The eagerly anticipated comic-book blockbuster Batman vs Superman has already raised a few eyebrows with some of its strange casting choices particularly Ben Affleck as the new Batman and Fast and Furious 6 actress Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.

But Warner Bros has now unveiled two more castings which are bound to create further anxiety for concerned fans.

Firstly, Oscar-winning British actor Jeremy Irons (Reversal of Fortune, The Borgias) will take on the role of Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth, a character previously portrayed on the big-screen by Michael Gough and Sir Michael Caine.

However the more bizarre appointment is that of Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Now You See Me) who has been cast as Superman’s arch nemesis Lex Luthor.

Again, that role was previously played by Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey, two actors who actually looked like Luthor compared to the latest individual playing him.

Director Zack Snyder spoke about the new cast members in an interview with Bleeding Cool and stated that Luthor would be portrayed as a Bill Gates-type individual:

“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940.

What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman.

Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.”

“As everyone knows, Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure. He is an absolutely critical element in the intricate infrastructure that allows Bruce Wayne to transform himself into Batman.

It is an honour to have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne.”

Plot details are still yet to be revealed though the current suggestion is that Batman and Superman will initially go head-to-head before joining forces to save the world. Hopefully it won’t be as predicable as that!

Henry Cavill returns as Clark Kent/Superman with fellow Man of Steel co-stars Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Diane Lane (Martha Kent) and Laurence Fishburne (Perry White) also back for the superhero sequel.