Zack Snyder’s upcoming Superman sequel will reintroduce the Man of Steel’s arch-nemesis Lex Luther when it hits theatres in 2016. And no, the bald baddie won’t be played by Breaking Bad‘s Bryan Cranston but instead The Social Network‘s Jesse Eisenberg. A casting out of left-field it would seem, but Snyder is confident in the young actor.

“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940,” Snyder said in a statement. “What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman. Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.”

In addition to casting Eisenberg as Luther, Jeremy Irons joins the sequel as Bruce Wayne’s butler and mentor Alfred Pennyworth. This role was most recently and memorably filled by Michael Caine in Chris Nolan’s Batman trilogy. This time Alfred will serve a new Caped Crusader played by Ben Affleck. “As everyone knows, Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure. He is an absolutely critical element in the intricate infrastructure that allows Bruce Wayne to transform himself into Batman,” Snyder said. “It is an honor to have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne.”

Also in the mix is Gal Gadot who will bring Wonder Woman to the big screen when the still untitled Superman/Batman flick enters theatres May 6, 2016.