Lex Luthor quotes from Superman: The Animated Series

Lex Luthor

Well, next time you see one of my museums being robbed, call someone who can do something about it, like the police!

Lex Luthor

You work for me, Peterson, don't forget that! There shouldn't be an opinion in your head that I haven't put there!

[Referring to Lois Lane] The insolence. The outright rudeness. She's definitely the genuine article.

Lex Luthor

[reading] "Metropolis's favorite son: Superman." Yeah, right. Favorite son, my... [slams the paper down]

Clark Kent

Now that the terrorists have your prototype, the Pentagon is undoubtedly gonna want you to build a bigger and better version for them. When all is said and done, this could net you a multimillion dollar windfall.

Lex Luthor

Lois, it almost sounds as if your friend here is suggesting I should be glad that my suit was stolen. You're very amusing, Mr.... Kent, is it? Yes, I'll remember that.

Lex Luthor

I'm afraid we already have a window washer.

Lex Luthor

Oh, the silent treatment, eh? Well, I don't know what you thought you heard out there, but I know what you can prove, and it's nothing. [still no response] You see, uh... Super-man... I own Metropolis. My technology built it, my will keeps it going, and nearly two-thirds of its people work for me whether they know it or not. Even you have to admit, it's a model of efficiency. And yet, I've often thought... why limit myself to just one city? A being with your abilities could be very useful to me on a, shall we say, global scale? Why don't you float on in and we'll discuss it?

Lex Luthor

[loses his composure] Say something!

Superman

I'll be watching you, Luthor.

Lex Luthor

Actually I'm glad you came. I have a deal for you.

Superman

I'm listening.

Lex Luthor

As long as I have the rock, you can't stop me, but it is bothersome to have you always trying. So, the deal is this: you leave me and my operations alone, and I and my little green rock will leave you alone.

Superman

I don't make deals with criminals.

Lex Luthor

I control everything in this town, Superman. Your cooperation is not really necessary. The offer was merely a courtesy.

Superman

You will never control me, Luthor. Never! [takes off]

Lex Luthor

Well then, I guess I'll have to kill you.

Lex Luthor

Ah, Professor, Mercy will see you safely home now, won't you my dear?

Please, no! I-I-I mean, I can see myself home, really!

Lex Luthor

But I insist. Metropolis can be such a dangerous city, Peterson. I'd hate to wake up tomorrow and find out that something terrible had happened to you...

Lex Luthor

I have a luncheon to attend, but I expect to hear the tragic news about him just before dessert.

John Corben

Dessert... I haven't had anything to eat or drink since the operation. Haven't wanted anything.

Lex Luthor

The only hunger you should have is for power, my friend. The only thirst, for revenge.

It's so big, Mr. Luthor. I've never seen a yacht this size!

Lex Luthor

I've given the crew the day off, my dear, but the ship is fully automated. Shall we go for a short cruise?

Metallo

[entering] How's the caviar, Luthor? Rich and delicate? Just melts in your mouth, doesn't it?

Metallo

You like my new look? I hope you do, because it's the last thing you'll ever see!

Lex Luthor

Is there a problem, John?

Metallo

[picks up an apple] I can't taste anymore! [crushes it in his hand] I can't smell! [grabs the flowers from the table and throws them to the floor, then approaches the young woman] Can't... can't...! [flings the table aside, then throws the young woman overboard]

Superman

I know about Dr. Vale. It's just a matter of time before the police find them.

Lex Luthor

And what makes you think there's any of him left to find?

Lex Luthor

Don't be a fool, Corben! Don't you see he's trying to turn us against each other to save his own skin?! Who knows what's in that vial?

Metallo

Then why don't we test it?! [tries to force-feed it to him]

Lex Luthor

Corben, no! No...!

Metallo

Come on, Luthor, drink up! It did wonders for me!

Superman

You'll excuse me if I don't see you home.

Lex Luthor

You'll never pin this on me. The virus is destroyed and Corben's lost at sea, and even if you found him, there'd still be that kryptonite to worry about.

Superman

I don't think I'm the one that should be worrying...

So, Mr. Luthor, how long did you intend to keep your rendezvous a secret? In case you haven't heard, there's a thing known as "national security."

Lex Luthor

There's also a thing known as "free enterprise". It was LexCorp that scanned the heavens, it was LexCorp that made contact and it will be LexCorp that reaps the benefits.

Superman

It was several hours after I touched the orb that I saw the images. It's too soon to trust him completely.

Lex Luthor

[laughs] I never trust anyone completely. Since Brainiac arrived, I've had him targeted from land base platforms with a payload of six and a half megatons. Enough firepower to incinerate Metropolis county.

Superman

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."

Lex Luthor

Precisely. Although in your case, I'll make an exception.