By now, we all know that Jesse Eisenberg has been cast in Batman vs. Superman as Lex Luthor. However, he wasn’t the first, or only choice for the role. Before his casting was announced, we heard rumors of several other actors testing for the part. Nothing was confirmed at the time but now that Eisenberg’s casting is official, insiders are opening up about who else was being eyed to play Lex.
According to THR, Joaquin Phoenix and Adam Driver, both of whom were said to be in the running a few months ago, were indeed approached for role. They also note that despite persistent rumors, Bryan Cranston was never an option.
Driver turned it down due to scheduling conflicts and Phoenix just straight up passed on it. Both actors were on Snyder’s short list and it’s being reported that instead of “casting a wide new with plenty of auditions,” the director has a specific short list of actors that he wants for each part.
I’d imagine that by this point most of the major roles in Batman vs. Superman have been filled, but I still wouldn’t be too shocked if Snyder has another surprise up his sleeve. I’m betting that we’ll see either one more Justice League member show up or perhaps another villain to work with Lex. After all, Jason Momoa was rumored for a villainous role not too long ago. Could there be any truth to that? Only time will tell.
Batman vs. Superman will star Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Jeremy Irons and Laurence Fishburne, and will hit theatres on May 6th, 2016.