Batman's best friend and Superman's greatest foe have both been cast in the Batman vs. Superman movie!
Jesse Eisenberg has been cast as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons will play Alfred in the upcoming (as-yet-untitled) Batman vs. Superman film. The dual announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
[related article: Batman vs. Superman - Everything we Know]
“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940." Said Batman vs. Superman director, Zack Snyder. "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.”
[related article: The Many Faces of Lex Luthor]
On the subject of Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, the director 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.”
[related article: 5 Reasons Jeremy Irons Will be a Very Different Kind of Alfred]
The film stars Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. The film also reunites Man of Steelstars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, and Diane Lane.
The new film is currently being written by Chris Terrio, from a screenplay by David S. Goyer. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Wesley Coller, David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers.
Batman vs. Superman (or whatever it's called) is set to open worldwide on May 6, 2016, and is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, Batman characters created by Bob Kane, and Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston, appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment.
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