Idris Elba Rumored For WB’s Wish-List To Play Lex Luthor In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN?

By Christopher M on Thursday, December 5th, 2013

A new tidbit of casting information concerning Batman Vs Superman has arrived. ThinkMcFlyThink is reporting that Warner Bros. and Zack Snyder are looking at African-American actors to play the role of villain Lex Luthor. They say that Denzel Washington was their first choice but nothing came from that idea. While Idris Elba’s (although British, not American) name is added as well, his contract with Marvel could be a major problem with him landing the role though. We got the impression from a recent interview Marvel is holding him back from bigger superhero roles. Not being able to play Lex Luthor could account for the tension which was apparent in the piece. They also mention an actor from CW’s Arrow has been approached for the role. Likely, putting to rest the oddball theories that Warner Bros. would be combining the TV and film franchises into one DC Universe.

Denzel Washington was their hope of hopes but nothing ever materialized and before you even ask, yes Idris Elba was on “the list” as impossible as that would have been given his current status as Hemdall in Marvel’s THOR films. Another African-American actor approached for the role of Lex Luthor is a certain re-occuring cast member from Arrow. If true would put a kink in theories that Arrow would be tied into DC’s Cinematic Universe.

It’s been almost confirmed that Lex will be in the film, the size of his role is yet to be determined. Landing an actor with dramatic chops like Denzel or Elba would be a dream come true for fans. The two previously shared screetime together in Ridley Scott’s crime drama American Gangster. Washington won an Oscar for his performance of a corrupt L.A. cop in Training Day, while Idris Elba is gathering awards buzz for his upcoming film Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. It was revealed that Australian actor Callan Mulvey (Winter Soldier, Rise of An Empire) is in the mix to play a villain too. There had been rumors that Doomsday or Metallo could be secondary villains in the film. I’d love to see Elba jump into the DCU as either a hero or villain, his work on HBO’s The Wire proves he can make a compelling bad guy as well. Let’s just hope the other candidates end up just as polished.

Elba recently wore a Superman costume while DJing a party

Elba recently wore a Superman costume while spinning tunes at a party

SOURCE: THINKMCFLYTHINK

Source: THINKMCFLYTHINK

S#!T Talking Central

TS

it’s unfortunate that Jon Stewart Green Lantern is not being considered and they only want to make villains into Af-Am actors *eye roll*. However, I think Elba would own the role.
- Christopher M
  
  actually, you would be shocked how little black actors even get the chance to play villains in these blockbusters.. plus, villain roles are usually the meatiest ones in the genre..they obviously want talented awards caliber actors to play a strong character..not some stereotype or clown..this is Lex Luthor one of the most beloved villains in the DC universe…it’s like Superman’s Joker, kind of a big deal and would likely land the actor multiple films
  
  Jamie Foxx is one of the first black high profile comic book villains…I don’t think Michael Clarke Duncan in Daredevil even counts since he was barely even in the film..Robbie Robertson has always been the one of the kindest characters in Spider-Man franchise hopefully he get’s a bigger role in the new franchise once the Daily Bugle appears.. another solid Spidey side-kick/ally is The Prowler another villain turned hero who could make for a great partner for Peter in sequels..two rather positive black roles in the series..
  
  Fox moved forward with casting Michael B. Jordan as Human Torch in Fantastic Four..plus they finally added Bishop to the X-Men lineup, they were the first add a woman of color to the cast a comic book film franchise with Halley Berry as Storm.. perhaps it’s just opening the door for DC to be more diverse in their casting.. they’re already hinting about Cyborg.. currently my number one choice to be added to the JL lineup..
  - TS
    
    I agree with that about Villains being important and, arguably, the most important. However, I don’t think Lex Luthor is that great a villain compared to a two-face or a joker. I think Elba or Denzel could do a phenomenal job.
    That said, I don’t want this to be one way (i.e. why not have a Black Batman or a Black Woman). More importantly, why isn’t DC or Marvel Universe using their actual black characters (i.e. Steel, Black Panther, etc) in their film world. As I’ve said before, John Stewart GL – as portrayed by McDuffie – would be ideal for DC (I don’t like Cyborg).
  - TS
    
    I agree with that about Villains being important and, arguably, the most important. However, I don’t think Lex Luthor is that great a villain compared to a two-face or a joker. I think Elba or Denzel could do a phenomenal job.
    That said, I don’t want this to be one way (i.e. why not have a Black Batman or a Black Woman). More importantly, why isn’t DC or Marvel Universe using their actual black characters (i.e. Steel, Black Panther, etc) in their film world. As I’ve said before, John Stewart GL – as portrayed by McDuffie – would be ideal for DC (I don’t like Cyborg).
- Christopher M
  
  actually, you would be shocked how little black actors even get the chance to play villains in these blockbusters.. plus, villain roles are usually the meatiest ones in the genre..they obviously want talented awards caliber actors to play a strong character..not some stereotype or clown..this is Lex Luthor one of the most beloved villains in the DC universe…it’s like Superman’s Joker, kind of a big deal and would likely land the actor multiple films
  
  Jamie Foxx is one of the first black high profile comic book villains…I don’t think Michael Clarke Duncan in Daredevil even counts since he was barely even in the film..Robbie Robertson has always been the one of the kindest characters in Spider-Man franchise hopefully he get’s a bigger role in the new franchise once the Daily Bugle appears.. another solid Spidey side-kick/ally is The Prowler another villain turned hero who could make for a great partner for Peter in sequels..two rather positive black roles in the series..
  
  Fox moved forward with casting Michael B. Jordan as Human Torch in Fantastic Four..plus they finally added Bishop to the X-Men lineup, they were the first add a woman of color to the cast a comic book film franchise with Halley Berry as Storm.. perhaps it’s just opening the door for DC to be more diverse in their casting.. they’re already hinting about Cyborg.. currently my number one choice to be added to the JL lineup..
E3

I tell you, Affleck looks too much like Scott Adkins for Scott to be passed over like this! Scott is a real martial artist, has enough fight scenes to his credit, has the body for the job, is a great actor – what is there to pass him over for??