INQUISITR.COM / Entertainment

Jesse Eisenberg: Lex Luthor In ‘Batman V Superman’ Is ‘What Audiences Want To See Now’

By Jonathan Franks
Published on: 10:42 PST, Feb 13, 2016

Actor Jesse Eisenberg recently spoke openly about his version of Lex Luthor in the highly-anticipated film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

In an interview with Playboy magazine, the American Ultra star claimed that his version of the iconic villain is based on a modern interpretation.

“The character is in line with what audiences want to see now, which is a more modern, psychologically realistic concept of Lex Luthor. His motivations are multifaceted; he has a way of using language that’s specific to the way his mind works; he struggles with interesting philosophical dilemmas like that of the individual having too much power, even if that individual is using that power for good.”

When it first was announced that Jesse Eisenberg would star as Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman, quite a few fans and critics became overly concerned. Taking into consideration the big shoes that he would have to fill, many fans of the DC Cinematic Universe were simply not sure how the young guy that played Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network would be able to step up to the challenge of bringing Lex Luthor back to the big screen.

Jesse Eisenberg
(Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Keep in mind that Jesse is following the footsteps of Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey by playing the iconic villain in a movie along with the Man of Steel. However, he is also exploring a brand new territory since neither Hackman, nor Spacey had to play Lex Luthor in a movie that combined the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel in the same blockbuster film.

Instead of focusing on how Jesse Eisenberg will measure up to the award-winning actors that have come before him, he apparently focused on the brand new direction in which his portrayal is heading with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

“The previous movies are interesting to watch, but they feel unrelated. This incarnation of the character is drawn so differently. I’d read the comic books, but I figured out pretty quickly there’s not much there that relates to an acting role; it’s just a different format. You know the old joke about actors — if you’re playing the messenger, you think it’s a play about the messenger — but the main characters are wonderful as well.”

Eisenberg further likened Lex Luthor to a character featured in ancient Greek theater — a character that “speaks in broad themes” but ensure that his statements are in line with his interests.

Jesse Eisenberg is apparently not the only Batman v Superman cast member that has been targeted by a wave of negative backlash from fans and critics.

Quite a few people are still disappointed over Fast and Furious 6 actress Gal Gadot playing Wonder Woman in the upcoming film. In a July, 2015, discussion with Interview magazine, Gal addressed the negativity, claiming that she refused to let the backlash get to her.

“No matter what you do, you can never please them all. People will always have something to say because that’s the way people are. And it’s okay. But for me, it’s my job. It’s my career. It’s my art. Whatever I do, I take it very seriously and I do my research and I give it my best. I just want to be able to shine and inspire people.”

Fans and critics will be able to see Jesse Eisenberg’s full performance as Lex Luthor as well as Gal Gadot playing Wonder Woman when Batman v Superman finally heads into theaters in March. At that time, it will become apparently clear whether or not this new direction and approach is well-received or, well-rejected.

[Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]

Share this article: Jesse Eisenberg: Lex Luthor In ‘Batman V Superman’ Is ‘What Audiences Want To See Now’
superman jesse eisenberg Ben Affleck Henry Cavill Batman v Superman
More from Inquisitr