Joaquin Phoenix to Play 'Batman vs. Superman' Villain? And Is That Villain Lex Luthor?

Joaquin Phoenix may soon battle Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The actor has jumped to the top of Warner Bros. wishlist to play the villain in Batman vs. Superman, according to Variety. The site reports that this courtship is still very early in the process, and even if Warner Bros. makes an offer to Phoenix, there's no guarantee he takes the role.

Variety says that while "sources couldn't confirm what the role is, it’s believed to be for the main antagonist, which is likely to be Lex Luthor." Is Phoenix just the latest in a long line of names mentioned for Lex Luthor? We've already heard Bryan Cranston and even Denzel Washington — will Phoenix finally be the one to win the role?

If Phoenix were to join Batman vs. Superman, it would represent a new stage in his career. The actor has lately stayed away from blockbuster-caliber movies, choosing small, indie films instead. Phoenix has worked with Paul Thomas Anderson on The Master and Inherent Vice and Spike Jonze on Her. Would he jump from that world over to a Batman/Superman mashup directed by Zack Snyder?