Good news for Ben Affleck: It looks like within the day, the Internet will have found a new target to criticize (or voice support for!) when it comes to this upcoming Man of Steel sequel, Batman vs. Superman. According to Variety, Jesse Eisenberg is set to portray Lex Luthor in the film, a surprising move after months of rumors that Bryan Cranston was actually in talks for the role.
"Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940," director Zack Snyder said of the casting. "What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character...having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions."
Additionally, Jeremy Irons has been confirmed to take on the role of Alfred in the film, Bruce Wayne's "most trusted friend, ally, mentor" and father figure. As Snyder said in a statement: "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."
As previously reported, Batman vs. Superman has been pushed to a 2016 release date, after being slotted for 2015 this past year. The new date it will hit theaters is May 6, 2016. In addition to Affleck (who is portraying Batman, in case you forgot), Eisenberg, and Irons, Henry Cavill will return as Superman, and Gal Gadot will join the film as Wonder Woman. Also returning are Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, and Diane Lane.
What do you think of Irons and Eisenberg's castings?
[via Variety]
