The still-untitled Man of Steel sequel, which will star Ben Affleck as Batman and bring back Henry Cavill as Superman, will include The Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg as the villainous Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons portraying Batman's loyal butler Alfred.
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The casting news comes weeks after Warner Bros. and director Zack Snyder tapped Fast and Furious actress Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.
Snyder discussed Eisenberg's gig in a statement released by Warner Bros. on Friday:
“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940. 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.”
The sequel will pit Batman against Superman, so viewers can anticipate seeing "physical conflicts" between the two crime fighters — and now Lex Luthor. The sequel will be filmed in Detroit and other parts of Michigan before arriving in theaters in 2015.
Snyder also described selecting Irons: “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.”
Like clockwork, people on Twitter quickly reacted to the selections:
Jesse Eisenberg is Lex Luthor, Ben Affleck is Batman, Jeremy Irons is Alfred. I'm gonna go audition for Wonder Woman now.
— Ross Miller (@ohnorosco) January 31, 2014
I like Jesse Eisenberg as Luthor. Lex defined by arrogance and resentment of popular jock Superman. Very much Zuckerberg in Social Network.
— Alan Sepinwall (@sepinwall) January 31, 2014
a million dollars isn't cool. you know what's cool? we might get to watch ben affleck punch jesse eisenberg in the face
— john freiler (@johnfreiler) January 31, 2014