The latest casting news regarding Batman vs. Superman is that Jeremy Irons ( The Borgias ) will be joining the production as Batman’s trusted butler/confidante, Alfred, Warner Bros. announced on Friday.
News of Jeremy Irons casting comes with the announceent that the Man Of Steel sequel also has found its Lex Luthor in the person of The Social Network’s Jesse Eisenberg.
In the statement the studio says:
“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.”
There was mixed reactions when Jesse Eisenbeg’s name was announced as the new Lex Luthor, as most fans were expecting a more “seasoned” actor such as Brian Cranston to take on the role.
Jesse Eisenberg has been cast as Lex Luthor in Batman vs Superman (& Jeremy Irons is Alfred): http://t.co/L2AWSs20ah pic.twitter.com/w4B8m0S5q1
— Total Film (@totalfilm) January 31, 2014
Many believe that Eisenberg is not the right choice for the role of the villain in Batman vs. Superman despite praise from director Zack Snyder:
“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.”
Many on Twitter have an opinion about Jesse Eisenberg one way or the other:
Tweets about “Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor”
This is not the first time that the studio has created a storm of controversy online. Who can forget the almost unanimously negative reactions after Ben Affleck was cast as Batman?
Many were not happy — and still aren’t — about the casting choice for the caped crusader, but there is nothing to be done now. Batfleck is here to stay.
Jeremy Irons and Jesse Eisenberg join Affleck, Henry Cavill (Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) in Batman vs. Superman , set to open in theaters on May 6, 2016.
