Michael Rosenbaum reveals he wants to play Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s future DC Universe. The Smallville star has portrayed the role in the show, and is open to reprising it should Gunn calls him in.
In a Twitter post, a fan asked Rosenbaum if he is willing to return as Lex Luthor for Gunn’s brand-new DC projects, and the actor replied, “For James, I’d do anything.” Fans would not be surprised to know that Rosenbaum is friends with Gunn in real life.
Brand New DC Universe Is On The Horizon
Lex Luthor was portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice with Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, and Gal Gadot as the main leads. The antagonist is depicted as a young businessman consumed by his obsession to defeat Superman. Because Gunn has been doing a major overhaul of the DC Universe and Cavill is not returning as Superman anymore, it is unlikely that Eisenberg will reprise the role.
This leaves the position of Lex Luthor open to any actor at the moment. Gunn and Peter Safran have been working on their future DC projects following the cancellation of certain beloved franchises, such as Cavill’s Man of Steel, Gadot’s Wonder Woman, and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman. One of the plans revealed is a new Superman script that will focus on the early life of the character.
for james i’d do anything. 🙂
— Michael Rosenbaum (@michaelrosenbum) December 17, 2022
There has been no confirmation so far of other characters appearing in the franchise, and no cast or director has been attached to the project as of yet.
James Gunn Nepotism Rumors Might Affect Future Casting
Fans are questioning Gunn’s reputation for hiring certain people in his projects. The Guardians of the Galaxy director has been accused of nepotism over casting his partner Jennifer Holland in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker.
Check out these tweets by fans:
Of course he would keep his wife and friends still. Nepotism at its finest right here hu @JamesGunn https://t.co/o5j4AnyzxG
— RabbitRushingorDragging (@RabbitSkwad) December 19, 2022
So when you decided to revamp things at DC you decided to keep all the actors you've worked with on your version of suicide squad and peacemaker right? Just none of the other ones. Oh and make sure your Brother got a nice part cause Nepotism and all
— Bradley Sweets (@bradleysweets21) December 19, 2022
Sorry I aint watching this shit. Will watch #BlackAdam instead. I hope TSS and Peacemaker are cancelled or rebooted or whatever but I know they won't because of @JamesGunn nepotism and hypocrisy. #BringBackHenryCavill #FireJamesGunn #BoycottWB @wbd pic.twitter.com/cuMDqy3ATg
— Sharif_NYY_NYG (@Super_ny_fan) December 19, 2022
James Gunn: yes everyone is out except my wife. #nepotism #FireJamesGunn @wbd
— Harish Ravisundar (@harish_ravi21) December 19, 2022
if you really wanted to reboot everything why dont you reboot Peacemaker too huh? @JamesGunn
Or are you afraid bcs your wife is in it, nepotism much?
— Mervin (@DoubleOSancho) December 15, 2022
While many viewers enjoyed Holland’s performance as Emilia Harcourt, this sets a precedent that Gunn may only be choosing favored people to join in his projects. Now, this gives fans the impression that Rosenbaum is more likely going to be cast as Lex Luthor because of his friendship with Gunn.
There is no problem working with people who like each other, but talent and commitment to the project should be the main priority. Gunn is currently facing a tumultuous time with all the backlash following the earth-shattering announcements over the past few weeks, and the last thing he would want is another controversy.
Meanwhile, James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will arrive in theaters on May 5, 2023.
Source: CBR
