Jesse Eisenberg to play Lex Luthor in new Superman film

Warner Brothers has announced Jesse Eisenberg will play villain Lex Luthor in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film.

The actor is most famous for his Oscar-nominated performance as Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network.

The film, which will also star Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck, is due out in 2016.

It's being directed by Zac Snyder, who worked on the Superman reboot Man Of Steel.

The movie, released in 2013, took the Superman franchise back to its start.

It was a financial success, taking more than $660 million (£401 million) at the worldwide box office.

British actor Henry Cavill plays Superman

Cavill will reprise his role as Superman, with Ben Affleck starring as Batman.

Speaking about the latest casting news, director Snyder said Eisenberg allows the film to take Lex Luthor, Superman's most famous adversary, in "some new and unexpected directions."

It's a role that's previously been played by Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey.

It's also been announced British actor Jeremy Irons will play Alfred, the butler to Bruce Wayne, Batman's real identity.

Other stars on board include Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) and Amy Adams (Lois Lane).

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