In a recent interview on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast with MTV’s Josh Horowitz, actor Bryan Cranston addressed the frequent fan casting of him as Lex Luthor in Superman movies. Despite gaining fame through roles in shows like Malcolm in the Middle and Breaking Bad, Cranston believes that the constant fancasting is a result of “lazy casting” and not based on any actual discussions or considerations for the role. While he did voice Jim Gordon in the animated Batman film Batman: Year One in 2011, Cranston has not had any serious talks about playing Lex Luthor or any other comic-book movie character.
The upcoming film Superman: Legacy has generated significant discussion surrounding the casting of Lex Luthor, as well as the portrayal of the character. James Gunn, the new co-CEO of DC Studios, has expressed his own reservations about previous interpretations of the iconic Superman villain. However, considering the ongoing casting process for Superman: Legacy, it is unlikely that Bryan Cranston will be cast as Lex Luthor or any other character in the movie. The studio may opt for a younger actor to ensure the character’s longevity in the evolving DC Universe.
Rumors suggest that screen tests are currently underway for potential actors to portray Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy, which is set to begin production in early 2024. Alongside this casting process, James Gunn and his team are diligently searching for actors to portray the core heroes of the film. With or without the inclusion of Bryan Cranston, the production aims to revitalize the franchise after several disappointing theatrical releases.
Superman: Legacy is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, offering a fresh start for the Superman saga and the broader DC Universe.
