Man of Steel 2: Zack Snyder explains Batman vs Superman casting

Warner Brothers

Director Zack Snyder addressed the controversy surrounding the casting choices of the upcoming Man of Steel 2/ Batman vs Superman movie.

The casting of Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and Jesse Eisenburg as Lex Luthor have raised eyebrows, especially as the choices were highly unusual and unpredicted by fans.

The director finally spoke out about the matter. Snyder told Hero Complex: "We know the material; unfortunately, the fans don't know the material. So, we're casting according to what's happening in the script. And we're hoping that leads to enough originality, enough perspective on what we're doing that you get something fresh and exciting."

He continued, "I understand the canon. I'm not crazy. I know what these characters need from a mythological standpoint. I think Jesse is going to be an amazing Lex. Let's not forget he was nominated for an Academy Award. It's not like I just grabbed my friend to play the guy! This guy's the real deal."

Snyder also updated fans on the development of the movie. "The movie literally takes the Man of Steel and Batman universes and explodes them. You're not as tied to the mythology. In 'Man of Steel', we had to create an origin story, a mythology, and there's a lot of energy into that, which we love doing. Don't get me wrong. But when you think about how fun it is too - now that you've got these characters - to now let 'em loose. That's fun!"

New suits for Batman and Superman have been created for Affleck and Henry Cavill and shooting is slated to start next month.

Meanwhile, cast members have been training hard to get in shape to begin filming for the Man of Steel sequel, which will be released May 6, 2016.

The Batman/Superman movie will also see the return of Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, and Laurence Fishburne as the Daily Planet's Editor-in-Chief Perry White.