MANILA, Philippines – Best known for his Oscar-nominated performance in The Social Network (2010), Jesse Eisenberg has been cast as iconic villain Lex Luthor in the upcoming Batman/Superman movie, Warner Bros announced. Acclaimed actor Jeremy Irons has also been cast in the role of Alfred, Bruce Wayne’s beloved friend and butler.
Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons to star as Lex Luthor and Alfred in Zack Snyder’s upcoming Superman/Batman film: http://t.co/Ji4Gc9Wfl2
— Warner Bros Pictures (@wbpictures) January 31, 2014
According to director Zack Snyder, the great thing about Lex Luthor is that he is a “complicated and sophisticated” character who “exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain.” He also said that he considers casting Eisenberg as a step in some new and unexpected directions for the character.
“[Luthor’s] 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.”
Eisenberg, known for his trademark clipped speech and wary expression contrasted against boyish features, joins Henry Cavill as Superman and Ben Affleck as Batman in the upcoming film.
Actress Gal Gadot has also been cast as Wonder Woman.
Back when Ben Affleck was cast as Batman in August, most users took to social media to express their disappointment with the casting news. This even led to a petition on Change.org, calling on Warner Bros. to find another actor to play the role. As of writing, the petition has gathered over 97,000 supporters.
But Affleck didn’t seem to mind the backlash. In an interview on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Affleck said he was a “big boy” and that he could handle the negative comments.
The social media response has been less harsh for Eisenberg. While a fair number of netizens were also unhappy with his casting, there were those who expressed excitement at seeing him play the billionaire villain.
A resounding question, however, has left netizens bothered – will Jesse go bald, as Kevin Spacey and Michael Rosenbaum did? Can he pull off the bald look? Some creative Twitter users have the answer.
Did you hear? JESSE EISENBERG was cast as LEX LUTHOR in #ManOfSteel Sequel! ▸ Shop #Superman: http://t.co/A7oQt5dyRO pic.twitter.com/JZ4H8rdAg8
"@ALittleResolve: FIRST OFFICIAL LOOK AT JESSE EISENBERG AS LEX LUTHOR!?!?!?! pic.twitter.com/CMoUb2knWi" omg
"@SuperheroReport: Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor (Fan Made). LOOKS AWESOME! pic.twitter.com/TWfvhEVbVA" Ok. Maybe this is not such a bad idea.
— elmayimbe (@elmayimbe) February 3, 2014
Jesse Adam Eisenberg.. You can be my villain any day. 😉 😉 #EsuranceSave30
— Alex Nessman (@alexnessman) February 3, 2014
On second thought, Jesse Eisenberg is perfect for Lex Luthor. A modern day Luthor would be more of a Zuckerberg type.
— Brian Gorman (@Gormantic) February 1, 2014
Come on. He looks like #LexLuthor . This has been one of my favorite casting choices for a superhero… http://t.co/j5VrJjMNnm
— Rameez Rashid Khan (@RameezFilmGEEK) February 3, 2014
jesse eisenberg is going to play the role of lex luthor omg this is going to be hot
— hannah (@rnarcelle) February 1, 2014
However, some netizens were underwhelmed. There are those who think Breaking Bad ‘s Bryan Cranston would be a better fit.
I still can't believe they cast a guy who owns only one pair of sneakers as Lex Luthor the billionaire… pic.twitter.com/HlSWvTGgcm
JESSE EISENBERG AS LEX LUTHOR? omg i can't even. so disappointing!!!!!!!!! Bryan Cranston and Joaquin Phoenix were much better contenders
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor????? Dc wtf???
— MikeTheDevil (@MikeYoong48) February 3, 2014
@Aykis16 "No, I said I wanted 'That guy who played Heisenberg.' Not Jesse Eisenberg!"
— Brandon Gallawa (@meshuggadaddy) January 31, 2014
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor is a complete and utter failure for the Batman superman movie… Jeremy irons as Alfred is perfect imo
— Richard Colon (@DroidExaminer) January 31, 2014
Jesse Eisenberg cast as Lex Luthor. Perhaps no one else in Hollywood is free. Next film, please. *flips channel*
— The Moviejerk (@themoviejerk) January 31, 2014
DC you are trying really hard to mess with my emotions….Jesse Eisenberg? Really? You had no other options? #jesustakethewheel
— Jack Jaquez (@CheeseyFryJack) February 1, 2014
Jesse Eisenberg is playing Lex Luthor. HAHAHA Good one Hollywood. No but seriously who is playing Lex Luthor?
— Grover (@XGroverX) January 31, 2014
The Superman/Batman, which is said to be tentatively called Batman vs. Superman, is set for release in 2016. – Rappler.com
Jesse Eisenberg photo from Shutterstock
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.