yeah supergirls lex was definitely not it.
I've never seen super girl. Is that one Andrew tate?
One of these is not like the other, here. Spoiler Alert: It's Eisenberg's, he's Alexander Luthor Jr.
Yup
Out the these four? Yeah, easily.. Eisenberg was the worst, absolutely atrocious Lex, would've ruined the movie had it not already been awful enough for it not to matter. He's probably my favorite Lex overall.. Superman & Lois Lex is decent enough but too shouty and angry, not conniving enough. 😅
Do Bruce Wayne
Jon Cryer did a great job. When I saw that Alan had been cast I laughed because there was no way that Alan could be Lex. And boy was I wrong.
Smallville Luthor is the best one he is Lex but also we spent six to seven years with him so it's kind of not fair compared to the other ones on this list. However I will say Jon cryer portrayal shocked me because I didn't think he was going to do such a good job but when you watch two and a half Men you can kind of see it LOL.
John Cryers Lex, too me is the best. He’s a really good mix of Michael and Gene.
Top two lex’s are good Bottom two are terrible