Jesse Eisenberg Cast as Lex Luthor in Man of Steel Sequel

Remember when I actually said things about the upcoming sequel to Man of Steel that some people could interpret as hopeful? Oh, those halcyon days before this bullshit got announced. And James found out about this before me. Fucking James is more on the ball than I am lately. How depressing is that? Almost as depressing as the protagonist of Zombieland being Lex fucking Luthor.

Warner Bros. has announced that Jesse Eisenberg has been cast to play the role of Lex Luthor in the unnamed Man of Steel sequel. This announcement comes after months and months of speculation and hope that Bryan Cranston, who has said on record that he would love to play the part, would be cast. But I guess that’s what we get when we have faith in a studio and creative team that made Man of Steel in the first place. Director Zack Snyder said in a press release…

Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940. 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.

It was also announced that Jeremy Irons had been cast in the movie, replacing Michael Caine as Bruce Wayne’s butler/dad Alfred Pennyworth. Snyder added…

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

Now, Irons seems like he could be a good fit for Alfred. He’s a decent actor, he’s got some years on him, and he’s British. But Eisenberg as Luthor makes no goddamn sense whatsoever. Luthor is the smartest and one of the most ruthless characters in the DCU. When he’s in a scene he should demand respect and be intimidating. Eisenberg doesn’t look intimidating in the slightest, and imagining him bald just makes him look funny.

The Man of Steel sequel, which they really just need to name, is set for release May 6th, 2016.

Source: Business Wire