Fans would be surprised to know that Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio almost played Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, according to director Zack Snyder. The part eventually went to Jesse Eisenberg, but how bizarre it would be to see the Oscar winner play a comic book character?
Even though he has been quite avoidant of superhero films, DiCaprio previously admitted he is not closing his door to that opportunity. Still, he hasn’t found that project that would engage him to join the world of capes and superpowers.
Leonardo DiCaprio Almost Joined The DCEU
While speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, filmmaker Zack Snyder revealed he spoke to Leonardo DiCaprio about the villain role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Unfortunately, the plan to cast him did not get off the ground.
“Leonardo DiCaprio, I talked to about it. I think DiCaprio, he had a lot of great ideas actually just in the meeting. I think, in the end, he was like, ‘Eh, I don’t know.’ But he was really smart about the material and really smart about the character.”
Even though DiCaprio did not end up snagging the part, he still made sure to provide his own opinion and input into the plan, which is definitely a trademark of the actor.
“I think he was the one that mentioned to me this idea about Superman fighting the Justice League at some point, and I was like ‘That sounds cool.’ ”
This is absolutely in contrast to what he advised Dune star Timothée Chalamet as revealed via British Vogue: “No superhero movies, no hard drugs.”
Surprisingly, this is not the first time DiCaprio has been in talks to play a superhero role. He once met with Batman Forever director Joel Schumacher to discuss the part of Robin. He shared via Shortlist:
“I never screen-tested. I had a meeting with Joel Schumacher. It was just one meeting and, no, I didn’t end up doing it. As I recall I took the meeting, but didn’t want to play the role. Joel Schumacher is a very talented director, but I don’t think I was ready for anything like that.”
All of these major bombshell revelations must be sending fans wild, but that’s only because DiCaprio is such a great actor, and comic book filmmakers want to work with him.
Fans Aren’t Thrilled With Leonardo DiCaprio As Lex Luthor
Even though DiCaprio turned down every superhero role offered to him, he still keeps his door ajar for opportunities. In the same interview with Shortlist, he quipped:
“You never know. You never know. They’re getting better and better as far as complex characters in these movies. I haven’t yet. But no, I don’t rule out anything.”
Indeed, this statement is giving a spark of hope. Still, many thought he would never be the right actor for the role of Lex Luthor. Fans also don’t think he suits the superhero genre. Check out these tweets below:
something about leo in a superhero movie wouldn’t feel right 😭
— a girl with no face ⚡️ (@Stop_Hammerzeit) April 18, 2024
He would’ve 100% found a way to make it work, but i’m glad it never happened cause it doesn’t really suit him
— Craig (@CS11__) April 18, 2024
that would’ve been awful
— harv (@harvv) April 18, 2024
I don't think he can own it
— JM (@slasherJM) April 18, 2024
Why it feels illegal to have Leo in superhero movies. 😭
— Tarun 𝕏 (@tarun_s22) April 18, 2024
he would’ve been horrible 😭
— Gabe ☘️⚡️ (@CelticsGotNext) April 18, 2024
It seems like fans aren’t really keen on seeing DiCaprio transform into a superhero, though there are definitely some who are very much into that idea.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is streaming on Max.
