The Official Lex Luthor Casting Thread - Part 5

[hopefuldreamer]

So what do you guys think about the news a few years back that Nolan was chatting with Billy Zane about either TDKR or MOS? He obviously wasnt in TDKR so that leaves MOS. Do you think he could be Lex since when have NO news of him and neither Zane or Nolan has said anything about their "Convo." Or do you think that Nolan talked to him about Bane and the role went to Hardy?

NEWS that they had a chat? Or ridiculous rumour?

Link?

 

[super-t]

http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/thegeekfiles/2010/05/billy-zane-talking-to-christop.html

Well i guess it was a rumour...since there was no hard facts lol. Well nvm then lol

 

[FVD]

Well with Nolan's tendency to cast actors from year's past playing relatively minor roles take Anthony Michael Hall, Matthew Modine and to a lesser extent, William Fichtner for example, heck he could still give Billy Zane a part in MoS but not exactly as Lex but some other character.

Hell it even cracked me up seeing a lot of TV actors playing minor roles in TDKR. Take Desmond Harrington from Dexter or the guy who played Bellick on Prison Break for example.

 

[Eric27]

Man of Steel! With Nolan's Batman franchise, and myself being a DC guy through and through this is the only film I'm looking forward to. So far everything is looking great with this film. Cavill fits the role perfectly, the suit is amazing, the cast looks solid, and the teaser has got me wanting more.
The only negative I have for the film is regarding Lex.
Personally I think Lex is as important to the superman mythos as lois, jimmy, Jor-El all the supporting cast. Leaving Lex out just because he isn't the major villi an is a big let down to me. I think that Lex's presence in this new superman world needs to be felt in this franchise from the get go. Personally I think that the businessman, the scientist and politician elements of the character works best. All roles into one, make it the best of all worlds.
The battle suit armour some time in this franchise I think is a must. It's something that we haven't seen on film before so it's a new take on the character and it gives superman a real challenge rather than just lifting an island.
This means that I think that led should be younger than we have seen him portrayed on film before, because I really can't picture Hackman or spacey going toe to toe with supes.
I don't have any one particular actor in mind, just as long as they can pull off all aspects of the role. With the sat already assembled I feel that we have nothing to worry about in that department.

To end this post, I'd really like Lex to have a small cameo type role in this film, preluding to a larger part in future films, hinting at his evil ambitions.
I'd love the film to end with a scene like lex standing in his office looking at the window, with superman floating in the sky staring at him, arms crossed staring at him. Superman says something like "I'll be watching you" and flys off. I remember a similar scene in the animated film "Last son of Kyrpton" which I thought was a great way to end, and would leave fans hanging for more.

That's my opinions at least, I hope I've been able to add something constructive to the conversation.

Eric

 

[HaloBurn]

Ok wild speculation. Does anyone else think that the woman who says "My son saw what Clark did" from the SDCC footage might be Lex's Mother?

 

[Llama_Shepherd]

It's possible. But I don't think they'd do it. Smallville just finished last year and they want to separate themselves from what came before.

On an unrelated note, the one thing that I think Donner got right with Lex was that he was a recurring character throughout the two films, but not the outright villain in the second. I'd like to see that here.

 

[Poeman]

He has to be rich, corrupt, entrepreneur = so inventor & mad scientist.

He also shouldnt know him as Clark Kent

 

[Rowsdower!]

Yeah... I know that the comics (periodically) have had Luthor living in Smallville as a teenager, but I'd prefer they leave that out entirely. I think it just makes it a little too unbelievable that he wouldn't recognize Clark.

 

[godisawesome]

I'd only take him knowing Clark at a younger age if we got a payoff like in Action Comics #900, where he realized that not only was his hated enemy Superman (with all the power he'd ever wanted and all the glory he'd ever need) but also Clark Kent (married to the one who got away, and the friend who actually had the family he'd always desired.)

You could have fun suggesting that Lex is just so self-absorbed that he really doesn't think that Superman would have a secret identity.

 

[DKDetective]

I'd only take him knowing Clark at a younger age if we got a payoff like in Action Comics #900, where he realized that not only was his hated enemy Superman (with all the power he'd ever wanted and all the glory he'd ever need) but also Clark Kent (married to the one who got away, and the friend who actually had the family he'd always desired.)

You could have fun suggesting that Lex is just so self-absorbed that he really doesn't think that Superman would have a secret identity.

Yeah, I`ve always really liked that plot point from the Byrne reboot. The super computer tells Lex that Clark is Superman and he dismisses it because he can`t comprehend that someone so powerful would ever want to pretend to be someone so weak and insignificant. It says a lot about both characters - even if one prefers the pre-Crisis characterization.

 

[flickchick85]

I really don't want Lex to have known Clark in Smallville. I know that was the case in a lot of the comics (including Birthright, my favorite origin), but it's an aspect I've always hated, no matter what the writer does with it. Even when they come up with character development-based reasons to justify it, it never stops feeling like a forced and unnecessary connection to me.

I like the Lex Luthor who hates Superman's existence on principle, what he represents, and the public's perception of him. That's enough, imo. The two characters don't need to have a history to become rivals.

 

[DorkyFresh]

Agreed, I never liked Lex knowing Clark in Smallville for the simple reason that he would easily be able to tell who Superman is. He's a very intelligent man, it would be all but too easy for him to put 2 and 2 together.

 

[Neno_Kos]

I like that idea, but if it's made on proper way. He dose not need to know Clark Kent, because Clark never show off. But idea if they meet on streets, or even that they walked across from each other in Smallvile, this would made his cameo in first movie (young Lex). Even better if Clark was always try to hide himself because is scared of using of powers, then go at Alaska. Later in sequel when Clark become reporter and when he interview Lex Luthor businessman, ask Lex some personal question about Superman (why he hate him). Then Lex change subject and said something in style I'm from Smallvile, you Clark? - then Clark said: I'm from Smallville too. Some connections wont hurt this great rivals.

 

[charl_huntress]

I would prefer Lex be a genius/billionaire. I hope they don't incorporate him knowing Clark Kent in Smallville since the inclusion of this in the comics is more to highlight the villian/hero dynamic. I do not think this particular piece needs to be highlighed in any movie. Better that they are just enemies and Luther doesn't like him because he's an alien from another planet with powerful abilities.

 

[darknight7]

I think it's pretty frickin' obvious...

ok but in all seriousness what about - RALPH FIENNES (better known as VOLDEMORT)

not necessarily my first choice, but at the moment it's just an idea that I have not yet seen pop up
--dk7

 

[Project862006]

still love daniel craig

great actor
rough intimidating look
has a smooth classiness to him that would be perfect for lex

 

[DorkyFresh]

I still want this guy...

 

[Rust]

Just saw Body Of Lies. Mark Strong is in it. I love Mark Strong. I'm not afraid to say it. I think he's going on my top5 of generally awesome people in the world.

He's also become a little too typecast as the villain, but that's not a new thing. However, I think I'd be willing to look past that simply because he's so indescribably badass as an actor and a presence. That face and those eyes... But yeah, I think I'm going to push him up the top of my wanted-list for Lex. If Strong is not Lex it would be as much a wasted opportunity as if they hadnt cast Cavill in the lead. He's just that right for the role. It would be the definitive villain-role for him. One all the other villain-roles have led to and the last he'll ever play.

So that's Mark Strong for Lex. He's ready for the big one.

Having said that though, and knowing how full of twists and turns the Batman-trilogy was, I still think they're gonna make Meloni's colonel Hardy out to be Lex. If that's the plan I'd be alright with that too.

 

[Project862006]

strong

or isaacs would be great

 

[charl_huntress]

Are there no American actors anyone can think of??? Not that I'm not a fan of the British, but c'mon...

 

[flickchick85]

Just saw Body Of Lies. Mark Strong is in it. I love Mark Strong. I'm not afraid to say it. I think he's going on my top5 of generally awesome people in the world.

He's also become a little too typecast as the villain, but that's not a new thing. However, I think I'd be willing to look past that simply because he's so indescribably badass as an actor and a presence. That face and those eyes... But yeah, I think I'm going to push him up the top of my wanted-list for Lex. If Strong is not Lex it would be as much a wasted opportunity as if they hadnt cast Cavill in the lead. He's just that right for the role. It would be the definitive villain-role for him. One all the other villain-roles have led to and the last he'll ever play.

So that's Mark Strong for Lex. He's ready for the big one.

Heh, he's been my top choice for ages....well before he was chosen to play every villainous character under the sun. I'll admit that his constant type-casting has dampened my enthusiasm for him playing Lex, but I'd still totally support it, because I still have no doubt he'd nail the role. And that character he played in Body of Lies is the perfect example of what an intimidating-yet-charismatic presence he can have. That character, despite some of his more shady and morally questionable actions, was still an extremely likable guy, imo, and I found myself liking him more than Leo's character at the end of the day.

 

[Project862006]

Are there no American actors anyone can think of??? Not that I'm not a fan of the British, but c'mon...

last 2 lex's struck out badly and both were american

embrace the British invasion

 

[Rust]

Heh, he's been my top choice for ages....well before he was chosen to play every villainous character under the sun. I'll admit that his constant type-casting has dampened my enthusiasm for him playing Lex, but I'd still totally support it, because I still have no doubt he'd nail the role. And that character he played in Body of Lies is the perfect example of what an intimidating-yet-charismatic presence he can have. That character, despite some of his more shady and morally questionable actions, was still an extremely likable guy, imo, and I found myself liking him more than Leo's character at the end of the day.

Yep, that's was a very Luthor'ian part in some ways, I agree. A diverse charismatic actor, that's for damn sure. Such a presence. And voice. He could play Lex off-screen with his voice alone.

 

[Lily Adler]

Tom Hardy could have been great as Lex Luthor, but he's Bane... sigh... Oh well.

Kudos to the Mark Strong suggestion.

 

[Project862006]

Tom Hardy could have been great as Lex Luthor, but he's Bane... sigh... Oh well.

Kudos to the Mark Strong suggestion.

and strong being sinestro play's less of a reason?