Who was the best Luthor?

[Goblin19]

I love Gene Hackman, but wish Lex was a more serious villain in the first movies. He;s a little too comical. Spacey did a great job in the new movie. Again, Clancy Brown's vocal performance really makes you hate Lex in the cartoons.

[Brue]

John Shea (Lois and Clark) may win the award in my book for worst portrayal of Lex ever, except I can't remember the Superboy TV show well enough to comment on that version.

Oh yeah with the Shea comment and as for the Superboy Lex (there were actually 2)- terrible.

I think hackman tried to go too campy and put out some of his worst work for those films.

Spacey fixed his problems.

I'd toss it up between spacey and rosenbaum
(talbot wasn't bad though)

[Customslab]

boy from smallville and the new lex was good imo the g.hackman lex was just bad written role

[samurainoir]

For me Smallville has created the most compelling Lex, but this is not the more "iconic" Lex from the comics. Hopefully we'll be able to that side of him once he descends completely into his dark side before the end of the series.

As much as we love the nostalgia of Hackman's Luthor, there was never the weight and threat from him... too much of the comedic approach for any sense of true menace to come through.

I think the animated universe really managed to find the balance of Lex as Mad Scientist and Businessman.

[jayihdz]

Lex

The animated version is one of my favorites.

[Wolverine1969]

Hackman was my first exposure to Lex Luthor, so that would be my vote. But I watch Smallville and really appreciate that work as well.

[jwyblejr]

Wonder who'll play Lex now? Just heard Spacey has quit acting.

[Hulk]

Sounds to me like he is bitter about not getting some part.

[brineb]

Wonder who'll play Lex now? Just heard Spacey has quit acting.

I bet he'll be back ... actors tend to need attention, that's why they do it. At least that's my impression!!!

[Earth 2 Chris]

Spacey quit acting? I thought he was in charge of "The Old Vic"? When did he "quit"?

Chris

[ozcollector1992]

Michael Rosenbaum

I Feel Michael Rosenbaum has portrayed Lex the best. He has had time get into the role and is playing Lex a way that no one else has

Sean

[jwyblejr]

Spacey quit acting? I thought he was in charge of "The Old Vic"? When did he "quit"?

Chris

Just recently. And that's the reason he gave. To spend more time with being in charge.