DISCLAIMER FOR DISCLAIMER: I really didn't want to do this but because of some experience doing these things..... I just got to.
DISCLAIMER: This is not real. This will never end up on actual film. These are my personal choices for Lex Luthor in a Superman film, so be kind and enjoy.
So, "Man of Steel" came out and I loved it, I thought it was really well done and the greatest thing the filmmakers did was not having Lex Luthor himself in the film. By having just a sense of him in the world is good enough for the first, but now that Warner Bros. is fast tracking the sequel, We need to find an actor who can fill Lex's shoes.
These are my Top 6 choices for the role.
# I'M NOT SURE WHAT AGE THE MAKERS OF MAN OF STEEL ARE GOIG TO MAKE LEX, SO THE AGES OF THE ACTORS I'VE CHOSEN WILL VARY.
6. Luke Goss
Goss is a fantastic British actor who many on this site might know from "Hellboy 2: The Golden Army" where he kicked ass as Prince Nuada. Sadly, Gosses talents have been wasted on straight to DVD films in recent years, but I have know doubt that if Goss had the chance to play Luthor, he would be amazing.
5. Ben Foster
Foster is of course a tremendously talented actor who bring a lot of emotion an intensity to his roles. Foster being the youngest person on this list would certainly bring us a defining take on Lex, something similar to what Rosenbaum did on "Smallville", but with a lot more oomph. If Foster were chosen for the role I'd be a happy camper.
4. Woody Harrelson
I know a bunch of you are gonna be scratching your head at this choice, but let me explain. Harrelson, who excels at comedy is a very underrated dramatic actor. From "Natural Born Killers" to "Rampart" to "Messengers", Harrelson has showed that his range as an actor is endless and I believe whole heartedly that he would make fascinating Lex.
3. Denzel Washington
Who Says Lex HAS to be white? The thing that MOS did right was to not have a silhouette or body double for Lex, who would be shown in a later film. "The Amazing Spider-man" did this and it failed when they cast Chris Cooper as Norman Osborn, when it was obvious the man in first film's billboard was of a younger man(who kinda looked like Eric Stoltes in my opinion. Now the filmmakers have a clean slate from which they can cast for Lex, which could be free from race to choose from. Denzel if of course an awe inspiring actor whose previous roles have showed he has the talent and demeanor to portray Lex, but in no movie was this more evident is "Training Day". In the film he plays a dirty cop whose both ruthless in his quest for power and intelligent in his way of gaining it and the trust of his trainee. I'm not usually a fan of changing a characters race, but for Denzel I can make an exception.
2. Adrien Brody
Brody is an actor who I'm a huge fan of, and I would love to see what he could do with Lex. He is man of great talent and has been sadly M.I.A when it comes to films in recent years. Brody brings such bravado and confidence to his roles and I can definitely see him going toe to toe with Cavill.
1. Neal McDonough
McDonough is an extremely underrated actor who is my number one choice for Lex. Not only does he have the cocky, narcissistic , super intelligent, super villain act down, but he actually looks like Lex. If you were to cover his hair with your hand, you would see the likeness. I know McDonough played Dum Dum in "Captain America: TFA", but the role was small and forgettable and if he were to try his hand at another CBM role, I would definitely want it to be as Lex Luthor.
Honorable Mention
Moby
Kurt Angle
Mr. Clean
Well, that's all folks.