You know how it seemed that all of the BATMAN VS SUPERMAN villain rumors were focused on actors who were already bald like Mark Strong, Bryan Cranston, and Terry O’Quinn? Well, add a new name to the potential Lex Luthor villain casting mix and this guy has a full head of hair. Variety reports that Warner Bros is very interested in getting Joaquin Phoenix on board BATMAN VS SUPERMAN as the villain.
Sources are saying that the unnamed role they want him for is Lex Luthor, but neither the studio nor Phoenix’s representation have commented. The source of the news also says this is in the very early stages and may not pan out. But, what it does tell us is that the studio is looking at high caliber talent and not trying to fit the mold of what the comic book character looked like. This is also assuming the role is even Luthor. Nothing official has been released saying that he will be the primary antagonist in BATMAN VS SUPERMAN. Phoenix could be a good fit for any number of bad guys from either superhero.
Phoenix returned after a self-imposed hiatus when he filmed the mockumentary I’M STILL HERE and has appeared in acclaimed performances in Paul Thomas Anderson’s THE MASTER and this year’s HER from Spike Jonze. He is currently filming Anderson’s INHERENT VICE. He has played one of the best villains in recent years as Emperor Commodus in Ridley Scott‘s GLADIATOR, so I have no doubt he could play an amazing Luthor if this all pans out.
BATMAN VS SUPERMAN stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Ben Affleck, and Gal Gadot. It hits theaters on July 17, 2015.
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