On Friday, Jan. 31 Warner Bros. announced in a press release that 30-year-old Jesse Eisenberg would play the super-villain Lex Luthor in the sequel to "Man of Steel." They also announced that Batman's trusted friend, Alfred had been cast as Jeremy Irons.
Once the announcement was made, the Internet exploded with criticism. Most people felt Irons was a great choice for Alfred but couldn't see Eisenberg as Lex. Granted, it's an unconventional choice and was definitely unexpected but maybe Warner Bros. is right on the money with casting "The Social Network" actor in the movie.
Check out some reactions to the news below:
"Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor? Is it a teenage version? I don't see it. Dude looks 12," one user wrote.
"WHAT is with these casting people? First Affleck as Batman and now Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor?! #No," another Twitter user posted.
"Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor? Jeremy Irons as Alfred? This Superman/Batman movie is more bizarre by the minute," another user commented.
We have to admit that physically Eisenberg as Lex Luthor was a little odd. He has a head full of curly hair, a youngish-looking face and he's not as bulky as Lex's character usually is. However, the hair thing is not a big deal; there are several ways around that. For the other reasons mentioned, maybe Warner Bros. is going for a different look.
Zack Snyder did say in the press release that the film, given the unofficial title of "Batman vs. Superman," was going to take Lex "in some new and unexpected directions." He could of have been dropping a major hint that fans will see a different Lex than what has been on screens in the past.
"What's great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain," Snyder said. "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."
Putting Eisenberg's physical "challenges" a side; he's great for the role. All Batman fans know that Lex is dangerous, extremely powerful and ruthless. He's a brilliant scientist, a billionaire and he despises the Man of Steel.
Eisenberg has nailed that kind of character in the past. In "The Social Network," he played Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Immediately after Warner Bros. announced the casting decision, I flashed back to this movie.
Eisenberg's character in the movie was conniving, sneaky, cold and dangerous. He had no problem stepping on other people to reach his goal. As NPR's Linda Holmes pointed out:
"I am in no way intend to suggest that Mark Zuckerberg in real life is a smart, diabolical, ice-cold, inhuman, troubled, brilliant, conniving, hateful, maladjusted megalomaniac (referring to Lex Luthor). But the fictional one Arron Sorkin wrote for 'The Social NNetwork?' Yes, he was all those things. And Eisenberg killed in that part. The invented movie version of Zuckerberg, in many ways, was Lex Luthor."
Eisenberg also played a similar role in "Now You See Me," as J. Daniel Atlas. The smug magician was overly-confident, not very nice to people and in some ways resembled Zuckerberg in "The Social Network."
Given that the actor is talented enough to play these types of villainous roles; Eisenberg could very well be a great Lex Luthor.
"Man of Steel 2" hits theaters May 16, 2016.
What do you think about Jesse Eisenberg as Lex? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
