‘Batman v Superman’ star blames the movie for hurting his career

Jesse Eisenberg, who played Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, has recently reflected on the negative impact the film’s reception had on his career. Despite high expectations for the 2016 blockbuster, which was meant to rival the MCU, Batman v Superman received a harsh critical reception, with a 29% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s mixed reception and infamous moments, like Ben Affleck’s “sad Affleck” meme, caused significant turmoil for Warner Bros. and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), which still hasn’t fully recovered.

Eisenberg’s portrayal of Lex Luthor was one of the most criticized aspects of the movie. In a candid interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, Eisenberg admitted that the backlash had a tangible effect on his career. “I genuinely think it actually hurt my career in a real way,” he said, acknowledging that being involved in such a public failure was a major blow. Eisenberg revealed that he had been unaware of the negative reception at the time, as he doesn’t typically read reviews or movie press.

Critics and audiences found Eisenberg’s interpretation of Lex Luthor to be jarring, with many comparing his portrayal to a hyperactive Mark Zuckerberg from The Social Network, rather than the cold, calculating villain fans expected. However, some argue that the theatrical release of the film didn’t give Eisenberg’s version of Lex a fair chance, as much of his character’s backstory and complex plan were cut. The film’s extended director’s cut provides a more fleshed-out version of his character, which might have led to a different reception had it been the initial release.

Despite these complexities, Eisenberg’s time as Lex Luthor appears to be over, with Nicholas Hoult set to take on the role in 2025’s Superman: Legacy. The transition offers a chance for a fresh take on the character, though it’s clear that the legacy of Eisenberg’s Lex is tied to one of the most divisive chapters in superhero cinema.

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