Despite 'Batman v Superman' grossing $874 million, it faced critical backlash. Eisenberg candidly discusses the impact on his career and offers advice to Hoult.

  • Nicholas Hoult is the new "Lex Luthor"
  • Jesse Eisenberg reflects on the role's impact
  • THIS was his 'Batman v Superman' reception

Nicholas Hoult as new Lex Luthor

The teaser trailer for James Gunn’s 'Superman' has unveiled Nicholas Hoult as the new "Lex Luthor", a character that has left a lasting impression on audiences. Hoult, known for his diverse roles, draws inspiration from the "All-Star Superman" comic book for his portrayal.

He remarked, "I have been working out. There’s that bit in ‘All-Star Superman’ where he talks about his muscles being real and hard work and all that." Fans are eager to see Hoult's interpretation when the film hits theaters on July 11, courtesy of Warner Bros.

Jesse Eisenberg, who previously donned the mantle of Lex Luthor in Zack Snyder’s 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,' recently opened up about the challenges he faced with the role.

In an interview on the 'Armchair Expert' podcast, he confessed, "I was in this Batman movie and the Batman movie was so poorly received, and I was so poorly received." Eisenberg expressed that the negative reception had tangible effects on his career, stating, "I genuinely think it actually hurt my career in a real way, because I was poorly received in something so public."

Eisenberg told 'Variety' earlier this year that he enjoyed playing "Lex Luthor" because “whenever you play a role you feel connected to it,” adding: “There’s no way around it. Any time you do anything, even if it’s a movie that’s a Hollywood kind of thing, you connect.” When asked if he had any advice for Hoult about playing the Superman villain role, Eisenberg quipped: “Don’t watch me!”

Despite its impressive $874 million box office haul, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. The film's lackluster reception marked a turning point for Zack Snyder's DC Universe, which culminated in the disappointing performance of 'Justice League' in 2017. 

Jesse's career is varied

In 2009, Eisenberg had one of his most iconic roles in 'Zombieland', where he played "Columbus", a nerdy survivor navigating a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. The film was a commercial and cult success, and "Columbus" became a beloved character in the comedy-horror genre.

The following year, Eisenberg’s career reached new heights with 'The Social Network', where he portrayed the real-life "Mark Zuckerberg", the co-founder of Facebook.

His performance, which captured the complex mix of ambition, insecurity, and ruthlessness in "Zuckerberg", earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film's success solidified Eisenberg as a leading actor in Hollywood.

Eisenberg continued to showcase his versatility with roles in films such as 'Now You See Me', where he portrayed a street magician who becomes part of a group of illusionists performing heists. The film combined elements of heist thriller and magic, and his performance helped the film become a box office success.

In 2016, Eisenberg's career took another turn with the release of 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice', where he played "Lex Luthor", the iconic villain. His interpretation of "Luthor" was a more eccentric and flamboyant take compared to previous portrayals, bringing a unique flavor to the character.

In the 2010s and 2020s, Eisenberg continued to balance a mix of independent films and blockbusters, with roles in films such as 'The End of the Tour', where he portrayed "David Lipsky", a journalist who accompanies author David Foster Wallace on the final leg of his book tour, and 'American Ultra', where he played "Mike Howell", a stoner who unknowingly possesses extraordinary combat skills.

These films allowed Eisenberg to continue working with unique, offbeat characters and storylines that pushed his boundaries as an actor.

Eisenberg has also worked as a writer and director, notably with his 2012 directorial debut 'Asperger's Are Us', a documentary about a comedy group of individuals with Asperger syndrome. His experiences in front of and behind the camera have solidified his reputation as an actor with diverse interests and talents.

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His career trajectory is a testament to his ability to blend humor, intelligence, and emotional depth into his characters. His body of work spans genres, from comedies to dramas to thrillers, and his unique performances continue to make him one of the most interesting actors of his generation.