Lex Luthor

[johnnygobbs]

Although no reputable site has yet confirmed the news the current word is that Bryan Cranston has been cast as Lex Luthor, as expected.

Personally, I hope this news is incorrect (but in view of 'Breaking Bad' ending, Cranston's general popularity as an actor and his friendship with Affleck it all sounds very credible).  I'm a massive Cranston fan.  He's one of my favourite actors and I have no doubt he'd be a blast as Luthor however, I was dearly hoping for a more handsome, dashing, charming businessman Luthor similar to the type played by John Shea in 'Lois & Clark'.  Cranston is a very versatile actor but physically and persona-wise he reminds me too much of the doughy, comical, evil but loveable-shyster/genius type versions of the character we already saw portrayed by Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey over four previous movies.  Isn't it time for a new take on the character?  One who audiences can really hate.

Plus, apart from anything I think Cranston is at his best playing warm, likeable, patriarchal-type characters which is why I would have loved to have seen him as Commissioner Gordon in a Batman-reboot. 

[BatmAngelus]

I think it's likely we'll see Affleck's Bruce sharing screentime with Lex in this one. 

As for casting, I'd prefer Lex to be a contemporary of Bruce's.  Someone around Affleck's age.

I'll also be very disappointed if Lex isn't bald!

[Paul (ral)]

I too would prefer Cranston as Gordon

[The Laughing Fish]

Rumours suggest that Cranston will be confirmed after Breaking Bad ends, and could be given a six-film deal, while Affleck was given a thirteen-film deal.

This other rumour below makes me laugh. 

Also, the jokes about Matt Damon joining the JLA alongside his childhood buddy turned Batman may prove to be true as the actor is reportedly in consideration for Aquaman or Martian Manhunter.

Source: http://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/bryan-cranston-6-film-deal-lex-luthor-ben-affleck-13-films-batman-vs-superman/

[johnnygobbs]

I'm sure Cranston will be excellent as Lex Luthor.  I just would prefer to see him as a more sympathetic character like Commissioner Gordon.  Plus, like BatAngelus I'd prefer to see a younger Luthor roughly the same age as Affleck's Bruce (it would make for an interesting dynamic if they were old buddies or rivals from prep school).  If Cranston does play Luthor I see him more as the self-made businessman/evil genius.

[The Joker]

Wouldn't be disappointed with Cranston as Lex Luthor, but the same goes for Cranston as James Gordon as well.

Only real issue I have with Cranston as Lex would be that his performance would assuredly be compared to that of Walter White from Breaking Bad in so many ways. As that casting would certainly lend itself to comparisons.

[Paul (ral)]

I'd much rather have Cranston as Gordon or...Bruce in a Batman Beyond film

[riddler]

Cranston did play  a bad guy in a small role in the Lincoln Lawyer. His character in Breaking bad is a bad guy, just happens to be the main character. And we do know he can add humour to a villainous role. He has quite a bit of range hence why I think he'd do better as a villain than a secondary protagonist such as commissioner gordon

[johnnygobbs]

Well Cranston didn't do such a job as the villain in the 'Total Recall' remake compared to Ronny Cox in the 1990 original and he barely made an impact in 'The Lincoln Lawyer'.  That being said, he's such a superb actor I'm sure he'll do a great job in whatever role he's cast in.  Nevertheless, I'd rather see Cranston's innate warmth and likeability be applied to a more suitable role.  I don't want to see another loveable, comical, half-hearted Lex Luthor but someone who is genuinely despicable.

[Edd Grayson]

I'm hoping for a more ruthless Luthor like the one I know from the Justice League show instead of a fun one a la Gene Hackman .