Warner Bros is apparently pursuing Joaquin Phoenix as a potential Lex Luthor for the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film…
Rumors about casting for major Hollywood projects is always fun and here’s a whopper for the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film.
According to Variety, Warner Bros is currently looking at Joaquin Phoenix as a possible addition to the upcoming Man of Steel 2 sequel that will begin filming in 2014.
While details seem vague the most likely scenario is that Phoenix is being pursued to play the role of Lex Luthor, who would be the film’s main antagonist for Superman, Batman and presumably Wonder Woman (who also appears in the upcoming movie).
Here are the details as they stand:
Sources tell Variety that the studio wants the Oscar-nominated actor for a role in the upcoming untitled Batman-Superman pic. However, it’s very early in the process and even if Warners offers Phoenix a role, it’s not clear he would accept as the actor has steered clear of big-budget pics in the past few years, leaning towards movies with a more prestige feel. Phoenix is also weighing an offer on the Gus Van Sant pic “Sea of Trees” and is believed to still be considering that offer as well.
Warner Bros wants a top level star to put in the role of Lex Luthor as well as someone who could absolutely nail the maniacal villain, who would go head to head with Henry Cavill’s Superman as well as presumably Ben Affleck’s Batman.
Now this deal is far from finished because months ago it was Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston that appeared to be at the top of the wish list of actors to potentially get the role of Lex Luthor.
With Phoenix gaining critical praise for his part in the upcoming Spike Jonze film ‘Her’, he’s become the new darling of Hollywood and he’s obviously in high demand right now.
Still there’s no word on how soon Warner Bros could potentially make an offer or at least seal the deal that Phoenix will or won’t be in the film. Only time will tell as production dates for the film close in as next year looms overhead.
