When it comes to director Zack Snyder's Man of Steel sequel, most of the speculation is focused on Batman. Who will play the Caped Crusader? How much will Snyder's take on the character really be influenced by Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns?

But there's another probable player entering the DC Cinematic Universe, according to recent buzz: Lex Luthor, Superman's most recognizable adversary — and rumors are already ramping up about who will play the deadly villain.

In an interview with Digital Spy, actor Mark Strong was asked about the possibility of playing Lex Luthor. His answer wasn't confirmation, nor was it a denial. "All I can say is … watch this space," he said.

That's a needlessly cryptic response if Strong has nothing to share. Then again, Strong knows the superhero and fandom game well by now, having played Sinestro in Green Lantern and Frank D'Amico in Kick-Ass. It's entirely possible Strong is just having fun with the scoop-hungry crowd.

The Strong rumor comes shortly after a different Luthor report. On Wednesday, Latino Review's El Mayimbe tweeted not-so-subtle hints that Snyder and Warner Bros. are eyeing Bryan Cranston for Lex.

FANBOY BLIND ITEM: Which superhot actor finishing final season of hit TV show who also was in 2 films for WB is up for juicy badguy part? :)

— elmayimbe (@elmayimbe) August 8, 2013

 

As the Man of Steel sequel prepares for a 2014 production start, answers on who will play Batman and Lex Luthor (if he's involved in the film) should come sooner rather than later.