"However, multiple sources say Cranston never was approached for the role, nor was 57-year-old Tom Hanks, whose name had been discussed internally. Sources say that the studio and director Zack Snyder aren't casting a wide net with plenty of auditions to fill roles but are targeting actors from a narrow shortlist of those they want. "Zack doesn't see a lot of people," said one person with knowledge of the process."

Of course Zack doesn't get a say in the actors, even though people think he does.

Why would Warner Bros allow one guy who's not directing other DC films like Wonder Woman, Batman or even Green Lantern for example choose the actors to those future films.

Zack wanted Josh Brolin for Batman, Warner Bros wanted Affleck, guess who won....WB

Anyway the only reason they got Eisenberg is because of marketing, they can say how he was in The Social Network which won 3 Oscars like how with Affleck they can flaunt Argo about which also won an Oscar. Each role is going after a targeted audience, not because they actually fit the role. Gal Gadot is going after the young tennagers who watch the Fast and Furious films who love her "sexy" appeal in those films...plus I'm guessing she's cheap.

Still think this is a bad idea, it's going to basically be Jesse Eisenberg in the film, not Lex Luthor. It's like casting Michael Cera as Superman.

Its pretty obvious why they chose him. Its to make the Ben Affleck casting seem less terrible.

If what I read on Latino Report is true, then it makes perfect sense why they went for Jess and why Joaquin passed on this.
Its interesting to say the least, but HIGHLY improbable that Bats could be manipulated by Lex no matter what.

http://www.ign.com/articles...

Because they didn't OD, they just came very close.