Bryan Cranston walks away from Superman/Batman movie

[MIB41]

This would be less noteworthy news, except for the fact this guy was so enthusiastic about the part and even sent an open message to Warner Bros. requesting a chance at the role. Now he's walking away from it after they made a verbal agreement? Hmmmmm. Wouldn't we all like to be a fly on the wall during that decision? Mark Strong was next in line, but he may not be available either. Ah well. Back to the drawing board.

http://movies.cosmicbooknews.com/content/exclusive-bryan-cranston-exits-batman-vs-superman-lex-luthor

[palitoy]

it could just have to do with Cranston's career being red hot right now. This movie may interfere with other opportunities.

[cockyhoskins]

It could just be this website trying to cover their ***** after saying Cranston was cast for the past several months. They were the only source I saw connecting Cranston to the movie.

http://www.hollywood.com/news/brief/55032325/bryan-cranston-i-haven-t-been-cast-as-lex-luthor

[hedrap]

It could just be this website trying to cover their ***** after saying Cranston was cast for the past several months. They were the only source I saw connecting Cranston to the movie.

http://www.hollywood.com/news/brief/...-as-lex-luthor

This.

It's a very good site, but they get led around easily on WB talk. They're better on Marvel stuff now.

Only possibility was when Legendary was at WB, since they had a relationship due to Godzilla.

Affleck will most likely have say, for whatever that's worth.

[sprytel]

Somewhere they posted a picture of Damien Lewis from Homeland with his shaved head and pointed out that he would make a good Lex. I think it is an interesting choice. I'd rather see them cast someone a little against type with this one. (I still think they should cast Tom Hanks as Lex.)

And if I was Cranston, a great versatile actor who just spent a long time in that Breaking Bad role, I think I'd rather do something a little different too.

[madmarva]

Hanks would be interesting. With him, WB could step a bit away from the comics version of Luthor and make the character a true humanitarian and out for the good of world until the alien begins to receive more adoration and praise. The relationship could start out as a rivalry from Luthor's standpoint, but his jealousy and the seeming one-upsmanship of the alien could eventually drive Luthor nuts.

[Hector]

I stand by Cranston's decision, I fully support my personal God...

[Hector]

Mark Strong is committed to AMC's Low Winter Sun, it's a great show, suffering through low ratings, but it's so good that AMC seems to be patient with it, and continue production after season was just completed.

[MIB41]

Emeraldknight and I were talking about this news today and he made an excellent alternate choice. What about Billy Zane? He would have that classic look along with a great arrogant and obnoxious quality in his characterization. I think he would be a great choice.

[madmarva]

Zane would work. He did a nice job as arrogant jerk in Titanic. I have a feeling WB might go after a bigger name.

[sprytel]

Bill Zane from the 2012 Syfy movie, Leprechaun's Revenge? He has the right look, but its never gonna happen...

[hedrap]

Zane is a solid actor, but his workload has been sproadic because he's a PITA. Same deal with Ed Norton. Once you get that rep, it's hard to rinse off.

If Mark Strong and WB want him as Luthor, then it's a done deal. No cable show that's barely got a pulse is going to stand in the way of a Mega Movie.

Before I read the article, I was going to say WB probably wants Cumberbach since he's become the default casting choice for everything. Sure enough, he's been bandied about.

If it was me, I'd go with Arnold. There's some real interesting symbolism in having the guy most known for playing bigger then life heroes now the human looking to destroy Superman. It's equal to how RDJ's real-life baggage added layers to his Tony Stark without it being on the screen. Arnold as Luthor would appear as the old guard unwilling to pass the torch and instead opting to destroy the new superheroes. And putting aside Mr. Freeze, it would be his first truly developed villain role since the first Terminator. He's one of the few that I could see as instantly credible in the role. You also have the image of him in the Lex Power Suit, which plays into the Terminator. Add Metallo or Brainiac and it all comes full circle.

But, I'm thinking his age will stop it from being considered.

[madmarva]

Tim Olyphant wouldn't be a bad Luthor.

Or maybe Josh Brolin since he didn't get Batman or even Jon Hamm.

James Spader's playing a Luthor-type on NBC's Blacklist, but He's a Marvel guy.

Someone mentioned Bruce Willis, but maybe he's a little old for the part

[sprytel]

I'd rather see them cast someone a little against type with this one. (I still think they should cast Tom Hanks as Lex.)

ZOMG, Tom Hanks must read my posts!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/17/tom-hanks-wants-to-play-a-superhero_n_4115009.html

[hedrap]

^ I saw that and thought of what you wrote.

If Hanks wants to do something crazy, sign up for Plastic Man.