We heard many rumors about who would play Lex Luthor in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film (Bryan Cranston seemed to be a popular choice), but now it’s finally official. Lux Luthor will be played by Jesse Eisenberg.
Zack Snyder’s Man Of Steel Sequel already threw us for a loop with Ben Affleck cast as Batman, and now this bit of news is equally as surprising.
It’s a surprising pick because usually Luthor is an older, bald male. Eisenberg doesn’t quite fit that billing. Although, we saw just how cold Eisenberg could be in his Oscar nominated performance as Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s The Social Network. Playing a villain of Luthor’s scope won’t be difficult for the very talented Eisenberg.
It seems that the film is taking a very different version than people had anticipated, and while that may be nerve-raking to some, I find it refreshing and exciting. It’s not safe, but sometimes you need to take risks in order to put out a great product.
Interestingly enough, that wasn’t the only bit of casting news released today. Warner Bros. also announced that Jeremy Irons will play Alfred, Bruce Wayne’s butler. It will be hard for him to outdo the tremendous work that Michael Caine did in Christopher Nolan’s batman trilogy, but I’m sure Irons is up for the job.
Here’s the official press release sent out by Warner Bros.
BURBANK, CA, January 31, 2014 – Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Jesse Eisenberg has been set to star as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons will play Alfred in the upcoming Zack Snyder untitled Superman/Batman film. The dual announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Snyder stated, “Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940. What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman. Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.”
The director added, “As everyone knows, Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure. He is an absolutely critical element in the intricate infrastructure that allows Bruce Wayne to transform himself into Batman. It is an honor to have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne.”
Snyder’s film stars Henry Cavill, reprising his role as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. The film also reunites “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.
The new film is currently being written by Chris Terrio, from a screenplay by David S. Goyer. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Wesley Coller, David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers.
Batman vs. Superman will be May 6, 2016, a little later than originally planned.
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