James Gunn understands Lex Luthor more than any director ever. His Lex is completely obsessed with Superman in a deeply psychosexual way. He’s scientifically brilliant but his arrogance is his weakness. He memorizes fight moves like chess plays. He creates a pocket universe where he casually commits human rights abuses. He kills an innocent man dressed like he just came from a gala. He orchestrates a whole war just to meet and hurt Superman. He clones him. He protests that Superman isn’t his type despite not being asked. He touches his fingers to Superman’s through the glass prison because he’s as fascinated as he is hateful. He orders Superman to be choked and sent down to his knees and this man looks like he’s in heaven. Then the first time he’s freed from PG-13 ratings he immediately starts talking about gay sex. Peak characterization.