Will Jesse Eisenberg play Lex Luthor in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad movie?

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Despite rumors that stars like Ryan Gosling, Will Smith, Tom Hardy, and Margot Robbie are Warner Bros desired actors for David Ayer‘s SUICIDE SQUAD, there is also a desire to connect the film directly with the upcoming BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE. Deadline reports that the studio is trying to find a way to get Jesse Eisenberg to reprise his role as Lex Luthor for the villain-centric superhero movie.

David Ayer has said he wants a DIRTY DOZEN vibe for the film but having someone like Lex Luthor at the helm of this vicious black-ops team would make for a nice lead-in to a potential face off in a future film with the likes of the Justice League. There is a precedent as Luthor formed a version of the Suicide Squad in the comics during his tenure as President of the United States.

The real issue would be in Jesse Eisenberg‘s availability. SUICIDE SQUAD is slated to film next year for a 2016 release and Eisenberg is already linked to Todd Phillips‘ ARMS AND THE DUDES and NOW YOU SEE ME 2 with a ZOMBIELAND sequel also on the horizon. I would expect that Eisenberg signed a long term contract with WB/DC to play Luthor, so he may not have much of a choice. But, if Ayer and screenwriter Justin Marks make the character a supporting/Nick Fury like role in the film, it may work out for all parties.

SUICIDE SQUAD is slated to hit theaters on August 5, 2016.