Maybe Ben Affleck can take a breather for now. Jesse Eisenberg, known for his Oscar-nominated turn in 2010's "The Social Network," is the latest surprise casting for the upcoming Batman-Super project, Entertainment Weekly reported.
Despite insistent rumors that Bryan Cranston of "Breaking Bad" fame was a lock for the role, 30-year-old Eisenberg will play Superman nemesis Lex Luthor in the new movie, Warner Bros. announced on Friday.
Jeremy Irons was confirmed to play Alfred Pennyworth, Batman's butler and confidante, in the Zack Snyder-directed film slated for a May 2016 release.
Eisenberg's casting will bring something new to the role, which has been previously played by Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey and Michael Rosenbaum.
"What's great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain," Snyder said in a statement provided to EW. "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 untitled Batman-Superman film, which will star Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck and Amy Adams, had been slated for July 2015 but was recently pushed back for a May 6, 2016 release.
The project, which is a sequel to last year's "Man of Steel," goes by "Batman vs. Superman" on its IMDB page. The later release will give "the filmmakers time to realize fully their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story," according to the studio.
When Affleck was announced as the iconic Dark Knight, fans didn't take too kindly to the casting, but reactions were more mixed when the new Lex Luthor was announced.
Some were simply upset.
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, I just don't see it. It's already bad enough Ben Affleck is Batman. :/
— Adolfo (@adolfomoreno0) January 31, 2014
One fan pointed out that Eisenberg's sharp acting style could add a lot to the role.
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, I'm on board, I can see it, he'll be quite entertaining, mind games galore. — Oyin (@YimsyB) January 31, 2014
There were plays on his last name and Cranston's "Breaking Bad" character.
"Eisenberg? Guys, I said, 'HEISENBERG.'" - Zack Snyder, hopefully. — RINO Pundit (@RINOPundit) January 31, 2014
And then of course, there's always this guy:
Sorry Jesse Eisenberg, but Kanye West would have been the best Lex Luthor of all time.
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) January 31, 2014
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