The Man of Steel sequel, commonly referred to as Batman vs. Superman, has casted Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne and Wonder Woman. Now it needs a villain. According to recent casting rumors, Warner Bros. is looking for a new Lex Luthor, and Joaquin Phoenix is just the man.

Variety sources claim that Warner Bros. Studio wants Phoenix to join the film's cast, but don't get too excited, Phoenix fans. The casting is only in stage one. Apparently, Warner Bros has merely expressed interest. The studio has neither offered the role nor has Phoenix accepted it.

How likely is it that Phoenix will play the bald, manipulative archenemies of Superman (played by Henry Cavill)? It would be a small jump for him as the actor is known for avoiding blockbuster films in recent years. He is currently being praised for his role in Her. He will also appear in Paul Thomas Anderson's Inherent Vice next year. Phoenix is also considering an offer to be in Sea of Trees, a Gus Van Sant film.

Sources did not confirm that Warner Bros. wants Phoenix to play Lex Luthor, but that is the most likely role. According to Variety's sources, rumored actors like Callan Mulvey and Jason Momoa will not play the film's main villain. Warner Bros. is looking for a very strong actor for Lex Luthor.

Since San Diego Comic-Con, comic book fans have been purposing their own choices for the role. A popular one is Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston, whose lack of hair and wrinkled sneer align perfectly with Lex Luthor's character. Cranston has denied rumors that he will be in the movie, however.

"This is all news to me," he told Boston Globe in September. "I think that maybe my name is bandied about because I'm known to be bald. 'What bald guy can we get?' The reality is they can take any actor and shave his head or put a bald cap on him."

The Man of Steel sequel also features Ben Affleck as Batman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and Zack Snyder returning as director. It will premiere Jul. 15, 2015.

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