Brandon Fletcher
When you think of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, what image comes to mind first? For many, it’s the unsettling moment associated with a certain container of “Granny’s peach tea.” This plot point effectively highlights the twisted nature of Lex Luthor in this film adaptation, creating a lingering and uncomfortable “WTF” moment.
Even though Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor doesn’t appear in that particular shot, the impact of his portrayal is undeniable. Eisenberg had no influence over the writing of the screenplay, yet the infamous beverage serves as just one illustration of what io9 described as “a low-rent Heath Ledger-as-Joker imitation.” While this film may not top anyone’s list of favorite superhero movies, it has gained a somewhat better reputation over time, especially when compared to the missteps of Justice League.
Eisenberg’s portrayal of Lex Luthor remained largely absent in Justice League, save for a brief post-credit scene. As a result, his challenging experience in the superhero realm is mainly tied to Batman v Superman. After receiving a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor—just a few years after earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in The Social Network—Eisenberg took a critical look at his career choices. A decade later, he reflects on the experience, noting that the backlash from the film motivated him to pursue directing.
“A lot of it just came from fear,” he shared with Variety. “I couldn’t secure roles in studio films anymore because I had received a Raspberry Award from [being in the] that Batman movie … and I recognized the trajectory.”
He deserves recognition for quickly realizing what paths he should avoid. “The industry did not want me to be in a superhero movie, and if you’re smart and self-aware, you learn that quickly … The industry communicates its preferences, and if you aim to have a successful career in the arts, you must heed the signals regarding what is favored.”
Although Eisenberg never stopped acting—remember Now You See Me: Now You Don’t?—his decision to transition to directing has proven fruitful. In 2025, he received an Oscar nomination for his screenplay of A Real Pain, which he also directed; his co-star, Kieran Culkin, won the award for Best Supporting Actor. His upcoming directorial project is The Debut, a musical comedy he wrote, featuring performances by Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, set to release in December.
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David Bridges
