Lex Luthor’s Strategic Mistakes: Creating Doomsday in 'Batman v Superman'

In the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Lex Luthor’s creation of Doomsday, a monster assembled from General Zod’s body, stands as a pivotal moment in his character arc. Luthor’s decision, driven by a complex mix of manipulation, desperation, and underestimation, has profound implications for the narrative and the characters involved.

Manipulation of Fear

Lex Luthor’s fundamental fear and hatred of Superman are well-documented. His belief in Superman’s unchecked power and its potential threat to humanity constitutes the core of his motivation. By creating Doomsday, Luthor aimed to create a direct challenge against Superman, thereby neutralizing his perceived advantage. This act was designed to level the playing field and assert his own dominance.

Control Over Doomsday

Despite his hubris, Luthor believed he could exert control over Doomsday or at least guide the chaos it would bring. His underestimation of the monster's power and intelligence led him to overconfidence. He failed to consider the full implications of releasing such a powerful, potentially unpredictable entity. His actions serve as a reflection of his character's arrogance and shortsightedness.

Desperation to Eliminate Superman

Luthor’s desperation to eliminate Superman is evident in his various attempts to do so. His initial plans to turn Batman against Superman failed, leading him to desperation. Doomsday represents his final gambit, a weapon crafted to ensure Superman’s defeat. This decision showcases the extent of Luthor’s obsession with power and control, even at the cost of unleashing potentially catastrophic chaos.

Underestimating Doomsday’s Power

Although Lex Luthor was aware of Doomsday’s immense power, he may not have fully comprehended its true nature. His focus on immediate objectives, such as defeating Superman, overshadowed the long-term consequences of his actions. This underestimation highlights the delusion that underpins his decision to create such a powerful entity.

Thematic Elements

The creation of Doomsday serves multiple thematic purposes. It explores the dangers of fear, manipulation, and the unwise pursuit of control. Luthor’s actions illustrate how his obsession with power and domination ultimately leads to chaos and destruction. The character’s journey underscores the consequences of playing god and the FOOL (Faster Off The Lubricant) principle, emphasizing the unforeseen outcomes of his actions.

Lex’s Unconscious Manipulation

Lex Luthor’s involvement in Doomsday’s creation may have been influenced by a deeper, more complex psychological state. A deleted scene suggests that Lex may have been in a trance-like state after interacting with the alien ship. Kelor, the Kryptonian A.I. voicing the ship, played a role in manipulating Lex into aiding in the creation of Doomsday. This scene further complicates Lex’s motivations, suggesting that he was perhaps more influenced by external forces than initially thought.

This manipulation theory aligns with the theme from the previous film, Man of Steel, where alien entities sought to influence humanity. Kelor’s actions could be seen as a continuation of this theme, using Luthor to gain access to Earth and possibly rebuild Krypton. This perspective adds depth to Lex’s character, revealing a darker, more sinister aspect to his actions.

Additionally, Lex’s lack of awareness during the creation of Doomsday is evident in the aftermath when Doomsday attempts to attack him. Although Superman blocks the punch, it underscores that Doomsday had become a mindless killing machine, ready to destroy anything in its path. This aligns with Doomsday’s comic book incarnation, where he was depicted as a relentless, unstoppable force.

Conclusion

Lex Luthor’s decision to create Doomsday was driven by a combination of manipulation, desperation, underestimation, and hubris. His actions not only serve as a pivotal moment in the film but also as a reflection of his character’s flaws and the broader thematic elements of the film. Understanding these motivations adds layers of meaning to the narrative and character development in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.