EDITORIAL: 5 Actors Who Could Play Lex Luthor in Batman/Superman

EDITORIAL: 5 Actors Who Could Play Lex Luthor in Batman/Superman

CBM user NapoleonDynamite offers his opinions on who could play Superman’s arch nemesis in the upcoming sequel.

Editorial Opinion
By MrCameron - Sep 05, 2013 06:09 PM EST
Filed Under: Batman



Warner Brothers has been building hype for their Batman/Superman team-up coming in 2015 by announcing that Ben Affleck will be the one to don the cape and cowl as Christian Bale’s successor in the role. However, what of Superman’s arch-nemesis Lex Luthor? Who will fill this very important role? In this article, I will offer up my top five suggestions for the role along with the pros and cons of each.



5. Dominic West
Pros: He has a working relationship with Snyder, having done 300, where he showed he can be an evil manipulative bastard; a lesser known actor so the name wouldn’t outshine the role
Cons: Has already played a CBM villain in Punisher: Warzone (which didn’t go down too well); might be a little too smug looking, as Lex is supposed to be charming.



4. Edward Norton
Pros: Has experience in the CBM genre, having played Bruce Banner/The Hulk; has shown great range as an actor, being able to disappear into a variety of roles, protagonists and antagonists alike.
Cons: Norton has a reputation for being difficult to work with, which could be a problem if DC is developing a cinematic universe like Marvel where actors sign contracts to appear in multiple movies.



3. Joaquin Phoenix
Pros: One of the best actors working today; known for multi-layered takes on a variety of characters
Cons: As an actor, he seems pretty picky with his projects, so he might not want to sign on for multiple films. Plus, at 5’8, he might be too short for the role, as IMO, Lex should at least be the same height as Supes (or at least close).



2. Leonardo DiCaprio
Pros: Has a working relationship with Warner Bros. and producer Christopher Nolan having worked with both on Inception; could be a box-office draw; played a great villain in Django Unchained.
Cons: Might be too baby-faced for the role, as Lex should look more mature.



1. Matthew McConaughey
Pros: Has been killing it lately in movies like Mud, Bernie, and Killer Joe; come 2014, will have worked with Nolan come 2014 in Interstellar; knows how to turn the charm on and turn around and be a total sadistic bastard.
Cons: I honestly don’t know. To me, he’s just an ideal choice

So that’s my two cents. What are yours? Comment below and keep it civil. Constructive criticism would be nice.
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CavEl
CavEl - 9/5/2013, 6:41 PM
Only two of your picks I like. Lex is supposed to be Metropolis' Bruce Wayne. He's supposed to look like a man women want and men want to be...except bald.

I still say Jon Hamm is ideal, MM is a close second for me.
StatenMan18
StatenMan18 - 9/5/2013, 6:41 PM
Dominic west and Joaquin Phoenix for sure. Norton idk he's ans awesome actor but would be a very different interpretation for led, Leo like you said I think is too baby faced and while mathew could actually be a decent choice I just think Phoenix and west would do it with flying colors.
bazinga85
bazinga85 - 9/5/2013, 6:41 PM
I wouldn't mind McConaughey as Lex. He's an underrated actor who's had a recent career turn-around like Affleck.
StatenMan18
StatenMan18 - 9/5/2013, 6:41 PM
An* lex*
CavEl
CavEl - 9/5/2013, 6:44 PM
Dominic West is too workers man like, Norton too geeky and Phoenix would be wasted on a villain that's not mentally derange. His best roles are roles where he's playing a creep, not really a charismatic man.
StatenMan18
StatenMan18 - 9/5/2013, 6:48 PM
But with the right director and character set up phoenix could be perfect for the role, but yeah he does usually do best as a crazy guys lol
MrCameron
MrCameron - 9/5/2013, 6:50 PM
@ CavEl

Thanks 4 the feedback.

- I get what your saying about the actors, but I think Norton could work out for the role to gain mass. I just wanted to throw out some picks that have rarely been suggested; think outside of the box.

@ StatenMan18

- Good points.

To me, these guys would all be great depending on how the role is written. If you want deranged Lex, then Phoenix or Norton would be your man. If it's Bruce Wayne - lite Lex, then give West, DiCaprio, or McConaughey a call.

All could be great IMO if the role suits their strengths.
MrCameron
MrCameron - 9/5/2013, 6:53 PM
Oh, and with Dominic West, I wouldn't say he's too "workers man like", I just would perfer an actor not so baby-faced in the role.
StatenMan18
StatenMan18 - 9/5/2013, 7:06 PM
I think norton just seems too frail to play a guy like lex but I thnk west could do it great. I really don't want mark strong in the role although I'm pretty sure those rumors are bull anyways. Lol he's always bad and he's always bald ( not always but you know)
MrCameron
MrCameron - 9/5/2013, 7:06 PM
@ lamnotYou

That's exactly what I wanted in the first place. No Zane, no Willis, no Strong.
MrCameron
MrCameron - 9/5/2013, 7:08 PM
@ StatenMan18

THis is Chris Hemmsworth pre-Thor and post Thor:



The human body is capable of adding muscle. Norton could do so for the role.
MrCameron
MrCameron - 9/5/2013, 7:11 PM
@ HydraBobReturns

Thanks :)
StatenMan18
StatenMan18 - 9/5/2013, 7:11 PM
Yeah I know he could get bigger but idk, norton doesnt have that feel for a bad guy like lex but that's just me. Daniel day Lewis wouldn't be a bad suggestion that's would be intense
MrCameron
MrCameron - 9/5/2013, 7:12 PM
Not sure if ur serious w/the Nic Cage suggestion.
MrCameron
MrCameron - 9/5/2013, 7:12 PM
@ StatenMan18

Agree to disagree, that's fine by me :)
GetsugaTensho22
GetsugaTensho22 - 9/5/2013, 7:18 PM
The human body can be classified into 3 types, EctoMorphs, Endomorphs and mesomorphs.
You can't just say "oh he'll go to the gym and become big". If you have a relatively thin frame, you CAN'T pack on too much muscle without looking like a baloon because that muscle won't be spread out properly.
StatenMan18
StatenMan18 - 9/5/2013, 7:33 PM
Lmfao I can only imagine cage as Luther, seeing him with his usual voice he'll be all " SUPERMAN it's mee Nicholas cage. I'm going to steal kryptonite from the presidents secret bunker. And I'm going to use it against you ! " lol something like that
StatenMan18
StatenMan18 - 9/5/2013, 7:34 PM
I love cage believe me but he's not and never will be Luthor
Morbius
Morbius - 9/5/2013, 8:10 PM
WOW I never thought of Mcconahey for Lex interesting.
LEVITIKUZ
LEVITIKUZ - 9/5/2013, 8:20 PM
Jon Hamm is still my choice.
Lhornbk
Lhornbk - 9/5/2013, 10:01 PM
Not McConaghey. Lex Luthor does not have a southern accent, and I just can't see him in that role. But, we'll see how he is in Wolf of Wall Street, maybe that will change my mind if he does well in it and buries the accent. I think Dicaprio could do it, but I'm not sure he would want to, especially for more than 1 film. As for Norton, while I can't see him in the role, what difference does it make how skinny he is? Lex isn't supposed to challenge Superman physically (except maybe in this special "suit" I've heard about, and with that suit it wouldn't matter how buff he was.)
aresww3
aresww3 - 9/6/2013, 1:15 AM
These are some damn good picks. You actually have three of my picks. Norton, West and Pheonix would be absolutely amazing.
thebug022
thebug022 - 9/6/2013, 2:50 AM
Matthew is a very interesting idea... Had you suggested him a year or two ago, I would have called you crazy, but he has been choosy with his roles lately and has delivered some VERY strong performances. MUD was stupendous! However, I have never heard him hide his accent... On the other hand, I also have never seen him play evil, which I suppose is a crap excuse, given that my #1 pick used to be Bradley Cooper. That #1 spot now goes to Jon Hamm. And believe me, it took me a long time to hop aboard that train. While I am completely behind Batfleck, I suspect that Matthew would get twice the backlash. It would certainly be interesting. Hamm remains my pick, tho
Kyos
Kyos - 9/6/2013, 2:58 AM
McNulty or McConaughey. :)
BIGDane42
BIGDane42 - 9/6/2013, 4:32 AM
I just don't see the appeal for Matthew McConaughey.

1. Jon Hamm
2. Michael C Hall
3. Bradley Coopet
4. Denzel Washington
5. Bryan Cranston

HM: Billy Zane, and Brad Pitt(never happen)
maninfinesuit
maninfinesuit - 9/6/2013, 6:26 AM
Matthew, for sure.



Not sure where all the Hamm love comes from for any role. He was okay in The Town, but as far as his other major credit, he's the most unremarkable, uncharismatic lead on one of television's most inexplicably popular shows. Then again, that's just how Draper seems to be written, so he might pull out some stops if he lands a big role. If he gets it, I certainly wouldn't mind being surprised.
Greengo
Greengo - 9/6/2013, 6:31 AM
McConaughey.
Greengo
Greengo - 9/6/2013, 6:32 AM
"Denzel Washington" lol
Greengo
Greengo - 9/6/2013, 6:33 AM
With a name like that "Chum" you shouldn't be calling anyone stupid.
Highflyer
Highflyer - 9/6/2013, 8:29 AM
@NapoleonDynamite, r u referring to that whole Edward Norton vs Marvel thing? because you should know that the whole thing was b.s
BIGDane42
BIGDane42 - 9/6/2013, 9:34 AM
Yeah, Hamm way over Captain Dazed and Confused. Maybe Steve Trevor.. Rather many others though. Too me if you say that Hamm is uncharismatic, you obviously don't watch Mad Men enough. Although, this is coming from the guy who said that Justin Timberlake is a better actor than Michael C Hall and Johnny Depp. Thank god your not a casting director Maninfinehat. [frick]ing Mud for Lex?! GTFOOH!
StatenMan18
StatenMan18 - 9/6/2013, 11:12 AM
Can anyone explain to me what went down with marvel and Edward norton and why he couldn't be the hulk again? I liked him way more than ruffalo and the net just has too many stories so does anyone know forreal what went wrong? Thanks
maninfinesuit
maninfinesuit - 9/6/2013, 12:50 PM
@BigDane42 Oh, but you're wrong. I have seen enough Mad Men. Two and a half excruciating seasons is more than enough, during which Hamm showed me all the charm and gravitas of a two by four. But again, he was okay in The Town.

Much as I hate retracing my steps here, I will repeat it for you: Depp used to be a good actor, but his performances have turned into nothing more than piss poor, clown faced caricatures. However, if you are in the crowd of those who enjoyed them, I'm at the very least pleased that Johnny gave you some new games to play at recess.

Hall is a television actor who has slowly but surely lost any talent he had at playing one role.

As for your slights against McConaughey, I have nothing to reason with you about if you choose to single out a movie he did twenty years ago, the third movie of his career. McConaughey would be a far more creative and interesting choice than Hamm.

Hamm, who for all your blessed creativity, you think would be perfect simply because he has (barely) played a suit wearing tycoon before. They should just set aside a plush leather chair for you in Tinseltown now, kid, cause you're a star on the rise.
BIGDane42
BIGDane42 - 9/6/2013, 1:34 PM
I would say the majority out there would disagree with your choice of words in reference to them. They are all fine actors. I have seen many movies with Matt in it, and every movie with Justin, and they are not better actors than the three listed. I am near thirty BTW, and also was in theater in both college, and high school. I was a thespian, and know acting a good bit. You are obviously a hard critic to please, and if you are going to base your stance with Johnny on his new films, I can think whatever I want about Matthew's early work.... and anything else he's done. You must have been a big fan of his performance in Magic Mike?

I really don't feel like starting another battle of words, because now I feel as if your opinion is ludacris. That is though, just my opinion. You are entitled to your's, but it sucks. Again, just my opinion about that, and everything in general.... but your's does suck. Toodles!
CapitanAmerika2
CapitanAmerika2 - 9/6/2013, 2:31 PM
Michael Rosenbaum should be Lex again.
MrCameron
MrCameron - 9/6/2013, 3:39 PM
@ Highflyer

IDK much about it, just that he was too difficult to work with in the MCU.
Highflyer
Highflyer - 9/7/2013, 4:02 AM
@NapoleonDynamite, the director of TIH dismissed those rumors. Norton just wanted the attempted suicide scene.
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