The 'Killers of the Flower Moon' actor apparently met director Zack Snyder for a villainous role in the 'Batman v Superman' and offered 'a lot of great ideas' for the franchise.
- Apr 19, 2024
AceShowbiz - In the ever-expansive universe of superhero films, where worlds collide and the impossible becomes reality, one name surprisingly yet persistently pops up without ever having graced the genre: Leonardo DiCaprio.
The acclaimed actor, known for his dynamic roles and profound performances, has flirted with the idea of entering the comic book realm, yet remains a bystander. Through various discussions and potential roles, DiCaprio's dance with the idea of superhero stardom has left fans wondering what could have been.
Director Zack Snyder, the visionary behind the DC Extended Universe's darker, more brooding chapters, revealed on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast interesting conversations with DiCaprio about playing the iconic supervillain Lex Luthor in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."
The role, which eventually went to Jesse Eisenberg, could have seen DiCaprio bring a new depth to the character. Snyder shared that DiCaprio "had a lot of great ideas, actually, just in the meeting," illustrating the actor's engagement with the material and smart insights into the character. DiCaprio even suggested the now-realized concept of Superman fighting the Justice League, showcasing his understanding and innovative thinking towards the DC universe.
This wasn't DiCaprio's only brush with comic book movies. Post "The Dark Knight," Warner Bros. executives dreamt of casting him as the Riddler, a role that undoubtedly would have brought a unique spin to the iconic Batman villain.
Despite these intriguing possibilities, DiCaprio has remained on the sidelines of superhero cinema. His decision reflects the wisdom he once imparted to Timothee Chalamet, "No hard drugs and no superhero movies."
Snyder also touched upon the infamous "Martha" controversy from "Batman v Superman," which perplexed and divided fans. He defended the creative decision, emphasizing the deeply human moment it represented for Batman and Superman. This anecdote underscores the challenges and unexpected reactions directors face when navigating fan expectations and interpretations in superhero films.
As we watch DiCaprio continue to excel in varied roles, the thought lingers - what if? What if Leonardo DiCaprio had donned the mantle of a comic book character? While we may never see DiCaprio in a cape or wielding a villain's sinister gadgets, his near-encounters with superhero roles add an intriguing layer to the tapestry of comic book movie lore.
As the genre evolves, perhaps there will come a day when the right script, the right director, and the right moment will converge, enticing DiCaprio to step into a world where superheroes and supervillains reign supreme. For now, we can only imagine.
