One of the most amazing things about comic book superhero films is the level of talent they have attracted in recent years. It must have seemed insane for audiences in 1978 and 1989 respectively to find out Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman were starring in Superman and Jack Nicholson was starring in Batman. However, with the vast popularity of superhero films nowadays it’s not so surprising to hear that acclaimed Oscar-winning actors like Ben Kingsley, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Redford, Michael Caine, and Russell Crowe will star in an upcoming comic book movie.
Nonetheless, the next bit of casting news is still surprising. According to Variety, Warner Bros. is hoping to get Joaquin Phoenix to play Lex Luthor in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman movie. It’s surprising because Phoenix has backed away from making commercial movies in recent years, but it’s certainly the type of manipulative role that Phoenix can sink his teeth into.
Variety points out that it can only confirm that Warner Bros. wants Phoenix for a “villain” role, but Superman’s nemesis has already been confirmed as being part of the film and the role has yet to be cast. For those that don’t know, Luthor is Superman’s archenemy and has alternately been portrayed as a vast evil genius, an evil billionaire, or a combination of both since his first appearance in 1940. Considering all the references to “LexCorp” in Man of Steel it’s probably safe to say that “evil billionaire” will be part of his character in the sequel.
The Man of Steel sequel — which still doesn’t have an official title — is set to open on July 17, 2015, stars Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane and and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. Zack Snyder is returning to direct the film with a script by David S. Goyer.
Do you think Phoenix will make a good Lex Luthor? How do you think Phoenix will look bald?
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