Jesse Eisenberg has landed the coveted role of Lux Luthor in the upcoming “Batman vs. Superman” movie.
The news came as a shock to most DC fans as Joaquin Phoenix and Bryan Cranston were reportedly being eyed by production to play the villain. Still, Snyder assured fans in a statement that Eisenberg won’t be the “stereotypical” villain and will take Luthor’s character to a whole new level.
“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940,” Snyder said in a statement. “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.”
However, the Internet had mixed reactions to the news of Eisenberg’s casting. Fans took to Twitter to explain their hesitations or excitement to see “The Social Network” actor to play Lex Luthor.
Ben Affleck as Batman, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. I feel like the only thing missing is the Batman nipply suit. WB you are scaring me...
— Derek Sproul (@DerekNeilSproul) February 1, 2014
I honestly don't care about anyone else's opinion on the matter-Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor & Jeremy Irons as Alfred is *inspired* casting — Jeff Small (@jeffrsmall) February 1, 2014
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor is actually really cool, young ultra smart Luthor is something I'm really interested in seeing — Athenshaw (@__JonnyShaw) February 1, 2014
Not feeling jesse eisenberg as the new lex luthor for batman vs superman. Jeremy irons as Alfred is interesting though — Andreas Antoniou (@kingrandae) February 1, 2014
The untitled “Man of Steel 2” actor Ben Affleck also faced the same mixed reactions when Warner Bros. announced he would be taking on the role of Batman. Snyder had a similar response to the decision to hire Affleck, explaining to fans in a statement the Dark Night he envisioned will be brought to life by the “Argo” actor.
However, fans continued to bash the casting decision, but Affleck was left unfazed by the comments. The actor revealed in a recent interview with Playboy magazine that he will play an “older and wiser version” Batman who is nothing like audiences have seen before.
"I understand I'm at a disadvantage with the Internet,” Affleck told the mazine. “If I thought the result would be another Daredevil, I'd be out there picketing myself. [laughs] Why would I make the movie if I didn't think it was going to be good and that I could be good in it?"
“Batman vs. Superman” is slated to hit theaters on May 6, 2016.
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