Bryan Cranston was high up on many people’s most-wanted lists to play Lex Luthor in Batman vs. Superman, a role that ended up going to Jesse Eisenberg. His portrayal of Walter White on television’s Breaking Bad proved that Cranston could definitely play the dark, megalomaniacal (and, well… bald) arch-nemesis of Superman. When Eisenberg landed the role though, fans were quick to voice their opinion, shouting “We wanted Heisenberg, not Eisenberg!”
As it turns out, the casting had absolutely nothing to do with Zack Snyder ignoring the internet, as Cranston himself claims that he was never offered the role in the first place. While on The Howard Stern Show this morning, he was asked about the part and admitted that though the job would have been a good career move for him and a once in a lifetime opportunity, he was never approached:
“In the minds of fans, it’s true. In the minds of the hierarchy of Warner Brothers, it’s not true. I was not involved in any of that whatsoever.”
So, there we have it. Despite endless rumors from various sites that claimed that Cranston was close to signing a super-sized nine film deal to play the bald billionaire, he was never even in the running.
Personally, I wouldn’t have liked Cranston as Luthor simply because he would have been too similar to past versions. What we need is a new take on the character that fits within this new universe Snyder is crafting. Plus, I’m still rooting for Cranston as Jim Gordon whenever they get around to the next solo Bat film. He played the character in the animated Batman Year One, and was great in the part, and has already got the moustache down, too.
What you think of Cranston’s comments? Are you disappointed that he was never even approached for Batman vs. Superman? Sound off below!