Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons have been cast in "Batman vs. Superman."
Variety is reporting that Warner Bros. has cast Eisenberg in the role of Lex Luther and Irons in the role of Alfred, Batman's butler.
The casting comes a few weeks after it was announced that movie was going to be delayed. However, it was later confirmed that production for the film would not be delayed.
Eisenberg's casting comes as a surprise because pundits were expecting an older Luther and many had Mark Strong as one of the potential candidates. However, director Zack Snyder told Variety, "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."
Snyder was also excited about the prospect of having Irons in the film and stated. "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."
"Batman vs. Superman" is currently in pre-production with Henry Cavill as Superman and Ben Affleck as Batman. The film also star Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Diane Lane, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.
The movie is set for release on May 6, 2016.