10 Riskiest Upcoming Casting Choices (And Why They Will Work)
6. Jesse Eisenberg - Lex Luthor
The Risk
A far cry from the traditional cutthroat, philanthropist megalomaniac comic book fans are used to, Jesse Eisenberg has (thus far, at least) crafted an aura of a much more contemporary Lex Luthor - the millennial, entrepreneurial brat; all trust funds, scruffy hair, and trainers.
Though early images seem to assure that Eisenberg will be bald at some point during the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film, recent promotional material suggests this more unfamiliar visage will be the overriding image the film leaves of Supe's arch nemesis. Compared with the empowering figures of Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey, is Eisenberg's cynical rich kid act set to neuter the famous villain?
The Reward
As the title may suggest, Lex is unlikely to be a central focus in Batman vs. Superman, but rather a peripheral figure developed, inevitably, for later films. This isn't a fully-formed Luthor we're dealing with. Instead, Eisenberg is cast perfectly as an exuberant, overpowered man-child possibly yet to discover the murkiest depths of his psyche. It is an excellent fresh take on the character.
More arrogant than evil, Eisenberg's trademark snarky nonchalance is an intriguing contrast to the Man of Steel's paragon of virtue and honour. Much will rely on how Eisenberg adapts to Luthor's increasing villainous presence, but as a early developing threat, there is much potential for the talented Eisenberg to steal a scene or two from his hulking counterparts.