1. Jesse Eisenberg Cast As Lex Luthor, Jeremy Irons Is Alfred
Warner Bros. has made it a habit of releasing casting bombshells on Fridays, turning what could have been a typical news week into an exciting one. Though they've decided to delay Batman Vs. Superman 10 months, they show no signs of letting the project slip from the limelight. We've been hearing so many casting rumors over the last few months that its become white noise, so it's refreshing to report that we now have
two solid, confirmed casting announcements: Jesse Eisenberg, the Academy Award nominated star of The Social Network, will play Lex Luthor, and Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons will play Bruce's trusted butler, Alfred. The casting news has, with typical DC fashion, sparked quite the controversy online. Fans seem fine with Irons' role (after all, he's a legend and frankly, any old British actor would have sufficed), but are more torn by the casting of Eisenberg. A majority of fans have been
extremely vocal about their desire to see Bryan Cranston in the iconic role, and have been vocal about their disappointment online. However, Eisenberg is a solid choice, and has the potential to bring something new and interesting to the role. Zack Snyder has this new direction in mind, and had this to say about the casting:
Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman's rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940 Snyder said in a statement announcing the Eisenberg deal. "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.
Though Eisenberg wasn't on anyone's radar for the role, it will be interesting to see what he does with the part. To those fueled with rage about the casting, I need only remind you of the casting of Heath Ledger as the Joker; who was met with similar (if not worse) outrage yet proved us all wrong in the end. It may pay to remain cautiously optimistic. And that wraps up this week's news brief. What did you think of the stories? Are you excited or upset about Eisenberg's Lex Luthor casting? Would you have prefered someone like Cranston? Were you turned off by the X-Men covers, or excited to hear about Thor and Captain America threequels? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to follow me on Twitter
@JimLovesMovies for more news as it breaks throughout the week!