Social media sites have been inappropriately buzzing over a story regarding Bryan Cranston (of Breaking Bad fame) being cast as Lex Luthor in Zack Snyder’s sequel to MAN OF STEEL… a story which originated at a site known for posting bogus info. Heck, in that same article they talk about Matt Damon being eyed for Aquaman, and Cranston signing a 6-picture deal. Nonsense, which is also why we never reported anything of the sort here. Like the level-headed folks at MSN and Boston.com, we’re not even going to name or link to the site in question, as they’ve received enough manipulated traffic as it is. Granted, it would be cool to see Cranston take on the role of Lex Luthor, but so far it’s all just fan desires and speculation. Therefore let’s discuss five other possible choices (and our biased personal choice) for the role of Superman’s most famous bald baddie. The following are choices we’ve come up with, so if you have what you think is a better idea, please post it in the comments and let us know. My thanks to our writer Jim Cassidy for his input on this too.

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 5. Billy Crudup

May seem like an odd choice, but let’s look at the factors. Crudup has worked with Zack Snyder before in WATCHMEN, so they have a previous working relationship, and that’s always helpful when casting. That experience also means he’s familiar with comic book movies and complex superhero characters. Add to that Crudup’s calm intensity and strong screen presence, plus chameleon-like acting ability (check him out in ALMOST FAMOUS as a 70’s rocker), and there’s real potential here. He also looks good in a suit, which is definite must for playing Lex.  And while he’s not necessarily a young guy, he has a youthful look about him which might match well with Henry Cavill, as some feel Lex should be similar to Supes in age.

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 4. Michael Chiklis

Again, no stranger to comic book movies (he played Ben Grimm aka “The Thing” in FANTASTIC FOUR 1 and 2), Chiklis showed he can embody intensity in a big way with his work on The Shield, and has never seemed to get the big screen role he truly deserves. He’s played baddies before too, but his signature bald look and piercing eyes are what make him a shoe-in for this role.  Some might say he’s not tall enough for Lex, and we must admit he’d look a bit short next to Cavill, so that could lose him some points, but what he lacks in height he more than makes up for in acting ability.  Considering the bad taste those FF films left in a lot of people’s mouths, I’d love to see him get a comic book movie role that hits a home run.

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 3. Jason Isaacs

Definitely accomplished at playing bad guys, Jason is one of those actors that has been around for many years, but has never seemed to get that one big role that would solidify him as a box office heavy.  He appeared as Draco Malfoy’s nefarious father in all the HARRY POTTER movies, and recently turned in a nasty performance as a religious zealot in the low-budget Western SWEETWATER.  But his most sadistic moment is probably still the villain he portrayed in THE PATRIOT (2000), showing the audience that he could hold his own with big names like Mel Gibson, and become that guy you truly want to see get taken down.  I can only imagine what awesome things he could do as Lex.

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 2. Ed Harris

Talk about intensity! It surprises me more people don’t think of Ed Harris for comic book villain roles, as he showed he could play a respectable baddie in Michael Bay’s THE ROCK, and even a behind-the-scenes puppet master in THE TRUMAN SHOW. Harris is a strong force on the big screen, and the idea of him playing a dark and sinister Luthor is pretty appealing to us.  Harris also seems like one of those guys who hasn’t been getting the proper spotlight lately, appearing mostly in smaller movies and minor roles.  His last appearance that I can recall was supporting character in Michael Bay’s PAIN & GAIN… he needs something bigger… and badder.

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 1. Mark Strong

He’s already been rumored for the part, and it’s easy to see why. Strong, like some of the others on the list, is no stranger to comic book films with his work on both GREEN LANTERN and KICK-ASS. But let’s face it, the guy really looks like Lex Luthor, and has the presence to pull off that sort of role. He also seems perfectly at home in genre films like SHERLOCK HOLMES and JOHN CARTER, which means he “gets” these types of parts. And of course there’s the whole bald thing, which he does better than almost anyone in show business.  He’s currently starring on AMC’s Low Winter Sun, which seems to be going moderately well, but this guy is made for movies, and this could be his household name-making role.

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 And our biased wild card, Glenn Morshower

Known primarily for playing authority figures like cops or military leaders, Glenn is a face you’ve almost certainly seen, whether on your favorite TV show or some of your favorite films. He’s known for his role of Agent Pierce on Fox’s 24, and was the only cast member outside of star Kiefer Sutherland to be on the first seven seasons of the show. Morshower has also appeared in all three TRANSFORMERS movies, a few other Michael Bay epics, multiple movies with George Clooney, and most recently was seen in a recurring role on the series Revolution. Glenn has the authoritative presence down pat, and can play things pretty cold and calculating. I’d love to see him take a crack at a character like Luthor. As to why this choice is biased… well, he’s also a good friend, and I know this would be a big deal for a guy like him. But in all seriousness, I’d love to see Warner Bros. make a wild card choice like this and surprise everyone, as it would be awesome to see the end result.

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