James Gunn has explained why Lex Luthor still cannot unmask Superman, even after creating an identical clone, arguing that Lex’s worldview and the built-in disguise of Clark Kent keep the secret intact. Superman’s dual identity as a mild-mannered reporter remains one of the most iconic disguises in superhero storytelling, one that fans cannot understand how Lex Luthor might have missed despite creating his identical clone.

James Gunn has weighed in on one of the most enduring Superman‑universe jokes—why Lex Luthor, a super‑genius, cannot figure out that Clark Kent is Superman, even after allegedly creating an identical clone of the Man of Steel. In a recent Threads exchange sparked by a fan pointing out that Lex made a Superman clone but still failed to crack his secret identity, Gunn offered a multi‑layered, character‑driven explanation.

"A) Lex thinks Superman is a disconnected alien who wants to take over the world, so I'm not sure why he'd assume he has a "secret identity." B) Hypno Glasses are real. Clark looks like another person. C) Being a genius in some ways (in Lex's case, genetics, electrochemistry, nanotechnology, nuclear & quantum physics, to name a few) doesn't mean you are a genius in all fields," Gunn explained.

He suggested that Lex fundamentally misunderstands Superman’s nature, picturing him less as a disguised everyman and more as an alien force bent on global domination, which makes the idea of a “secret identity” less obvious to him. He also pointed to the Hypno‑Glasses concept, long‑standing in DC lore, which makes Clark Kent visually appear as a different person.

Gunn also emphasized that expertise in narrow, high‑level fields like genetics, nanotechnology, and quantum physics does not guarantee acuity in observation, psychology, or human behavior. In that sense, Luthor’s genius becomes a kind of blind spot: he is so focused on grand scientific solutions that he overlooks the simpler, more human elements of Superman’s persona.

That same character-driven storytelling now carries into the next chapter of Superman’s cinematic journey.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow expands the DC Universe

Production is now underway on Superman: Man of Tomorrow, the sequel that continues DC’s rebooted Superman saga under James Gunn’s direction. The film reunites David Corenswet as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. It is set for release on July 9, 2027. The story introduces a major new threat in Brainiac, played by Lars Eidinger.

In a twist, Superman and Lex are forced into a partnership to confront a danger that surpasses both of them. This dynamic promises to explore new layers in their rivalry while raising the stakes for the DC Universe. The ensemble cast expands the world further with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen.

New additions include Adria Arjona, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and Aaron Pierre, signaling a broader and more interconnected DC lineup. By pairing emotional storytelling with large-scale spectacle, the sequel aims to build on the momentum of Superman’s cinematic return.

What do you think about James Gunn's explanation of why Lex Luthor could not figure out Superman's secret identity? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Adiba Nizami