Tom Hanks was considered for Lex Luthor in Batman vs Superman

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

As fans settle down about the casting of Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor in BATMAN VS SUPERMAN, we are beginning to find out more information as to who else was considered for the major DC villain. On top of the knowledge that Joaquin Phoenix was close to gaining the role, we have some other names of candidates floated by Warner Bros, including none other than Tom Hanks.

But, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Hanks was never approached for the role and neither was Bryan Cranston, thereby confirming that the Internet is once and forever more a rumor mill. It was confirmed that Joaquin Phoenix was offered the role but passed on the opportunity, the reason for which is unknown. Their sources also claim that GIRLS star Adam Driver was approached for the part but had a scheduling conflict. We had previously linked Driver to the part of Nightwing but with Eisenberg being cast as Luthor, it begins to make more sense.

In recent incarnations of Lex Luthor, he is played as closer in age to Superman rather than the older actors who have played the part such as Kevin Spacey and Gene Hackman. Eisenberg does fit better with the modern continuity of the characters, but Tom Hanks would have been a very intriguing choice.

In either case, we now have our heroes and villain, so filming can continue this summer as planned. Stay tuned for more news. BATMAN VS SUPERMAN opens May 6, 2016.

Oh, and check out Jesse Eisenberg‘s leaked audition for Lex below.