Earlier this week, James Gunn cast David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan in his upcoming “Superman: Legacy” as Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane. But who will play Kal-El’s main adversary, Lex Luthor, in the first DCU film? According to reports, it’s down to Alexander Skarsgård and Bill Skarsgård to play the villainous mad scientists/CEO. And that’s just the way Bryan Cranston wants it: he’s never understood why Superman fans ever envisioned him as a perfect candidate for the part.
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On a recent episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Cranston talked about how fans have clamored for him to play Luthor over the years. “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.” Of course, the “bald head” reference is in turn to Cranston’s career-defining role as Walter White in “Breaking Bad,” who is one of the great villains of 21st-century TV. But excelling at playing White doesn’t necessarily mean Cranston would be an ideal Lex Luthor.
With the two Skarsgårds vying for the Luthor role, it’s highly unlikely that Cranston will play the role in the new DCU. And that’s fine with him, as he spoke earlier this month about taking a break from acting once he turns 70 to move to France with his wife. Recent roles for the actor include Wes Anderson‘s “Asteroid City” and the Showtime series “Your Honor.” Upcoming projects for Cranston? He’s in Matthew Vaughn‘s upcoming spy flick “Argylle” with Henry Cavill, as well as Jon S. Baird‘s “Everything’s Going To Be Great,” currently filming. Then he takes his acting hiatus.
So, no, Heisenberg fans: Bryan Cranston will not go bald again to play Lex Luthor in the new DCU. But both Alexander Skarsgård and Bill Skarsgård are intriguing choices for the role, so rest assured that Gunn’s take on the character will be just fine. Expect news about the Lex Luthor casting in “Superman: Legacy” soon. As for Cranston? “Asteroid City” is in theaters everywhere now.