Joaquin Phoenix As Lex Luthor?

EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros. Eyeing Joaquin Phoenix For Batman-Superman Villain

Sources suggest role could be for Superman nemesis Lex Luthor
Justin Kroll
Film Reporter

After already reaping notice for his performance in “Her,” Joaquin Phoenix could be working with Warner Bros. again on the studio’s biggest property.

Sources tell Variety that the studio wants the Oscar-nominated actor for a role in the upcoming untitled Batman-Superman pic. However, it’s very early in the process and even if Warners offers Phoenix a role, it’s not clear he would accept as the actor has steered clear of big-budget pics in the past few years, leaning towards movies with a more prestige feel.

Phoenix is also weighing an offer on the Gus Van Sant pic “Sea of Trees” and is believed to still be considering that offer as well.

WB and the actor’s reps had no comment.

Though sources couldn’t confirm what the role is, it’s believed to be for the main antagonist, which is likely to be Lex Luthor. Names like Jason Momoa and Callan Mulvey have been linked to the film but even if those actors are cast, sources are saying that they wouldn’t play the main villain, and that Warners has always wanted someone who would be a slam dunk in the role.

The pic, which opens July 17, 2015, stars Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck and Amy Adams with Zack Snyder returning as director.

Phoenix, who is repped by WME, stars in “Her” which bows Wednesday.