For a second, imagine Bryan Cranston taking on the role of Lex Luthor in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice; Is this a thought worth considering? Given that his name was among the first to be mentioned in connection with the role, it is also obvious that the idea was not absurd.
Undoubtedly, the 67-year-old actor, director, and producer would be fantastic as Lex Luthor and a recent fan-made poster suggests the possibility of him being cast. Since the enormous success of 2019’s Joker, a stand-alone movie that tells the backstory of Batman’s archenemy, fans have been curious about which other supervillains might be getting their own solo movies.
Lex Luthor is one of Superman’s greatest enemies, so it might seem like a no-brainer. But who could be capable of portraying the role? It seems that the Breaking Bad actor’s fans know the answer.
As Lex Luthor’s fan-made casting grows in popularity, Cranston recently talked about his opinion of what he calls “lazy casting” in the role.
Bryan Cranston Shows No Interest In Lex Luthor Casting
Bryan Cranston gained recognition after his roles in Malcolm in the Middle and Breaking Bad. He recently addressed rumors that he would make a good Lex Luthor in a Superman movie during an interview with MTV’s Josh Horowitz for the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast.
Horowitz questioned whether it was “just the laziness of fan casting” that led fans to use his bald head to fan-cast him as Jim Gordon or Lex Luthor, and if he had ever had any discussions about playing those roles:
“Was it all just the laziness of fan casting that they either saw the great mustache or the bald head back in the Heisenberg days that you were always fancasted as Lex Luthor or Jim Gordon? Was there ever any real conversations about playing those live-action characters?”
Despite confirming the impression that “lazy casting” is the reason he keeps appearing in these fan casts so often, the 67-year-old actor recalled providing the voice of Gordon in the 2011 animated Batman film, Batman: Year One:
“Not that I know of. I did Jim Gordon in the animated Batman thing. And that was fun. I think it was – I think you’re right, I think it was, like, lazy casting. There should be a, like, ‘lazycasting.com.’ And I was like ‘what is it?’ Because I had a bald head, they go ‘Ah! Lex Luthor!’ It’s like, come on. Let’s think about this a little bit.”
Fans Were Disappointed By Bryan Cranston’s Idea Of Refuting The Role
Bryan Cranston has made no secret of the fact that he does not want to play the role. Thus, given the current situation and his disinterest, it seems unlikely for fans to see him as Lex Luthor.
Well, Asteroid City, Argylle, and Jerry and Marge Go Large are just a few of the upcoming movies that the actor is currently involved with. Additionally, a second season of Showtime’s Your Honor has been confirmed.
However, his fans might be disappointed that the actor will not be playing Lex Luthor, but it is important to respect his choice. Actors must have a level of interest and passion for the part in order to portray characters with full enthusiasm.
Check out some fans’ tweets where they expressed their disappointment.
Nah man the bald head just put you on the radar, your acting ability is why you’d be an amazing Lex. pic.twitter.com/Ebz7hsB6UR
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) June 26, 2023
yeah but realistically it’s not the fact he was bald lol.
his acting range is so amazing and he could definitely play a deranged billionaire pretty easily.
— TaKen (@TaKenR6) June 26, 2023
It was also the way he pulled off his amoral criminal mastermind character. He’d make a great luthor but he is a bit old for the character.
— 𝚂𝚘𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚓🗿 (@TheSocrateej) June 26, 2023
Now, sure. 12 – 13 years ago when they were casting/filming Man of Steel, he would’ve been 54 – 55. Perfect for Lex. A shit ton better than “the red capes are coming.”
— The Brewing Sailor (@BrewingSailor) June 26, 2023
Fancasts are always very lazy. They go for the most superficial skin-deep similarity to decide who should play what character . You have to understand the temperament of a character and decide who can portray that the best.
— Mani Artist (@Mani_Haider_W) June 26, 2023
Fan casting are always so on the nose. And it’s never about range just looks.
— WLVS (@boxofwolves) June 26, 2023
Rumors have already suggested that a few actors are screen testing for the role of Luthor as Superman: Legacy gears up to begin filming early in 2024.
Whatever the case, it can’t be denied that Bryan Cranston will always be remembered for playing Walter White in the hit television series Breaking Bad. He still receives high praise for his acting prowess because of his talent and adaptability, which have also helped him build a strong reputation in the entertainment industry.
Superman: Legacy is set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.
Source- Twitter
