Joaquin Phoenix Eyed For BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN Villain Role

Following the news that Warner Bros. recently tapped Gal Gadot to play Wonder Woman in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel Batman vs. Superman, Variety is reporting that the studio now wants Joaquin Phoenix for a key role, which is believed to be the sequel’s main villain.

The main antagonist is likely to be Lex Luthor, although talks are extremely early and he may pass on it completely.

We’ve heard names like Jason Momoa and Callan Mulvey for the other role of Superman’s enemy and that Warners has always wanted someone who would be a ‘slam dunk in the role’. Doomsday is another bad guy that has been mentioned for still untitled Batman-Superman film.

Phoenix who stars in Her and can be next seen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Thomas Pynchon adaptation, Inherent Vice, has recently been offered the lead in Gus Van Sant‘s next movie, Sea of Trees, too.

Next Superman film begins early next year in Pontiac, Michigan. Ben Affleck will star opposite Henry Cavill, who will reprise the role of Superman/Clark Kent along with Amy Adams, Diane Lane and Laurence Fishburne.

The Zack Snyder-directed follow-up to this summer’s blockbuster hit hits theaters on July 17th, 2015.