Summary
TheBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicecastfeatured a stunning ensemble who have continued to work extensively throughout the entertainment industry. TheDCEU’sBatman v Supermanreunited several cast members fromMan of Steel, and began introducing several key characters who would become essential members inthe DCEU timeline. In fact, it wasBatman v Supermanthat began drawing together strands for a comic book franchise to rival the MCU. As such, many great actors appeared in the movie, who each boast highly respected careers.
2016’sBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicewas directed by Zack Snyder and depicted the heroesBatman and Superman facing off amidpublic scrutiny and political intrigue. The movie explored Batman’s growing distrust of Superman’s unchecked power after witnessing the destruction caused during Superman’s battle with General Zod inMan of Steel.The film delved into themes of power, justice, and the consequences of vigilantism, setting the stage for a clash that tests the limits of heroism itself, all while proffering the establishment of the cinematic Justice League.
DCU Chapter One Gods And Monsters: Every Movie & Show In The New DC Universe
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe begins with six movies and six shows that open the DCU’s first chapter, “Gods and Monsters”.
11Ben Affleck
Batman
Ben Affleck’s older, battle-hardened Batman debuted inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Affleck’s portrayal was distinct from previous iterations, scarred by years of vigilantism and the loss of Robin, becoming more cynical and ruthless. Affleckcaptured Bruce Wayne’s internal conflict, driven by a deep mistrust of Superman’s unchecked power. DespiteBatman v Superman’s mixed reviews, Affleck’s portrayal received praise for adding depth and complexity to the iconic character.
With his illustrious 40-year career, Ben Affleck remainsa highly prolific filmmaker, serving as producer on several upcoming projects. In 2024, Affleck appeared inThis Is Me Now: A Love Story- a cinematic accompaniment to Jennifer Lopez’s 2024 album,This Is Me… Now. Subsequently, Affleck is working on asequel to 2016’sThe Accountant, in which he reprises his role as the money launderer Christian Wolff.
10Henry Cavill
Superman
InBatman v Superman: Dawn ofJustice, Henry Cavill reprised his role as Superman from the DCEU’s flagship project,Man of Steel.Batman v Supermanfurtherexplored Superman’s struggles with his god-like powers and humanity’s mixed reactionsto his presence. Cavill’s portrayal highlighted the emotional burden of being a savior while facing public scrutiny and moral dilemmas.
FollowingBatman v Superman, Henry Cavill’s Superman appeared in numerous DCEU movies. Afterwards, in 2024, Henry Cavill starred alongside an ensemble cast in the spy comedy,Argylle. Cavill also starred in Guy Ritchie’sThe Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.Cavill worked with Ritchie againonIn the Grey. Scheduled for release in January 2025,In the Greyalso stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Eliza Gonzalez, and Rosamund Pike. Cavill is also appearing in and serving as executive producer for Amazon Studios’Warhammer 40,000franchise.
9Jesse Eisenberg
Lex Luthor
Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Lex Luthor inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicepresented a modern, idiosyncratic take on the classic villain. Eisenberg’s Luthor was a young, tech-savvy billionaire with a manic, unpredictable demeanor. Eisenberg’srapid speech and eccentric behavior polarized audiences, with some praising its originality and others critiquing its departure from the traditional, more stoic Lex Luthor.
Eisenberg appeared as Lex Luthor briefly in the DCEU’sJustice LeagueandZack Snyder’s Justice League. Since then, Eisenberg has continued to work as anactor,director, writer, and producer for numerous independent movies. In 2024, Eisenberg starred in the absurdist fantasy dramaSasquatch Sunsetand in the comedy dramaA Real Pain, which he also wrote and directed. Eisenberg is also set to reprise his role inNow You See Me 3.
8Gal Gadot
Wonder Woman
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justicewas Gal Gadot’s debut as theDCEU’s Wonder Woman. Her role, though limited in screen time, was pivotal, marking Wonder Woman’s first live-action movie appearance. Gadot’s performance was widely praised,setting the stage for her two solo movies. The climactic battle against Doomsday established her as a key player in the burgeoning Justice League.
Gal Gadot made cameo appearances in the DCEU’sShazam! Fury of the GodsandThe Flashbefore the franchise concluded. Since then,Gadot has played the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action remake ofSnow White, which is expected to be released in 2025. Gadot is also filming forIn the Hand of Dante, an adaptation of the novel of the same name which features an all-star cast including Oscar Isaac, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, and fellow DCEU alumni Jason Momoa.
7Jeremy Irons
Alfred Pennyworth
InBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Jeremy Irons portrayed Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler and confidant. Irons' Alfred was asophisticated and technologically adept version of the character, providing not only emotional support but also tactical assistance to Batman. This Alfred was more than just a servant; he was a crucial ally, engineer, and surrogate father figure.
Academy Award-winning Jeremy Irons has been a celebrated actor on both stage and screen since 1969. In the DCEU, Irons played Alfred again inJustice LeagueandThe Flash. In 2023, Jeremy Irons appeared in Darren Lynn Bousman’s Saudi Arabian horror movie,The Cello. The following year, Ironsfeatured opposite Jason Statham in the action thriller,The Beekeeper, in which he played fictional CIA director Wallace Westwyld.
6Amy Adams
Lois Lane
Amy Adams portrayed the DCEU’s Lois Lane, starring inMan of Steel,Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, andJustice League.The intrepid Daily Planet journalist and Superman’s love interest, Adams' Lois was characterized by her tenacity, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth.Lois played a pivotal role in investigating the mysterious bulletand clearing Superman’s name. Adams' performance brought strength and vulnerability to Lois, making her an indispensable part of the story.
After the DCEU, Adamsco-founded her own production company, Bond Group Entertainment, which has several literary adaptations in development. Among these is the comedy horror movieNightbitch, which Adams also stars in. Adams is appearing in Taika Waititi’s science fiction movieKlara and the Sun, which releases late in 2024 and stars Jenna Ortega and Natasha Lyonne.
5Laurence Fishburne
Perry White
After appearing inMan of Steel, Laurence Fishburne reprised the role of Perry White, the stern and pragmatic editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet, inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. With a no-nonsense demeanor and sharp editorial instincts, Fishburne’s interpretation of the characteremphasized his dedication to journalistic integrity. Fishburne’s performance added gravitas and a touch of humor, grounding the story in the realistic challenges faced by a major metropolitan newspaper.
Laurence Fishburne is a multi-award-winning actor who has appeared prominently in theater, cinema, and television. In 2024,Fishburne mounted an autobiographical stage shownamedLike They Do In the Movie. Fishburne has also transitioned into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in which he plays Dr Bill Foster (AKA Goliath). Fishburne first played the character inAnt-Man and the Waspand isappearing in the MCU’sThunderboltsin 2025.
4Diane Lane
Martha Kent
Diane Lane portrayed Martha Kent in the DCEU, first appearing inMan of Steel. As Clark Kent’s adoptive mother, Lane’s Martha was a pillar of strength and compassion,offering unwavering support and guidanceto her son amid his struggles with identity and responsibility. Martha’s kidnapping by Lex Luthor becomes a critical plot point, driving Superman and Batman to confront their differences inBatman v Superman’s infamous“Save Martha”scene.
Diane Lane has beenone of the most sought-after actorssince she first appeared in the 1979 movieA Little Romance.In 2024, Lane returned for Pixar’sInside Out 2, voicing the protagonist Riley’s mother, Mrs. Andersen. Lane also appeared alongside Jeff Daniels in Netflix’sA Man in Full, in which she plays the ex-wife of a disgraced real estate mogul (Daniels). Lane is also appearing in the upcoming movieThe Anniversary.
3Holly Hunter
June Finch
Holly Hunter played Senator June Finch inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a principled and determined government official. Senator Finch wasa vocal critic of Superman’s unchecked power, representing the voice of accountability and the concerns of the public. Her role was central to the political subplot, as she organized a Senate hearing to question Superman about his actions and their global repercussions.
Holly Hunter began her acting career in 1981 and has starred in many notable films and television series. In 2018, Hunter reprised her role as Elastigirl inIncredibles 2. Hunter starred opposite Ted Danson in Tina Fey’s sitcomMr. Mayor. Additionally, Hunter appeared inHurricane, a biopic about Anna Nicole Smith currently in post-production. She has also beencast as the lead in the upcoming television series,Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
2Callan Mulvey
Anatoli Knyazev
InBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Callan Mulvey portrayed Anatoli Knyazev, also known as KGBeast, a ruthless mercenary working for Lex Luthor. Knyazev was instrumental in executing Luthor’s schemes, including the bombing of the Capitol and the kidnapping of Martha Kent. Mulvey’s portrayal of Knyazev was menacing and efficient, embodying the cold, calculating nature of a seasoned assassin. Mulvey’s performancecontributed significantly to the dark and gritty atmosphereof the movie.
Callan Mulvey is alsonotable for appearing in the MCU as Jack Rollins. Rollins was one of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents secretly working for HDYRA inCaptain America: The Winter Soldierand was tricked into relinquishing Loki’s scepter inAvengers: Endgame.Subsequently, Rollins is cast in the upcoming thrillerValiant One, and appeared in the 2023 autobiographical Paramount+ seriesLast King of the Cross.
