Jesse Eisenberg Cast As Lex Luthor & Jeremy Irons As Alfred In MAN OF STEEL 2!

I'm going to forgo the "hEisenberg" joke and simply state: Bryan Cranston ain't our new Lex Luthor. Whether the Breaking Bad actor was ever even up for the role or not is moot, as WB and DC have announced that Superman's most dauntless foe will be played by none other than...umm, Jesse Eisenberg from Now You See Me. Yay? Anyway, that's not all! Playing Alfred Pennyworth will be veteran British actor Jeremy Irons. Here's the official press release, so have a read and be sure to sound off with your thoughts on this pretty shocking turn of events in the usual place.

BURBANK, CA, January 31, 2014 – Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Jess Eisenberg has been set to star as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons will play Alfred in the upcoming Zack Snyder untitled Superman/Batman film. The dual announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. 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.” The director added, “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.”