In a weird twist in the world of casting, Warner Bros. announced to say that The Social Network’s Jesse Eisenberg will play DC’s most infamous villain, Lex Luthor, in Batman vs. Superman. Zack Snyder, director of Batman vs. Superman, commented on Eisenberg’s casting, saying Eisenberg will be a great addition to the series, and will help bring an interesting new take to the character.

In addition to Eisenberg joining the series, Warner Bros. also announced that Jeremy Irons will play the iconic role of Alfred in Batman vs. Superman, saying how excited he is that such a “seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy [is] taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne.” Jeremy Irons is a great choice to pick up the mantle as Alfred. I think we’re going to be hard-pressed to find someone as iconic as Michael Caine to play our famous butler, but I think this is a really great choice that will add an interesting, yet still classic take on Alfred.

We all knew that Lex Luthor was going to be in the next Man of Steel movie, but the casting of Jesse Eisenberg is pretty out of left field. With rumors like Bryan Cranston popping up as being cast as Batman and Superman’s arch nemesis, it comes as a surprise to us that they would choose someone so young to play someone so powerful, who is usually someone of older age. I think if they take the approach with Lex that he’s a young business genius, that could be very interesting, but only time will tell how they frame Lex as a character, and if their casting decision pays off. Snyder has been making some pretty bold choices for the key characters of this next film, so the man must have a really awesome plan in mind. At least from a fan’s perspective, we hope he does.

You can check out the full press release from Warner Bros. below, and let us know what you think in the comments section.

BURBANK, CA, January 31, 2014 – Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Jesse Eisenberg has been set to star as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons will play Alfred in the upcoming Zack Snyder untitled Superman/Batman film. The dual announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Snyder stated, “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 director added, “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.”

Snyder’s film stars Henry Cavill, reprising his role as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. The film also reunites “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

The new film is currently being written by Chris Terrio, from a screenplay by David S. Goyer. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Wesley Coller, David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers.

The film is set to open worldwide on May 6, 2016, and 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, appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment.

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Tyler Osborne

Live in DC, grew up in PA. I specialize in writing, filming and taking pictures about punk, pop-punk, and hardcore music, and I also have a huge background in film as well. When not on the site, i'm running my own internet radio show, ToZ's Edge Radio (www.facebook.com/tozedgeradio). I also love stage diving and goldfish.

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