So it is a shock for everyone that Ben Affleck got the role of Bruce Wayne aka Batman for the Man of Steel Sequel.  And also some people are not too happy that Gal Gadot is cast as Wonder Woman.  So I'm not sure what will people feel about this new announcement.

BURBANK, CA, January 31, 2014 – Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Jesse Eisenberg has been set to star as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons will play Alfred in the upcoming Zack Snyder untitled Superman/Batman film. The dual announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.


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.”

Snyder’s film stars Henry Cavill, reprising his role as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. The film also reunites “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

The new film is currently being written by Chris Terrio, from a screenplay by David S. Goyer. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Wesley Coller, David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers.

The film is set to open worldwide on May 6, 2016, and is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Batman characters created by Bob Kane, and Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston, appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment.

Personally, Jesse Eisenberg is a tried and tested actor. No doubt about that.  But it is also obvious that he is not the actor we are expecting for the part.  But on the second thought thinking about it, Lex Luthor is kinda like Mark Zuckerberg.  Maybe we are just overlooking the age.  Lex don't really need to be older looking, so possibly it can work.

Beyond that I'm glad that they cast Jeremy Irons for the part of Alfred Pennyworth.  Maybe it is time that somebody with strong personality to play the role.  Like what the press release mentioned, we need somebody who can stand as a mentor and I believe Irons has that authoritarian image perfect for the part.


Opening on May 6, 2016, Man of Steel Sequel is to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.