BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN Cast Updates

The cast for the upcoming "Man of Steel" sequel titled "Batman vs. Superman" has added two new members. Jesse Eisenberg ("The Social Network") and Jeremy Irons ("The Borgias") have joined the cast as Superman nemesis Lex Luthor and Batman/Bruce Wayne's butler Alfred, respectively. This bit of news, released about four days ago has generated a storm of comments online, particularly in Eisenberg's case, with many fans hoping that the villain would be played by someone else. My personal favorite dream actor for Luthor would have been Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston, but I suppose that Warner Bros. and Zack Snyder have a particular vision for this rebooted universe that would suit someone like Eisenberg a lot better. I hope. Here is what Snyder had to say about Eisenberg's casting:

"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 role of Lex Luthor has been previously played by Gene Hackman in the original films and Kevin Spacey in the 2006 sequel/reboot "Superman Returns". Both actors were in their 40s when they played Luthor, so Eisengerg's choice is a bit odd, considering he is 30, although the villain in this version is probably supposed to be younger that what the fans are used to. Two other actors who were considered for the part were Adam Driver (also 30) and Joaquin Pheonix (39).

As for Jeremy Irons getting the part of Alfred, I have no problem with it, in fact, he's probably a great choice. I doubt he's going to provide much comic relief in the way that Michael Caine's Alfred provided in "The Dark Knight" movies, but he can give the role an extra dramatic push, if Snyder chooses to follow a darker storyline for the film. Here is a quote from the director about the casting of Batman's trusty butler:

"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."

With Superman (Henry Cavill), Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) thrown into "Batman Vs. Superman", this could mean a possible first step towards the long-awaited "Justice League" movie. Academy Award-winning "Argo" screenwriter Chris Terrio has been brought in to rewrite the screenplay. "Batman Vs. Superman" opens in theaters on May 6, 2016.

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Thursday, February 6, 2014

BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN Cast Updates

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