Jesse Eisenberg blames Lex Luthor role for career setback

With a new Superman movie on the horizon, featuring Nicholas Hoult as the infamous villain Lex Luthor, Jesse Eisenberg reflects on his portrayal of the character in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

The Impact of Batman v Superman

During a recent episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, Eisenberg opened up about the reception of the film, stating, “I was in this Batman movie and the Batman movie was so poorly received, and I was so poorly received. I’ve never said this before, and it’s kind of embarrassing to admit, but I genuinely think it actually hurt my career in a real way because I was poorly received in something so public.”

Despite briefly returning as Luthor in Justice League, Eisenberg expressed his surprise at the public backlash, saying, “I’ve been in poorly received things that just don’t see the light of day, and for the most part, no one knows. But this was so public, and I don’t read notices or reviews or movie press or anything, so I was unaware of how poorly it was received.”

Criticism and Self-Reflection

Although Batman v Superman grossed over $874 million globally, it faced critical scrutiny, with many critics highlighting issues with Eisenberg’s portrayal of Luthor.

Eisenberg admitted on the podcast that the experience was “depressing,” acknowledging his love for the role and the film itself. He took responsibility for the reception, stating, “I feel just myself is to blame. I’m not like they did me wrong. No. I’m like, ‘Oh, I guess I did something wrong there.'”

Embracing the Role

Despite his self-deprecating comments, Eisenberg shared advice with Hoult and reaffirmed his enjoyment of playing Lex, stating, “Whenever you play a role you feel connected to it. There’s no way around it. Any time you do anything, even if it’s a movie that’s a Hollywood kind of thing, you connect.”

Post-Batman v Superman Success

Eisenberg has since found success with his film “A Real Pain,” receiving Golden Globe nominations and recognition from the American Film Institute. Despite the challenges faced after Batman v Superman, Eisenberg has continued to thrive in his career.

FAQs

Q: Did Jesse Eisenberg regret his role as Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman?

A: Eisenberg expressed disappointment in the reception of his portrayal but maintained his love for the character and the film.

Q: How did Eisenberg feel about the public criticism of his performance?

A: Eisenberg admitted to feeling “depressed” but took ownership of his role in the reception of the film.

Credit: ew.com