When Jesse Eisenberg was casted as Lex Luthor for Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, many fans didn’t realize that he was based on a specific version from the comics. Although Lex is traditionally a bald, middle-aged, and seemingly rational businessman, this hasn’t always been the case.
As Batman v Superman depicted a savvy millennial Lex Luthor, even casual audience members assumed Zack Snyder had simply reinvented the iconic villain. However, long before Eisenberg played the part, a similarly manic and awkward Lex appeared in Superman: Birthright, written by Mark Waid with art by Leinil Francis Yu and Gerry Alanguilan. The evil genius was reinvented by Waid for a modern retelling of Superman’s origin story. Similar to Smallville, the new take explored a teenage friendship between Alexander Luthor and Clark Kent.
When Clark brought the red-headed Lex home to his family, it was instantly clear that something wasn’t right. His odd and distant demeanor was unlike any version of Luthor that had appeared in comics or other media in the past. Typically written as a competent evil genius, the Lex of Superman: Birthright is disturbed and far removed from a regular social life. The Kents aren’t bothered by Lex’s quirks, unlike audiences who took issue with Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal for being overly animated and unstable. Birthright goes onto reveal that Alexander grows up to be a more recognizable version of Lex, but his younger self resembles Eisenberg in Snyder’s Batman v Superman.
In the context of Superman: Birthright, the teenage Lex’s lack of social experience adds to his friendship with Clark, who doesn’t mind the awkwardness. Without their pre-established dynamic, Eisenberg’s Luthor feels even more detached and jarring. As Waid introduces readers to Lex through Clark’s eyes, it becomes easier to feel sympathy for the misunderstood teenager. Accompanied by Clark’s example, the relationship has a charm that Snyder’s film lacks. It’s unclear how old Eisenberg’s Lex is intended to be, as he references his father and appears to be younger than Superman. This difference in the age of the comics’ Lex and the film’s Lex might be a determining factor in their contrasting reception.
Although Eisnberg’s take on Lex Luthor originates from Superman: Birthright, there are many reasons why his take might not connect with fans. The little-known reality that a misguided, younger Lex first appeared in the comics doesn’t necessarily make Snyder’s film better, but it does raise questions. It’s possible that without teenage Clark’s friendship and guidance, Lex Luthor wouldn’t grow into the businessman he becomes in Waid’s retold origin story. The deranged interpretation of the LexCorp CEO in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice could have benefited from knowing Clark growing up, as he also felt isolated and alone among peers.