We have Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. So who's next on the list?.
Warner Bros. Pictures announced that Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons will play two of DC's iconic characters: Superman villain Lex Luthor and Batman's trusted butler, Alfred Pennyworth.
Director Zack Snyder cited his reasons for letting Eisenberg play the part of Superman's arch-nemesis and said:
"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."
As for Irons, he said, "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."
While production is pleased to have both of them on board, people took to Twitter to share their opinions and reactions. Some are less pleased, while other Twitter posts are just plain funny. Here are some tweets below:
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor in the Batman vs Superman movie?? Please tell me Joker is the casting director & this is just a sick joke.
— Victoria (@VictoriDrink) January 31, 2014
I'm barely even wrapping my head around Ben Affleck as Batman... — Victoria (@VictoriDrink) January 31, 2014
Ok, I had my doubts about Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor but this leaked production still changed my mind (SPOILERS!): pic.twitter.com/I46lmWQE2O
— Jon Blair (@okjonblair) January 31, 2014
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor!? You can breathe easy now Ben Affleck... The internet has found its new target. — Johanna Fuentes (@jfuentes) January 31, 2014
JEREMY IRONS IS GOING TO BE ALFRED!!! AM I DREAMING!!! IS THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENING!!!! TWO GREAT TASTES THAT TASTE GREAT TOGETHER!!!!
— Becky Cloonan (@beckycloonan) January 31, 2014
I am very pro-Jeremy Irons. Scar is my Spirit Animal. — James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) January 31, 2014
The more I think about it, the more interesting the Eisenberg-Luthor choice is.
— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) January 31, 2014
Jesse Eisenberg cast as Lex Luthor in 'Superman-Batman' ... cool, another role that will make me dislike him -_- — Katie Sommers (@KatieRadio1) January 31, 2014
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if they cast Justin Bieber as Robin.
— Jason Dnalsflogni (@jingolfs85) January 31, 2014
This picture sums up my thoughts on the @wbpictures casting news for #LexLuthor. c/o @ManofSteelMovie pic.twitter.com/PNmE8y68pw — Will (@ProjectMelton) January 31, 2014