Jesse Eisenberg is Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons is Alfred

Warner Bros. has officially confirmed that Oscar-nominee Jesse Eisenberg of The Social Network will be playing Lex Luthor and Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons of The Lion King, will be playing Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler, Alfred Pennyworth in Batman vs Superman.

The official statement comes the director himself Zack Snyder on the casting choices:

Snyder stated, “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 director added, “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.”