'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' spoilers: Jesse Eisenberg says his Lex Luthor is more 'psychologically realistic'

The new Lex Luthor is unlike any that viewers have seen before, Jesse Eisenberg, who plays the Superman adversary in the much-anticipated superhero film "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," has said.

The character, which was portrayed by Gene Hackman in "Superman" (1978), Kevin Spacey in "Superman Returns" (2006), and Michael Rosenbaum in the TV series "Smallville," is, in the upcoming Zack Snyder-helmed film, a young and complex businessman who is set on taking down the Man of Steel. According to Eisenberg, his take on the villain is something that audiences of today expect to see and is "a more modern, psychologically realistic concept of Lex Luthor."

"His motivations are multifaceted; he has a way of using language that's specific to the way his mind works; he struggles with interesting philosophical dilemmas like that of the individual having too much power, even if that individual is using that power for good," the actor said. "He speaks in broad themes and ideas: That's what makes the character very theatrical and yet authentic." 

Comparing his version of Luthor to those of Hackman, Spacey, and Rosenbaum, the actor said: "The previous movies are interesting to watch, but they feel unrelated. This incarnation of the character is drawn so differently."

Eisenberg, whose Lex Luthor is his first-ever villainous role, recently appeared in a Super Bowl TV spot for Turkish Airlines, the official airline partner of "Batman v Superman." The cleverly-designed promo aired as a faux travel destination ad featuring the fictional city of Metropolis and starred Lex Luthor and Superman (Henry Cavill). A similar promo featured Gotham City and starred Bruce Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck).

Apart from Cavill, Affleck, and Eisenberg, "Batman v Superman" also stars Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Jeremy Irons (Alfred), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Ray Fisher (Cyborg), Ezra Miller (The Flash), and Michael Shannon (General Zod).

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" hits theaters on March 25.