SUPERMAN/BATMAN Casts Jesse Eisenberg as Luthor, Jeremy Irons as Alfred

At last, Superman has found his arch-enemy.

Deadline reports that Zack Snyder's upcoming and still-untitled Man of Steel sequel featuring Batman has cast two major roles, with The Social Network and Zombieland star Jesse Eisenberg as central villain Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons as Bruce Wayne's butler and closest friend, Alfred Pennyworth.

The actors will join Henry Cavill, returning as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as the latest Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.  Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane will also reprise their respective roles of Lois Lane, Perry White and Martha Kent from Man of Steel.

"Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940," Snyder said in Warner Bros’ announcement.  "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."

On the subject of Irons as Alfred, Snyder remarked, "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."

Eisenberg, now 30, will the be third actor to portray Lex Luthor in films, after Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey.  Irons will be the fourth big-screen Alfred, after Alan Napier, Michael Gough and Michael Caine.

The article also mentions that Chris Terrio is currently writing the script from a screenplay by David S. Goyer.  Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Wesley Coller, David S. Goyer and DC Comics chief creative officer Geoff Johns executive producing.

The Superman/Batman movie is currently slated for release on May 6, 2016.