In defense of Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor

Many people have criticized the film’s interpretation of the character for not being close to his comic counterpart. However many people forget, Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker wasn't exactly the splitting image of the Joker from the comics either. I see a lot of parallels between Eisenberg and Gene Hackman's portrayal of Lex, yet Hackman's performance still receives praise from both fans and critics.

I completely agree with what Daniel Baxter of “How It Should Have Ended” said about Lex in the film, “I know he isn’t a traditional more classy Lex, but this guy is so much more dangerous.”. Compared to other interpretations of the character, this one does some of the most messed up things I ever seen a villain do in a comic book film. He kidnaps and beats Superman’s mother, pushes Lois Lane off of a skyscraper, and even blows up the capital while sacrificing his personal assistant in the process. To me, this makes Eisenberg the most evil Lex Luthor I’ve ever seen in any Superman media.

I really liked the sort of "mad scientist" interpretation that Eisenberg gave the character as well, which I think explains his psychotic behavior.

Eisenberg has recently stated that he hasn’t heard whether or not he’ll be returning for future films, but I really hope he’s able to reprise his role (he might have a cameo in “Suicide Squad”). The way I see it, Eisenberg’s performance was Luthor before the bald head. I think his time in prison and the loss of his hair are going to change the character greatly the next time we see him.

My favorite Lex Luthors:
1.) Kevin Spacey
2.) Jesse Eisenberg
3.) Michael Rosenbaum