Which Character Did the DCEU Completely Ruin?

Many fans and critics have pointed to several characters in the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) as being poorly handled. One of the most frequently mentioned is Lex Luthor, particularly as portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016).

Lex Luthor in the DCEU

Taking a character as richly detailed as Lex Luthor and presenting him as a quirky, erratic version that deviates significantly from his established persona in the comics is a major misstep. Traditionally, Lex Luthor is depicted as a brilliant and calculating businessman with a deep-seated rivalry with Superman. His intelligence and ambition are crucial elements of the character's appeal, both in comics and in other media.

Reasons for Criticism

Characterization

One of the most significant issues with Lex Luthor's portrayal in the DCEU is his characterization. In the comics, Lex Luthor is a brilliantly intelligent manipulative bastard, a figure of profound complexity that stretches across decades of storytelling. In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Eisenberg's Lex Luthor is more aligned with the character of Mark Zuckerberg on drugs. This portrayal fails to capture the depths of his strategic planning and the personal wealth and power he commands.

Motivation and Depth

The film did not provide a strong enough motivation for Luthor's actions, making it difficult for audiences to understand his hatred for Superman. A character like Lex Luthor often embodies more than just a simple rivalry; he is a man of charisma and absolute master of deceit. He does crimes and most of the time gets away with them, making him a formidable and complex antagonist. The lack of depth in his motivation and background makes it challenging for viewers to decide whether to empathize with him or hate him.

Screen Time and Development

Many viewers felt that Luthor's role in the film was underdeveloped, overshadowed by the larger narrative involving Batman and Superman. This leaves little room for Luthor to shine as a formidable antagonist. In the comics, Lex Luthor is not just a businessman but also a political figure, a government agent, and a global figure of significance. He is a master planner who can survive in the most challenging situations. The DCEU version of Lex Luthor, known for his quirky and erratic behavior, is a far cry from the strategic and influential character portrayed in the comics.

Overall Reception

The film itself received mixed to negative reviews, which affected how audiences perceived Lex Luthor's character. The portrayal did not resonate well with fans who expected a more classic interpretation of the character. Even Alan Harper, a fictional character from other media, did a better job in portraying similar traits without the inconsistencies seen in Eisenberg's version.

Other characters in the DCEU, such as Aquaman and Cyborg, also faced mixed receptions. However, Lex Luthor's portrayal remains a particularly notable example of a character that fans feel was not done justice in the DCEU.

Status of Lex Luthor in the DC Universe

Lex Luthor, a brilliant and complex anti-hero, is one of DC's main villains. He commands a major company and holds a high position in government. His strategic intelligence, ambition, and charisma align with his role in the comics. The character's appeal relies on his multifaceted nature and the depth of his motivations.

Comparing Eisenberg's portrayal to Alan Harper, a character from other media, shows the significant gap in bringing Lex Luthor to life. Alan Harper, known for his speeches and strategic planning, provides a more relatable and menacing version of the character that aligns with the audience's expectations.

Conclusion

Lex Luthor in the DCEU is a prime example of the missed opportunities in the DC Extended Universe. His portrayal fails to capture the depth and complexity of the character, leading to a lackluster and inconsistent representation. Fans and critics alike have noticed and criticized this in the first major iteration of the character in the DCEU.