Are you guys ok? Cause I still can’t believe Jeremy Irons is Alfred #michaelcaineforever.
Just kidding. We’re still shocked over the announcement that Jesse Eisenberg will play Lex Luthor, a.k.a. Superman’s greatest nemesis, in
As the Internet explodes (and Ben Affleck breathes a sigh of relief), try to lower your ever-rising pulse rate as we guide you through a history of actors who have played Luthor to see how Eisenberg stacks up. You might be surprised at the results.
Gene Hackman, “Superman: The Movie”
Trademarks: Big Hair, Toothy Smile, Wry Wit, Fast-Talker, Middle-Aged
It’s hard to top Hackman, who holds the honor of being not just the first live-action Luthor, but also probably the best.
Hackman’s Luthor has lots of hair (at least until it’s revealed to be a toupee) but the biggest similarity between the two is their acerbic wit. Hackman’s Luthor has a superiority complex but is also self-deprecating. Sounds like Eisenberg to us.
50 % Match
Kevin Spacey, “Superman Returns”
Trademarks: Bald, Heavy, Threatening, Cunning, Deep-voiced, Middle-Aged
If we had to pick a polar opposite to Jesse Eisenberg, it would probably be Kevin Spacey. I got nothing, but fun fact: Kevin Spacey was a producer on “The Social Network.” #themoreyouknow
0 % Match
John Shea, “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”
Trademarks: Thin, Hair, Businessman, Charming, Well-Groomed, Middle-Aged
Shea’s Luthor is a rich, charming businessman in well-tailored suits. Eisenberg has experience playing a millionaire businessman, but we’d imagine Superman wouldn’t be that threatened by a kid in shorts and a hoodie.
50 % Match
Michael Rosenbaum, “Smallville”
Trademarks: Thin, Bald, Young, Businessman, Charming, Conflicted
Luthor’s second small-screen iteration lands pretty close to Zuckerberg. Rosenbaum’s take is as a spoiled rich kid who still wants to do the right thing. Rosenbaum was 29 when “Smallville” started; Eisenberg is 30. Both are young and lanky, and both have a history portraying conflicted businessmen with both good and bad in them.
66 % Match
To sum up: this might actually work! Eisenberg’s Luthor, at his best, should be able to combine Rosenbaum’s youth and angst with Hackman’s dark humor, and if the past is anything to go by, a great Luthor does not require a shiny bald head. Save that for the sequel.
BONUS ROUND: Jeremy Irons v. Michael Caine
Irons is an Oscar-winning British actor who starred in the hilariously bad movie “Dungeons & Dragons.” Caine is an Oscar-winning British actor who starred in the hilariously bad movie “Jaws: The Revenge.”
100 % Match
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