Last week Warner Bros. sent the internet into a frenzy – again – with its latest casting on the Man of Steel sequel as Jesse Eisenberg (Now You See Me) was announced as the latest actor to portray Superman’s arch-enemy Lex Luthor on the big screen.
Now The Hollywood Reporter has revealed some behind-the-scenes details on the casting, stating that Girls star Adam Driver – who was heavily linked to the role of Nightwing – was actually also under consideration for Luthor, along with Joaquin Phoenix (Her), who is said to have passed on the role.
It’s also thought that Warner Bros. considered sticking with an older Lex Luthor, with Tom Hanks (Captain Phillips) “discussed internally”. However, no offer was ever made to Hanks, while Bryan Cranston was also never approached, despite what many “scoop” sites would have us believe.
Batman vs. Superman is set for release in May 2016 with a cast that also includes Henry Cavill (Superman), Ben Affleck (Batman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), and Jeremy Irons (Alfred Pennyworth).
Originally published February 6, 2014. Updated April 11, 2018.
