Jesse Eisenberg has been cast as Lex Luthor in Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel" sequel.

“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940. What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He's a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman," Snyder said in a press release. "Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions."

In announcing the news of Eisenberg's casting, Warner Bros. also revealed that Jeremy Irons will play Alfred, Bruce Wayne's butler, in the upcoming blockbuster.

"As everyone knows, Alfred is Bruce Wayne's most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure. He is an absolutely critical element in the intricate infrastructure that allows Bruce Wayne to transform himself into Batman," Snyder said of Irons' casting. "It is an honor to have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne."


Michael Caine played Alfred in Christopher Nolan's series of Batman films. The last onscreen version of Lex Luthor was Kevin Spacey in 2006's "Superman Returns."

Ben Affleck stars in the "Man of Steel" sequel as Batman, with Henry Cavill reprising his role as Superman. Gal Gadot will play Wonder Woman, Amy Adams is set as Lois Lane and Laurence Fishburne is Perry White.

Warner Bros. recently announced that the "Man of Steel" follow-up will arrive in theaters on May 6, 2016. The film was initially set for release on July 17, 2015.