'Man of Steel 2' Lex Luthor: Denzel Washington Among Actors Rumored to Play Superman Villain? [VIDEO]
Man of Steel 2 may feature one of Hollywood's biggest stars as the evil Lex Luthor if director Zack Snyder gets his way.
According to insiders close to production, the producers of Man of Steel 2 were/are hoping to cast Denzel Washington as Lex Luthor, nemesis to Superman. News of Washington's possible casting was first reported by Think Mcfly Think, who stated that the Training Day actor is their "hope of hopes," though "nothing ever materialized."
The producers are allegedly testing for actors from all ethnicities to play Lex Luthor, a role that has traditionally gone to a white actor. Another actor who was approached to play the villain is only described as a recurring cast member from the TV show Arrow.
Assuming the source is referring to one of the African-American actors, the Arrow actor could either be David Ramsey or Colin Salmon.
Despite the source's claims, they also added that Lex Luthor will not necessarily be played by a black actor, just that they are keeping their options open in terms of ethnicity.
Previous actors who have played Lex Luthor on film include Gene Hackman, who played the villain in the '80s films and Kevin Spacey, who played him in the 2006 Superman reboot Superman Returns.
Man of Steel 2 is scheduled for release in theaters on July 17, 2015.
