Jesse Eisenberg Believes Batman v Superman Backlash Affected His Career
The entertainment industry is a cutthroat business, where success and failure can often hang by a thread. For actor Jesse Eisenberg, the line between the two became blurred under a deluge of criticism that started affecting his real life. In a recent chat on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Eisenberg opened up about how his role as Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice might have harmed his career.
Impact of Criticism on Career
Batman v Superman was a box office juggernaut, raking in $874 million globally. However, the film received a dismal 29 percent critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The negative reception took a toll on Eisenberg, with the actor admitting that the storm of bad press surrounding the movie started to affect his career. Eisenberg confessed, “I’ve never said this before and it’s kind of embarrassing to admit, but I genuinely think it actually hurt my career in a real way, because I was poorly received in something so public.”
Challenges and Struggles
Eisenberg reprised his role as Lex Luthor in Justice League, which faced similar criticism from both critics and fans. Despite his efforts, the actor found himself caught in the crossfire of a poorly structured film. Fans even clamored for a reworked version of Justice League, which eventually materialized under the film’s original director, Zac Snyder. The actor’s dedication to the role, including shaving his head to portray Luthor’s signature bald look, was overshadowed by critiques of his performance.
Silver Lining in the Clouds
Despite the setbacks, Eisenberg has recently received a nomination for Best Actor at the Golden Globes for his role in the film A Real Pain. This recognition comes 14 years after his previous nomination for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network. While the road may have been rocky, Eisenberg remains resilient in the face of adversity.
Personal Reflection
As a fan of Eisenberg’s work, I can’t help but empathize with the challenges he has faced in navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. It takes courage to confront criticism head-on and continue pursuing your passion despite setbacks. Eisenberg’s journey serves as a reminder that success is not always linear, and perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles in pursuit of one’s dreams.
