Jesse Eisenberg, best known for his portrayal of Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, recently opened up about the significant impact the role had on his acting career. Speaking candidly on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, Eisenberg admitted that his performance in the high-profile film faced harsh criticism, which he believes negatively affected his professional trajectory.
“I genuinely think it actually hurt my career in a real way because I was poorly received in something so public,” Eisenberg revealed. While the film grossed an impressive $874 million at the global box office, it was met with mixed reviews, and Eisenberg’s portrayal of the iconic villain received considerable scrutiny.
The Fallout from Public Criticism
Eisenberg explained that while he has been part of poorly received projects before, none reached the same level of public visibility as Batman v Superman. “I’ve been in poorly received things that just don’t see the light of day… But this was so public,” he shared. He acknowledged feeling a personal responsibility for the movie’s reception, admitting that despite enjoying the creative challenge of playing Lex Luthor, he wished audiences had embraced his performance.
“To me, it was a chance to play this great character… I loved doing that,” Eisenberg said. However, he also pointed out that comic book films are not a central focus of his career.
A Promising Turnaround for Eisenberg’s Career
Despite the setback, Eisenberg is currently enjoying a career resurgence. His latest project, A Real Pain, has garnered critical acclaim and earned him two Golden Globe nominations. The film, in which Eisenberg served as writer, director, and lead actor, delves into complex family dynamics during a Holocaust tour in Poland, showcasing his depth as both a filmmaker and an actor.
What’s Next for Lex Luthor in the DC Universe?
As the DC Universe transitions into a new era under James Gunn’s leadership, Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman film, slated for release on July 11, 2025. While Eisenberg’s interpretation of the character faced challenges, his reflections highlight the profound effect that public reception can have on an actor’s career trajectory.
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