Who was the best Luthor?

[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.

[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

[Earth 2 Chris]

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

Chris

[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!!!

[Hulk]

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

[jwyblejr]

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

[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.

[jayihdz]

Lex

The animated version is one of my favorites.

[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.

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

[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)

[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.

[huedell]

I think Clancy Brown should've reprised his role as a "live" Lex Luthor
---that animated Lex was just delicious (as was Hamill's Joker)

In light of using a different "sort" of actor...

I do think Spacey's portrayal of Lex was just fantastic in my opinion

Hackman and Reeve hold a special place in my heart, but my thoughts are
that I'd prefer to see the Routh/Spacey team go three more movies and keep
Reeves/Hackman as a fond "second place/silver medal" memory that
helped jumpstart movies that are less rough around the edges than the
Salkind tainted, mishap chocked, older movies

I really enjoyed Superman Returns desperate attempt to link the two
waves of the WB Superman franchises---it was charming, and I
sincerely hope its given a chance to blossom

....and that Kevin Spacey has a few happy returns as Lex Luthor

Of course my dream movie would be:

WORLD'S FINEST
starring
KEVIN SPACEY - HEATH LEDGER - CHRISTIAN BALE - BRANDON ROUTH

Directed By
CHRISTOPHER NOLAN & BRYAN SINGER

[The Toyroom]

BTW, was there ever a Lionel Luthor in the comics???

To my knowledge, Lionel is an original creation for Smallville...

[MegoMonk]

I am a big fan of Rosenbaum on Smallville. His scenes with John glover as his father are usually the best part of Smallville.
BTW, was there ever a Lionel Luthor in the comics???