Warner Bros has confirmed casting arch-villain 'Lex Luthor in "Batman Vs Superman":
Actor Jesse Eisenberg ("The Social Network") will co-star as 'Lex Luthor' and Jeremy Irons will play 'Alfred' in the new film, according to Warners' Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
"Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals," said director Zack Snyder, "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 original 'Alexander Joseph "Lex" Luthor', created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, debuted in "Action Comics" #23 (April 1940), with a full head of red hair, described as "...a power-mad, evil scientist" of high intelligence and incredible technological prowess. Luthor's goal of killing 'Superman' was to be a stepping stone to his evil domination of the universe.
In subsequent comic books, Luthor became hairless as the result of an artist's mistake. A 1960 story by Jerry Siegel expanded upon Luthor's origin and motivations, revealing him to be a childhood friend of Superman's who lost his hair when a fire destroyed his laboratory. Blaming Superman, Luthor vowed revenge.
In alternate versions of the character, Luthor became a wealthy industrialist, thanks to patents on his numerous inventions, but still possessed with a jealous and burning desire to rid the world of the 'Man Of Steel'.
"As everyone knows, 'Alfred' is Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure, said Snyder.
"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."
The film 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, published by DC Entertainment.
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