Jesse Eisenberg Wasn’t Initially Offered Batman v Superman Lex Luthor Role

It seems like Jesse Eisenberg may not have been always destined to be Lex Luthor. According to an LA Times profile of Eisenberg, he was originally slated to play a “very different character.” Batman v Superman director Zack Snyder mentioned that he had initially offered a different role to Eisenberg before ultimately giving him the role of Luthor.

Snyder wanted to call the initial offer “a secret, but nevertheless it was the exact opposite of Lex Luthor.” We’re not exactly sure which character Snyder may be referring to, but one thought does come to mind: Jimmy Olsen. As Uproxx’s Dan Seitz points out, Eisenberg’s got that “perpetual youthful look” going on.

Now that I think about it, Eisenberg probably would’ve made a pretty good Jimmy Olsen. But good for him for sticking to his guns and holding out for something bigger. Thinking about Eisenberg’s Luthor, I find myself definitely in the hopeful camp. I’m very much looking forward to seeing his take on the supervillain.

What about you? Are you excited to see Eisenberg as Luthor, or would you rather have seen him as good ol’ Olsen?

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