Joaquin Phoenix is having a great year. His work in Spike Jonze’s Her is earning him plenty of distinction, which is why Warner Bros. is hoping he’ll board their next project.
Variety learned that the studio wants the Oscar-nominated screen veteran to play a role in the upcoming untitled Batman-Superman film. While sources are claiming this to be an early speculation, there is still no clear indication that Phoenix would accept a part even if Warners offers him a role.
This is, of course, because of Joaquin’s notorious rule of thumb to stay away from big-budget pictures and lean more towards original projects that have a prestigious appeal.
Phoenix, who is considering a part in Gus Van Sant’s Sea of Trees, may circumvent all the superhero / villain hoopla and sign for this project, which would leave Warners Bros. searching for another actor to fill the role. Meanwhile, his much lauded project, Her, opens in theaters today (Dec. 19).
Warner Bros. and the actor’s reps had no comment, but word on the wire is that Phoenix is up for the main antagonist, which is likely to be Lex Luthor. Jason Momoa has also been thrown into the pot, but he is rumored to be up for another Superman villain in the form of Doomsday.
We will keep you posted as more develops with this news. Expect stars Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, and Amy Adams to duke it out with whomever as Zack Snyder’s superhero sequel opens in theaters on July 17, 2015.
Props: Variety