Michael Rosenbaum Comments On Jesse Eisenberg As Lex Luthor And His Interest In Playing The Joker

Michael Rosenbaum is arguably best known for his memorable performance as Lex Luthor on Smallville. His take on the villain was so well-received, many fans wanted him to reprise the role in 2016’s Batman vs. Superman. Of course, Jesse Eisenberg landed the coveted part instead. Speaking with Cinekatz, Rosenbaum shares his thoughts on The Social Network actor’s casting, encouraging him to create his own incarnation of Luthor. “First off, I think he’s a really good actor. I don’t think he needs any advice from me, he’ll do his homework. Do it your way. I’m sure Zack [Snyder] has an idea. He cast you for reason. Jesse’s a good actor. He’ll do it his own way and that’s the best way. If you can do it your way, if you succeed or fail, you succeed because you are being original. If you’re trying to emulate someone, you’ll always be compared. That’s why I didn’t want to be compared during Smallville. I didn’t watch any of Gene Hackman as Lex. He’ll be fantastic. Great actor, no problem with it.”

Of course, Lex Luthor isn’t the only DC Universe role Rosenbaum is known for. He voices Wally West/The Flash in the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited animated series’, and portrayed the Barry Allen version in Justice League: Doom. While talking about that part of his career, Rosenbaum is asked if there’s another DC character he wishes to play. “I think I’d be a fantastic Joker. I think I could crush The Joker.” He adds that he would like to play the iconic villain either in live action or animation, and reveals that he would even be interested in tackling Batman himself. “I don’t think anyone can top Heath Ledger’s version of the Joker. I don’t think that can ever be topped. I’d give it a shot, don’t get me wrong. The voice would be fun. And I think I could be Batman. Look, these are the ones I’d enjoy, but I’d do anything. Bruce Timm would always ask me to do this and that. It was always a treat “do one of your impressions”. I got to do many voices over the time. It was very fun.” For Cinekatz’s full interview with Rosenbaum, click the link above.