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Why movie gods, WHY?

From EW.Com:

Jesse Eisenberg, say goodbye to that curly head of hair.

The Oscar-nominated star of The Social Network  has been cast as the Man of Steel’s ultimate foe in Warner Bros. upcoming Batman/Superman film, the studio announced today.

He’ll be joined by another actor with Academy Award history: Jeremy Irons (won Best Actor for 1990’s Reversal of Fortune) will co-star opposite Ben Affleck’s Batman as his butler and confidante Alfred Pennyworth in the upcoming Zack Snyder-directed film.

The selection of the 30-year-old actor is unexpected, to say the least. For months, rumors circulated that Snyder and company were wooing Breaking Bad‘s Bryan Cranston — who obviously would have been a fearsome, fan-favorite choice (who already knows how to rock a bald dome.) Some less-reputable sites claimed he was even “confirmed” for the role, though when EW spoke directly with Cranston he always said he was aware of the chatter, but that was all there was to it.

It turns out, Snyder was thinking in an entirely different direction.

“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940? Snyder said in a statement announcing the Eisenberg deal. “What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman. Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.”

This I’m good with

Irons is a compelling choice, but a far less surprising one, another sophisticated British actor following in the footsteps of past Bruce Wayne footmen played by Michael Caine (in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy), and the late Michael Gough (who appeared in Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman, it’s sequel Batman Returns, and the two lesser-appreciated follow-ups).

But Snyder also said Irons would bring a new flavor to the conscience and bat-whisperer who aides Wayne’s vendetta-fueled crimefighting quest while trying his best to protect the man within the suit.

“As everyone knows, Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure.  He is an absolutely critical element in the intricate infrastructure that allows Bruce Wayne to transform himself into Batman.  It is an honor to have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne.”

The still-untitled Batman/Superman mash-up will be a sequel to last summer’s Man of Steel, with Henry Cavill returning as Superman, and Affleck rebooting The Dark Knight franchise as Batman. The film was originally set for July 2015, but was recently pushed back to May 6, 2016. Some filming of exterior scenes for a football game has already taken place.

So much for those Joaquin Phoenix/ Denzel Wahington rumors. Guess this movie just jumped the shark, or Zack Snyder is smoking something funny. Oh well, at least Jeremy Irons casting is welcomed news.

Recasting Batman’s family

Sadly, Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is a thing of the past. And as of last week, we have a new Batman in the form of Ben Affleck. Eek! Noooo! Arrgh! and all that aside, we have to assume Affleck is signed on for multiple Batman films. A new Batman cinematic saga won’t be easy to pull off, but one way to help the issue, is by casting a strong supporting cast around Affleck. Here are my choices for the first film:

 

Geofferey Rush as Alfred Pennyworth

Alfred is a tricky role to cast. If the actor is too big a name, he could overshadow Ben Affleck. Those hoping Anthony Hopkins would take the part, keep dreaming. I don’t see that happening as long as Affleck is Bruce Wayne. then again, the right big name actor could do wonders. Enter Oscar winner Geofferey Rush, who can pull off any role.

Rush can be tough on Bruce when needed, and he can be a father figure as well.

 

 

William H. Macy as Commisioner James Gordon

Why William H. Macy? Look at him for crying out loud, he is James Gordon. Better yet, Macy is one heck of an actor. His work in “Fargo” and “Mr. Holland’s Opus” being two of my favorites. William H. Macy can also do comedy, which could come in handy when Batman disappears on him. I

have no doubt, Macy could pull off the role of Gotham’s top cop, and Batman’s best friend. I would also introduce Gordon’s daughter, Barbara, played by Emma Stone. Let me be clear, she would not be Batgirl, at least not yet. but at least the seeds would be planted.

 

John Malkovich as Mr. Freeze

Forget the disaster Arnold Schwarzenegger played in “Batman and Robin,” this Mr. Freeze would be deadly.  John Malkovich would knock this role out of the park, sign him up Warner Bros!

 

Lake Bell as Helena Bertinelli/ Huntress

For the film’s love interest, I’m going in a different direction by using Helena Bertinelli a.k.a. The Huntress. For the role I’d cast actress Lake Bell, known for her work in “Boston Legal” and the short-lived series “Surface.” I’ve been a fan of Bell’s since “Boston Legal,” but for some reason she never really hit it big. She’s done a few movies, all terrible, but she’s got a great look about her, and would make a fantastic Helena.

The Batman/ Helena relationship in the comics has never been a romantic one from what I remember, but it has always been a love-hate relationship. Pus, her background is just as twisted as Bruce Wayne’s, and her families’ mob ties could come into play. If possible, I’d base the character on the Cry for Blood mini-series from 2000. Lake Bell may not be a huge name, but she’s more talented than people realize.