Zack Snyder Reveals Leonardo DiCaprio and Adam Driver Considered for Lex Luthor Role in “Batman v Superman”

Director shares insights on casting decisions and DiCaprio’s ideas for the iconic villain.

Director Zack Snyder recently discussed casting considerations for the iconic role of Lex Luthor in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. While Jesse Eisenberg ultimately portrayed the character opposite Henry Cavill’s Superman and Ben Affleck’s Batman, Snyder revealed that both Leonardo DiCaprio and Adam Driver were among the actors considered for the part.

Snyder acknowledged that he had conversations with both DiCaprio and Driver about the role, indicating that DiCaprio had particularly intriguing insights into the character and the material. Despite expressing interest and contributing creative ideas, DiCaprio ultimately decided against taking on the role. However, his suggestions, including the concept of Superman potentially facing off against the Justice League, resonated with Snyder and influenced the direction of subsequent films in the DC Extended Universe.

The discussion also shed light on DiCaprio’s prior involvement with superhero films, with screenwriter David S. Goyer revealing that the actor was once considered for the role of the Riddler in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Goyer recalled Warner Bros. executives suggesting DiCaprio for the role following the success of “The Dark Knight,” highlighting the actor’s enduring appeal for complex and compelling characters in the realm of comic book adaptations.