It’s ‘Eisenberg,’ not ‘Heisenberg’ as “Batman vs. Superman” Villain

Yup…The Social Network‘s Jesse Eisenberg has been announced as portraying the one and only Lex Luthor in 2015’s Batman vs. Superman.

Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad fame was being floated around, but in the end it turned out to be a rumor.

In the same announcement, however, the role of Alfred was revealed and it will none other than Jeremy Irons, English actor of The Borgias, Die Hard: With a Vengeance, and of course, Scar in The Lion King.

Director Zack Snyder said the following in a press release:

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.

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. 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.

[via io9]