Jesse Eisenberg Reflects on Lex Luthor Role Impacting Career

by Annika December 20, 2024

– Jesse Eisenberg expressed on a podcast that his portrayal of Lex Luthor in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” was received poorly, believing it negatively impacted his career due to the film’s high visibility.
– Despite the criticism and his own admission of the role’s effect on his prospects, Eisenberg affirmed his love for the role and his participation in the film, while acknowledging the depressive feelings associated with the experience.

Reflecting on his role as the iconic villain Lex Luthor, Jesse Eisenberg shared candid insights on the professional setbacks he faced following the critical backlash of 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” During his appearance on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, Eisenberg discussed the impact of the film’s poor reception, not only on his self-esteem but on the trajectory of his career in the entertainment industry.

The movie, which was directed by Zack Snyder, garnered significant box office success, earning more than 3 million globally. Despite these financial achievements, the film was panned by many critics, and even succeeded in winning four Razzie Awards, indicating a sharp disapproval among the movie-going audience and industry peers alike. Notably, both Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill, who starred as Batman and Superman respectively, were jointly awarded a Razzie for the worst onscreen combo, while Eisenberg received one for worst supporting actor due to his performance.

Eisenberg’s reflection on the period following the release of “Batman v Superman” was filled with a candid acknowledgment of the blow to his professional reputation. Recognizing the film industry’s tendency to judge actors based on the commercial and critical success of their projects, Eisenberg suggested that his involvement in one of the industry’s high-profile yet critically disdained films led to fewer opportunities.

Despite the unfavorable critique, Eisenberg expressed a profound attachment to his portrayal of Lex Luthor, addressing the complexity of emotions tied to being part of a project that he found personally fulfilling, yet publicly derided. He opened up about having to recover his standing within the film community and highlighted the emotional toll it took on him, equating it with pessimism that was all too familiar in his life.

Interestingly, “Batman v Superman” could have looked very different. Snyder mentioned during the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast the possibility of casting mega stars like Tom Hanks or Adam Driver, with even Leonardo DiCaprio being considered for the role of Lex Luthor. DiCaprio brought insightful ideas to the table about the narrative direction and was lauded by Snyder for his understanding of the material.

While Affleck has recently praised the film as a significant hit in his career despite facing a harsh critical response, Eisenberg has continued to explore the breadth of his artistic capabilities. He has stepped into the roles of writer, director, and actor in his latest work, “A Real Pain,” co-starring Kieran Culkin, demonstrating versatility and a commitment to his craft. Additionally, his participation in the forthcoming “Now You See Me 3” indicates a resurgence and continual demand for his presence on the silver screen.

The journey Eisenberg recounts is an intimate portrayal of an actor grappling with the ripple effects of criticism and industry perceptions. It stands as a poignant reminder of the volatility of an acting career, in which public and critical reception can influence both personal identity and professional trajectories in powerful and lasting ways. Despite experiencing such a challenging moment in his career, Jesse Eisenberg exemplifies resilience and dedication to his artistic pursuits, ultimately cultivating a path for growth and new opportunities.