Imagine this: a supervillain screaming a bizarre command at the top of his lungs while battling Superman, and it somehow becomes an internet sensation. That's exactly what happened when Nicholas Hoult, the actor behind Lex Luthor in James Gunn's Superman, hilariously recreated the now-infamous "1A!" meme at a recent convention. But here's where it gets controversial: while fans were eating it up, some of us couldn't help but scratch our heads at the logistics of Luthor's grand plan. Let me explain.
In this fresh take on the Superman-Luthor rivalry, Hoult's Lex is portrayed as an even more obsessive and relentless foe. His masterstroke? Creating a clone of Superman, dubbed Ultraman, whom he controls through a series of coded commands. During the film's climactic third act, as Superman teeters on the brink of defeat, Lex frantically shouts "1A!"—a command for Ultraman to pummel the hero. This moment, though brief, became an instant meme, and Hoult himself joined in on the fun at Perú Comic Con, delighting fans with a live reenactment.
But this is the part most people miss: the plausibility of Lex's control over Ultraman. Sure, it's a comic book movie, and we're expected to suspend disbelief. I get it—I love the over-the-top, sci-fi nostalgia of the DCU. Yet, this particular plot point left me questioning its logic. Luthor's method of controlling Ultraman feels oddly grounded in reality—he creates a clone and trains it to respond to specific commands. That part makes sense. What doesn’t? The idea that Lex, a genius but still a human with normal reflexes, could keep pace with Superman's lightning-fast reactions.
Think about the steps involved: Lex issues a command, his henchmen input it, the computer processes it, Ultraman receives it, and then he acts. That's at least four steps, each taking precious time. Superman, meanwhile, can react in the blink of an eye. Even if Lex has studied Superman's every move, their cognitive speeds are worlds apart. And here's the kicker: when Lex loses control of Ultraman, the clone manages to hold his own against Superman. So, why did he need Lex's commands in the first place?
Now, don't get me wrong—this isn't a dealbreaker for the movie. Superman is still a thrilling ride, and these nitpicks are part of the fun of being a comic book geek. But it’s a detail that lingers, especially when Hoult’s playful recreation of the scene brings it all back. Is it a minor gripe? Absolutely. Does it matter in the grand scheme? Probably not. But it’s these discussions that make fandom so engaging.
So, here’s my question to you: Did Lex Luthor’s command system bother you, or am I overthinking it? And while we’re at it, how many times have you rewatched Superman? Let’s debate in the comments!
Nicholas Hoult’s fan interaction was a highlight, no doubt, but it also reignited this debate. As we eagerly await Man of Tomorrow, set to release on July 9, 2027, one thing’s for sure: the Superman-Luthor dynamic will continue to spark both admiration and frustration. And isn’t that what makes it so great?
About The Author:
Daniel Klissman is an entertainment journalist with a passion for superheroes. His work has appeared on Movie Pilot, CBR.com, Cinemark, and AMC Theatres. When he’s not writing, he’s dreaming of the day he’ll team up with Moon Knight.
