Warner Bros. announced today that Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg will play Lex Luthor in the new Batman vs. Superman film. Oscar winner Jeremy Irons has also been cast as Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s butler.
The news was announced today, with director Zack Snyder showering praise on Eisenberg. The actor was nominated for an Oscar for playing Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network. So, sorry to all those hoping Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston would get the part.
“Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions,” Snyder said.
As for Irons, Snyder said, “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.” Irons won an Oscar for starring in Reversal of Fortune.
The news is the first casting since the film was pushed back to May 6, 2016. It already stars Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent and Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne. Gal Gadot was also cast last month to play Wonder Woman.
Man of Steel stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane will also return.
image: Photo by Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images for BFI/image.net