Jesse Eisenberg may be Lex Luthor in the new Superman movie, but he’s far from the first to play the villain.
Since Eisenberg was tapped to play Luthor in “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," little has been reported on the most recent iteration of the character.
For those who aren’t well versed in the comic franchise, Lex Luthor is a crazy scientist bent on making crazy weapons. Luthor – who made his DC comic book debut in 1940 –is a businessman revered and respected for his intellect. He doesn't have any superpowers — but that doesn’t stop him from battling DC do-gooders like Batman.
One thing is for sure — Eisenberg is one of the most youthful Luthors to take on the role. Here’s a look at some of the other actors who have played Superman's nemesis.
While some of them aren’t brand-name actors, there is one who may be a surprise, given his extensive Broadway and London theater work as well as a highly successful role in a popular Netflix series.
How many screen performers get to go from playing a Superman villain to president of the United States over the course of their career? As it turns out, there's actually two — so far.
Gene Hackman
Award-winning actor Gene Hackman played the role of the diabolical genius in 1978's "Superman: The Movie." His co-stars were just as big, with Ned Beatty playing Otis and actress Valerie Perrine playing Eve Teschmacher. Reviewers called Hackman’s portrayal a joy to watch, loving the wit and comedic touch Hackman brought to his character. That may have something to do with Hackman's choice to wear some unique hairpieces, rather than going with Luthor’s longtime bald look.
Kevin Spacey
Highly regarded Broadway and London stage actor – and Oscar winner – Kevin Spacey played Lex Luthor in Bryan Singer’s 2006 reboot, "Superman Returns."
"I’m trying to do something with my success which is bigger than myself,” Spacey told an interviewer, in answer to why he took the role.
Lyle Talbot
While Lyle Talbot isn’t a household name, he does hold the distinct honor of playing the first Luthor in "Atom Man vs. Superman," back in 1950 — one of the first ever live-action actors to play a big DC character. Talbot was the Lex Luthor in the comic books until the 1960s.
Scott James Wells and Sherman Howard
Scott James Wells and Sherman Howard took on the role for the television series that ran from 1988 to 1992. Wells portrayed Luthor for one season, and Howard played the villain for the last three.
John Shea
John Shea played Lex Luthor in the 90s TV series with a full head of hair. The show featured Luthor's suicide at the end of season one, but he goes on to resurrect with a greater vengeance against Superman and his love interest Lois Lane. Once back from the dead, Luthor gets his signature bald look.
Michael Rosenbaum
Michael Rosenbaum took on the role for the 2001 acclaimed TV series "Smallville," in which Superman and his villains are much younger characters. Superman and Lex are initially friends, but that goes south with Luthor’s hunger for power. Rosenbaum played the role for seven seasons and returned for the finale in 2011. Ironic twist: the Luthor character in this series eventually is elected president of the U.S.
We'll see the latest Luthor when "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" hits the theaters on March 25, 2016. How do you think Eisenberg will measure up?
