Warner Brothers today announced who will play super villain Lex Luther in the upcoming Superman v Batman film.

They also revealed their pick for Batman's butler Alfred.

Taking the role of smooth-headed Superman nemesis Lex is Jesse Eisenberg, best known for his portrayal of Facebook founderMark Zuckerberg inthe film based on Mark's life,The Social Network.

Replacing Michael Cain as the beloved Alfred is Jeremy Irons, who famously played the villain in classicBruce Willis flick Die Hard With A Vengeance.

Jesse and Jeremy will join Henry Cavill in the as yet untitled film, who willreprise his role as Superman whileBen Affleck takes on Batman and newcomer Gal Gadotenjoys a star-making turn as Wonder Woman.

“Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals,his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940,” director Zach Snyder said in a statement today.

"What’s great about Lex is that he existsbeyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticatedcharacter whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able tochallenge the incredible might of Superman."

"Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore thatinteresting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.”

Ofhis choice for Alfred, Zach said: “It is an honorto have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role ofthe man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulatesBruce Wayne.”