Zack Snyder has just announced that Academy award winner Jeremy Irons will play Bruce Wayne's butler Alfred in the follow-up film to Man of Steel. Awesome! A terrific, classy actor to portray not only the most famous butler of all time but also a classic comic book character! Fantastic!
But there's more. As most of us expected, the main villain was going to be Lex Luthor. Even before it was announced, that just seemed like the next logical move. The kicker is that this iconic villain will be played by Oscar Nominee Jesse Eisenberg! Wait, Jesse Eisenberg is playing Lex Luthor? Huh?
Reading the news for the first time felt like someone had pulled a prank on me. A really elaborate and convincing prank. But life could not be so kind and I awoke from my dream. I'm going to question this casting decision but defend it at the same time because I'm kind of split.
On the pro side, if you look at all three of the actors that played the villains in Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, they aren't exactly very intimidating.
Heath Ledger, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy might not have seemed like villain material, but with serious commitment to the role and physical training, they have cemented themselves as some of the all time greats.
And when you get down to it, Lex Luthor is a sadistic genius. In many of Eisenberg's roles, he has played intelligent jerks pretty well! Does he look the part? With that hair, no. But a shaved head can make all the difference in persuading ones opinion.
On the con side, why not Bryan Cranston or Joaquin Phoenix? Not only are they far more accomplished actors, but they have proven to us that they can play villains!
Do you think that DC Comics is placing all of their eggs into one basket and making this film beyond overblown? Personally, I think so. DC is scrambling to catch up with Marvel and their unbelievably successful string of films. Is this Batman and Superman, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman or just a full on Justice League film? There are just so many characters being added to the film that I almost forgot that it is Superman's sequel! How sad is that?
Just hold off on Aqua Man and Flash casting news. Give them either their own films or let The Justice League introduce us to them.
I'm nervous yet optimistic. Always hope for the best! Even in the worst of times. What say you? Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? Sound off in the comments and I'll respond to you!
He played the egotistical, genius billionaire to great effect in Social Network. I think with the right addition of vengeful hated he could be a pretty good Lex Luther. Social Network was pretty good. Who knew Lex Luther and Peter Parker were business partners.
ReplyDeleteAlso, The Flash is getting a TV show which will be spin off of Arrow, which is great.
ReplyDeleteJeremy Irons is awesome. He could very well outdo Michael Caine.
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