Jesse Eisenberg Cast as Lex Luthor in Batman vs. Superman

After the reveal that Ben Affleck will play Batman in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman movie, it would seem that casting for the movie couldn’t get any stranger. That assumption has now been pro...
Jesse Eisenberg Cast as Lex Luthor in Batman vs. Superman
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  • After the reveal that Ben Affleck will play Batman in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman movie, it would seem that casting for the movie couldn’t get any stranger. That assumption has now been proven wrong.

    Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Jesse Eisenberg of Zombieland and The Social Network fame has been cast as Lex Luthor in Batman vs. Superman.

    “Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940,” said Zack Snyder, director of Batman vs. Superman. “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.”

    Joining Eisenberg will be Jeremy Irons, who will have the heroic task of following Michael Caine as Wayne Manor butler Alfred.

    “As everyone knows, Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure,” said Snyder. “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.”

    Gal Gadot has already been revealed to be playing Wonder Woman in Batman vs. Superman and characters from last year’s Man of Steel will also be returning. Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane will reprise their roles in the DC Comics universe, as will Amy Adams as Lois Lane.

    Batman vs. Superman was recently delayed one year. Though the movie was previously scheduled for a summer 2015 release it will now kick off the 2016 summer blockbuster season on May 9, 2016. According to today’s announcement, the movie is currently being Chris Terrio, the man who wrote the screenplay for Ben Affleck’s Argo.

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