Jesse Eisenberg Reflects on How Lex Luthor Role in Batman v Superman Hurt His Career

Jesse Eisenberg is opening up about the lasting impact his portrayal of Lex Luthor in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had on his career. During a candid conversation on the Armchair Expert podcast on December 16, Eisenberg admitted that the movie’s mixed reception and the criticism surrounding his performance left a mark on his professional trajectory.

The Zack Snyder-directed film, despite grossing $874 million worldwide, received lukewarm reviews from critics and audiences alike. For Eisenberg, the backlash surrounding his performance as the iconic villain Lex Luthor made it harder to secure roles in the aftermath. "I was in this Batman movie, and the Batman movie was so poorly received, and I was so poorly received," Eisenberg shared.

The actor explained how being attached to a high-profile yet polarizing film can influence casting decisions in Hollywood. "I’ve never said this before, and it’s kind of embarrassing to admit, but I genuinely think it actually hurt my career in a real way because I was poorly received in something so public," he added.

While Eisenberg typically avoids reading reviews, the overwhelming criticism surrounding the movie was hard to ignore. He acknowledged feeling partially responsible for the outcome, despite his love for the role and the filmmaking experience. “I loved my role and I loved the movie, doing it and everything. So I feel just myself to blame. I’m not like, ‘They did me wrong.’ No. I’m like, ‘Oh, I guess I did something wrong there.’”

Fast forward to 2024, Eisenberg appears to have bounced back with his latest project, A Real Pain, which has earned four Golden Globe nominations. Eisenberg not only stars in the film but also serves as its writer and director. The heartfelt story follows two estranged cousins, David (played by Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), as they embark on a Holocaust tour in Poland to honor their grandmother. What begins as a simple journey evolves into an emotional exploration of their strained relationship and shared family history.

While Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor days may have cast a shadow over his career for a time, his recent success proves that resilience and creativity can pave the way forward in Hollywood.