Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor Could Lead DC’s ‘Suicide Squad’ Movie
Today in "superhero movie news that makes too much sense to not be true," it was revealed that David Ayer's upcoming 'Suicide Squad' movie will have an even more direct connection to 'Batman vs. Superman' and Warner Bros.' entire slate of DC superhero movies than previously thought. If the rumors are true, Jesse Eisenberg is currently in negotiations join the Suicide Squad of supervillains as Lex Luthor.
Deadline has the scoop and it makes perfect sense. Right now, Eisenberg is busy filming Zack Snyder's 'Batman vs. Superman' which will introduce the latest take on Kal-el's longstanding arch-nemesis. That film is set to arrive on March 25, 2016. 'Suicide Squad,' which is based on a series where imprisoned supervillains are given a chance at freedom if they go on dangerous missions for the government, is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on August 5, 2016. What better way to introduce audiences to a brand new team of antiheroes than to directly tie it to one of the biggest movies of the year?
Although Luthor doesn't have a direct connection to the Suicide Squad team in the comic book world, it's a decision that makes perfect sense in the cinematic one. After all, Luthor is often written as being a guy with a strong (and occasionally even noble) point of view, making him a compelling character and an even more compelling leader. Heck, a recent plot twist in the 'Justice League' comics saw him taking over the team from Superman and saving the world for a few issues. Getting to see Luthor command a team of other DC villains could make for great superhero cinema.
Of course, we say this knowing very little about Eisenberg's take on Luthor ... or even if he'll ultimately sign on to this project ... or if he'll even be a member of the team and not the film's villain. But if he does join, Warner Bros. and Ayer plan to surround him with other A-list talent like Will Smith, Tom Hardy and Margot Robbie and who wouldn't want to be a member of that ensemble?
Cross your fingers, superhero movie fans. Suddenly, the 'Suicide Squad' movie got a lot more interesting.