Jesse Eisenberg Cast as Lex Luthor in Batman/Superman

In the same press release that announced Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, Zack Snyder dropped the bomb that none other than Jesse Eisenberg (Social Network) has been cast as Lex Luthor in Batman/Superman.

In the press release Snyder 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’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.”

Eisenberg received Academy Award®, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award® and BAFTA Award nominations for his starring role as Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s “The Social Network.” He also starred in Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love” and Louis Letterier’s “Now You See Me.” He next appears in “The Double” and “Night Moves.”

Batman/Superman  is currently set to open worldwide on May 6, 2016.