Big news for all of you Superman Vs Batman (aka Man of Steel 2) movie fans out there (well, not Ben Affleck as Batman big, but big). Director Zack Snyder confirmed casting for two pivotal parts in the upcoming Warner Bros. film: Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s trusted adviser; and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Superman’s iconic nemesis.
Jesse Eisenberg (L) has been confirmed as the Man Of Steel’s 2 Lex Luthor; Jeremy Irons (R) has been cast as Alfred in the upcoming Man of Steel 2 movie.
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In a Warner Bros. press release issued today, Snyder said of Irons: “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.”
Irons won an Oscar for his work in Reversal of Fortune and was the infamous Simon Says villain in Die Hard: With A Vengeance.
Irons name has been on the short list of possible Alfreds for some time, so it came as no surprise when his name was announced. Slightly more surprising was the casting of Eisenberg– best known for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network, and the sleeper hit Now You See Me–as Lex Luthor.
The villain is typically portrayed as being older than Superman, usually in their late 30’s, early 40’s. Eisenberg, 30, offers a new direction for Luthor to go.
Regarding Eisenberg’s unexpected casting, Snyder said:
“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals…what’s great about Lex is that he exits 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.”
Lex Luthor is expected to be a supporting villain in Man of Steel 2, with another (as yet unidentified) villain posing a more physical threat. Rumors are flying about the identity of the this mega-villain but Warner Bros is keeping mum for now.
Irons and Eisenberg join Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and Man of Steel cast Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.
Tentatively billed as Man of Steel 2, the film is set for a May 6, 2016 release. Written by Chris Terrio from a screenplay by David S. Goyer and directed by Zach Snyder.