How To Make A Lex Luthor Costume From 'Superman Returns'
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With the return of Superman in the aptly named 'Superman Returns', his arch nemesis, Lex Luthor, returned as well. This time around, the villain is played by Kevin Spacey, who foregoes the wig Gene Hackman wore in 1978's 'Superman' to play a slightly less campy, more evil version of the character. That's one reason this might be the Luthor for you. Another is that it's a very easy costume to put together.
Luthor's costume is relatively simple. A shaved head or bald cap and a tasteful dark suit with tie are all that's really necessary... that, and the ability to ooze malevolence. There's only one bald cap made exclusively for the Lex Luther character. Click on the image below for more information:
Other bald caps:
Bald cap with complete application kit
Bald cap with forehead wrinkles
Here's a tutorial that shows you how to apply a bald cap. If you're a hardcore DIYer, there's even a tutorial on how to make your own bald cap from scratch.
Luthor goes through a number of costume changes in the film. Even if you're a stickler for details, it shouldn't be too hard to find a close match for one of his outfits at your local thrift store.
REFERENCE PHOTOS
Pinstripe Suit And Driving Cap
If you actually want to cover up Lex's wonderfully bald head, Kangol makes the Tropic 504 Ventair Ivy Cap, a close match to Luthor's driving cap. Be aware that there's a logo on the back. You may want to remove it for authenticity. Many stores carry the hat, including:
You may also be able to find a usable cap at your local thrift store.
Again, the thrift store should be your first stop. Don't forget to look in the ladies' section! You can always move the buttons to the right if necessary. Luthor wears his overcoats open, so the buttons are merely decorative anyway. Here's some refresher photos to show you what you're looking for.
For as close to a ready-made version of this coat as you can get, see Broadway Costumes and scroll down to 'Super Fly'.
Vogue has a mens overcoat pattern that, although not identical, will work for both the herringbone and white overcoats.
Luther's boots appear to be German military boots from WWI & WWII. Specifically, they appear to be a type of jackboot known as Bundeswehr Knobelbechers. For casual costumers, just about black boots will do. Purists can occassionally find the real thing on Ebay using search phrases like "Bundeswehrstiefel-Knobelbecher", "knobelbecher", "knobel becher", "jackboots", "German WWII boots" or "Nazi boots". If you must have these boots right away, try this German site.
India has become the world's call center, and China, its factory. Similarly, Thailand and Vietnam are becoming the world's tailors. If you must have an exact replica of one of Lex Luthor's costume changes, these clothiers can work from good photos, plus your measurements:
New International Boutique House
Lastly, once you're suited up, you'll need to play the part. Check out our acting tutorials for inspiration.
Have fun being a meglomaniac! ;)
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