Jessie Eisenberg as Lex Luthor.
Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth.
Warner Brothers announced these two major casting additions for the upcoming Man of Steel sequel in which Superman (Henry Cavill) faces Batman (Ben Affleck.) Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) will be in the Zack Snyder directed film.
Eisenberg is best known for playing Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network.
“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940,” Snyder said. “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.”
“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 facade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne.”
Man of Steel established that Lexcorp (with product logos on tankers and ore in the battles with Zod) exists in that cinematic universe so I like the idea of the ruthless C.E.O. and criminal genius Lex Luthor so does not suffer fools. Sorry Otis fans. Given Eisenberg’s past roles in The Social Network and Zombieland I can picture him as an arrogant genius who can deliver a sharp, smarmy comic line and then order someone’s death in seconds. I like the idea of Lex being around Clark’s age.
I really think Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth is perfection for the darker Batman inspired by Frank Miller’s Dark Knight.
Film fans may not realize Alfred was an accomplished actor and spy before making a commitment to serve the Wayne family after a deathbed promise to his father.
Alfred’s experience as a ruthless intelligence operative will help Bruce’s battle with the Man of Steel in the sequel set to hit screens in 2016.
By Editor
Thanks to The Hero Complex.