Despite the commercial success of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the film received significant criticism, particularly regarding the portrayal of Lex Luthor. Jesse Eisenberg, who played the iconic villain, took a different approach that did not align with audience expectations. While he was initially unaware of the backlash surrounding his performance, Jesse Eisenberg later acknowledged that the adverse reception negatively impacted his career opportunities, suggesting that it made him less hireable.
Eisenberg’s portrayal of Lex Luthor was intended to offer a unique take on the character, yet it did not resonate with the audience. The weight of such a legacy role means that comparisons to previous actors who played the role are inevitable. However, what compounded the situation was Warner Bros.’ decision to limit Eisenberg’s visibility during the film’s promotional events. In an interview with Business Insider, he recounted being told the Mexican premiere would feature “heroes only,” implying there was no room for the villain on the promotional plane. This decision confused many, as fans were eager to understand more about Eisenberg’s character.
Although Eisenberg was not invited to attend press events, he expressed that he cherished the opportunity to play Lex Luthor. He enjoyed the role and was initially unaware that critics had received Zack Snyder’s film poorly. However, in a heartfelt reflection on the Armchair Expert podcast, he admitted, “I genuinely think it actually hurt my career in a real way, because I was poorly received in something so public.” His version of the character diverged sharply from the comic-accurate representations, leading to mixed reactions among fans.
It is important to note that Eisenberg’s interpretation of Lex Luthor was not entirely his own; the direction taken was influenced by the screenplay and the overall vision of the film’s creators. The lack of promotional engagements further hindered his ability to engage with audiences and present his character’s depth and nuances. Jesse Eisenberg confessed that he is not a comic book fan, yet he felt deeply affected by the criticism he received. He mentioned, in another interview with Deadline, that he and writer Chris Terrio put considerable thought into developing Lex Luthor’s character, supported by an acting coach who aided him in navigating the complexities of the villain’s backstory.
The actor had never imagined playing such a monumental role in his youth, let alone portraying a significant DC villain. Still, he appreciated the chance to be part of the superhero film genre. Eisenberg stated he remains open to the possibility of reprising his role if DC Studios approached him in the future, revealing an enduring passion for the character despite the hurdles he faced. Currently, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is available for viewers to stream on Max, allowing audiences to reflect on or discover Eisenberg’s bold take on Lex Luthor.
