Zack Snyder Talks Lex Luthor Casting in Batman vs. Superman

[ad name="468×60-text-ad"]
"I think Jesse is going to be an amazing Lex." Director Zack Snyder's much-anticipated Batman vs. Superman hasn't shot a single frame of film yet, and it's already a hot topic for fanboys. You can attribute that to Snyder's unconventional casting choices of Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, and most recently Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg as Superman's traditionally bald arch nemesis Lex Luthor. Snyder spoken with The LA Times about the controversy.

How surprised are you by all the outcry over some of your casting choices? Jesse as Lex Luthor?

There are two ways to think about it. We know the material. Unfortunately, the fans don't know the material. So, we're casting according to what's happening in the script. And we're hoping that leads to enough originality, enough perspective on what we're doing that you get something fresh and exciting. I understand the canon. I'm not crazy. I know what these characters need from a mythological standpoint. I think Jesse is going to be an amazing Lex. Let's not forget he was nominated for an Academy Award. It's not like I just grabbed my friend to play the guy! This guy's the real deal.

What about the fanboy internet hate?

By the way, in looking at all the talk-back, you can get all different perspectives in there too. Some people are hating to hate. Some people — someone did some fan art. And you look underneath and someone wrote, "I guess I can see it." Honestly, are you kidding me? Just stop it! It's reassuring and frustrating at the same time.