Jesse Eisenberg Cast As Lex Luthor In Zack Snyder’s Untitled Superman-Batman Film; Jeremy Irons Casted As Alfred

Jesse Eisenberg is set to star as Lex Luthor while British actor Jeremy Irons will be cast as Alfred Pennyworth in Zack Snyder’s upcoming, and as yet untitled, Batman vs. Superman film, Warner Bros. Pictures said Friday.

The two announcements were made by Greg Silverman, president, creative development and worldwide production, and Sue Kroll, president, worldwide marketing and international distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. And, Snyder, the director of the film, 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 added: “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.”

Snyder also spoke about Irons' role as Alfred in the film, stating: “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.”

He went on adding: “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.”

Eisenberg's role as Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s “The Social Network” earned him best-actor nominations at the Oscars, the Golden Globe, the Screen Actors Guild, and BAFTA awards. Irons won a best-actor Academy Award for his role as Claus von Bülow in the 1990 film, “Reversal of Fortune.” He also received a Golden Globe Award for this role.

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

The new film is currently being written by Chris Terrio and is slated to release worldwide on May 6, 2016.