Movie Rumors: Bradley Cooper is Lex Luthor and James Bond Has a New Boss

When reading this, keep in mind that this is just in the rumor category and not to be taken as the absolute truth... yet.

First, when casting for "The Man of Steel", a lot of people wondered why Superman's iconic nemesis Lex Luthor was not on the casting list for the new reboot.  Instead, Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon was confirmed to play General Zod.  According to the new rumors, Lex Luthor was on the casting sheet, but as a cameo appearance played by "The Hangover" star Bradley Cooper. 

In an early draft of the script, Luthor plays a pivotal role in the final battle between Superman and General Zod,along with Zod's Kryptonian followers.  In this early draft, Luthor used Kryptonite to force Zod and his followers back into the Phantom Zone, a dimensional prison created by Superman's father Jor-El (played by Russell Crowe).  Luthor considers forcing Superman into the Phantom Zone as well, but decides against it. 

The second rumor is the next in a long line of rumors about the new James Bond film, "Skyfall".  Actor Ralph Fiennes has been confirmed as a cast member for quite some time, originally thought to be the main villain of the film.  When Javier Bardem was confirmed as the lead villain, that led to a lot of speculation as to Fiennes part in the film.  After five films as Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, its unlikely Fiennes would be asked to play a role as a subordinate to a larger villain.  As it turns out, we were looking at the wrong side of the battle.  Rumors are now that Fiennes is playing an unnamed MI6 agent working with James Bond.  The character's name will not be revealed in the film because the true name of Bond's boss, M, is not to be know.  Speculation is that 77-year-old Dame Judi Dench will be stepping down as the head of MI6 at the end of "Skyfall", with Fiennes taking over the agency. 

I'm rather torn on these rumors.  I like the idea of Luthor playing a role in the reboot of Superman, but only if he's treated at a ruthless, genius business man, and not as a comic foil with a real estate scam as he was in the previous films.  I'm a fan of Bradley Cooper, but I just don't know if he's right for the part.  As for Fiennes as the new M, I love Judi Dench and don't want to see her step down.  However, Fiennes is a terrific actor, and after playing one of the greatest cinematic villains for five films, playing a "good guy" role will help him avoid being typecast. 

via Spill and GeekTyrant