Bryan Cranston confirmed as Lex Luthor

I was on this rumor from it's birth, and now Cosmic Book News is reporting that Bryan Cranston has been cast as Lex Luthor in what is said to be at least a six "appearance" deal. As I said when the rumor surfaced, I think this is an ideal move for both parties. I've arrived to the 'Breaking Bad' party late, but I'm enjoying Cranston's final run as Walter White on AMC as much as the next person. Seeing him cast as one of the renowned super villains seems timely. I look forward to seeing him go from Heisenberg to Luthor. The casting news comes in the same breath as the Ben Affleck announcement, who has allegedly in for a 13-appearance deal as Batman.

Latest rumors for new Batman

Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, and Joe Manganiello are all rumored to be the next Bruce Wayne. 

Zack Snyder has the ball rolling from his announcement at San Diego Comic-Con last month that our 'Man of Steel' sequel will actually be a Batman/Superman film. With Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale's Dark Knight moniker officially off the table, a new Bruce Wayne will be casted and created. As reported, Snyder will consult with Frank Miller, the author of the original comic series which featured the Batman-Superman merger. Apparently, this will be an older, wiser Bruce Wayne, much like from Miller's story. 

Also in the mix: Luke Evans and Richard Armitage.

Many candidates are rumored to be in the conversation, from more decorated actors such as Ryan Gosling to lower profile actors such as Joe Manganiello and Richard Armitage. ENSTARS has included Jon Hamm and Jude Law into the batch of latest contenders as well. Based on some deliberate biases and an innate sensitivity to this matter, here is how I would rank these potential candidates for the next Bruce Wayne:

1. Josh Brolin - He's just popular enough to be recognized but not too polished to outshine Henry Cavill as Superman. He's used to being the tough guy. Plus, he's around the same age as the desired Bruce (45).

2. Luke Evans - Shown above, I like Evans' potentially piercing presence. I enjoyed his role as Zeus in 'Immortals' and could see the 35-year-old actor shaping into Bruce Wayne form.

3. Jon Hamm - The only high profile guy mentioned that I think would actually work, Hamm is perhaps best known for starring in AMC's 'Mad Men'. Look at Hamm and tell me he doesn't give off a Bruce Wayne vibe.

4. Richard Armitage - Also in his 40's, Armitage has the look and the element of most unfamiliar. The film might benefit most from a less recognizable face.

5. Jude Law - I love Law's work, and I personally wouldn't put any role past him, but he's not necessarily the hero type.

6. Joe Manganiello - Alcide Herveaux from 'True Blood'? I don't think so.

7. Ryan Gosling - Seriously? Stop insulting me.

Casting has not officially begun, but we can continue to speculate. For those of us who remain cautious about a new Batman figure, this casting move is highly delicate. The Man of Steel sequel, rumored to be named Batman vs. Superman, is scheduled for a 2015 release. 

Who do you think should be the new Bruce Wayne? 

Justice League rumors FINALLY confirmed

Surrounding the anticipation for Zack Snyder's Man of Steel installment has been stealthy chatter about the possibility of a future Justice League movie. As reported by Slashfilm.com, Warner Bros. is already fast tracking the Man of Steel sequel with writer David Goyer. Apparently the plan is to bring back Snyder and Christopher Nolan to extend the series much like we've seen with their Marvel counterparts Spiderman and Ironman. In concordance with the sequel update, the Justice League spectacle is finally taking shape. Deadline reported that writer David Goyer's deal is part of a 3-picture deal he signed which will include the Man of Steel sequel and, officially, the Justice League movie. 

SFX: 'Man Of Steel' star Henry Cavill says joint Superman and Batman movie could be 'really interesting'

The common responses from Snyder and Goyer in response to Justice League have been attributed to the success of Man of Steel. Understandably, you need Superman to have a massive box office return before considering that option. But as Goyer now endures questioning about what to expect from a Justice League universe, premature developments have since begun to unfold.

Talking to Jon Lyus from Hey U Guys, Goyer shared, "Zack (Snyder) has said that Bruce Wayne exists in this universe," adding, "It would be a different Bruce Wayne from Chris' (Nolan) Dark Knight trilogy". Whoa. So this shared DC Comics universe commenced by Man of Steel is veering off from Nolan's legendary resurgence of Batman? As if formally combatting their Marvel rivals, the highest grossing and greatest super hero franchise of all time in The Avengers wasn't difficult enough. Along with having to create original versions of fellow Justice League members Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg, not to mention a desperate re-creation of Ryan Reynolds' pathetic Green Lantern, an effective re-modulation of Batman will now also be needed. I don't think the pressure could be any greater for Snyder, Goyer, DC Comics, and Warner Bros. as they have now officially declared war against Marvel. 

Man of Steel is now in theaters, and is reportedly on pace to rake in at least $100 million in it's opening weekend.