'Man of Steel 2: Batman Vs Superman' continues to fortify its cast. The next actor they want to recruit is Joaquin Phoenix. Will he take the role and is it for Lex Luthor?

Variety was the first to confirm the rumors that were floating. This one had a quick turnaround: from being a rumor, Variety had the confirmation within 24 hours.

"Sources tell Variety that the studio wants the Oscar-nominated actor for a role in the upcoming untitled Batman-Superman pic. However, it's very early in the process and even if Warners offers Phoenix a role, it's not clear he would accept as the actor has steered clear of big-budget pics in the past few years, leaning towards movies with a more prestige feel."

Joaquin Phoenix is an immensely gifted actor with all the quirks one might expect of a genius. He won the best supporting actor Oscar for his role as Commodus in the movie "Gladiator." He has tackled challenging roles, often as troubled people like Johnny Cash in "Walk the Line."

In 2008, he announced his retirement from acting after finishing rehab for an alcohol problem. He returned in 2010 with a documentary entitled "I'm Still Here" which is a collaboration with Casey Affleck. They claimed that his recent retirement and eccentric behavior were all just materials for the documentary.

He was nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award last year, but he lost. Prior to the awards ceremony, he decalred that the Oscars are 'bulls---t' but he eventually apologized.

Phoenix is being recognized for his performance in the offbeat romance film "Her." Warner Brothers recognizes his talent, but it is uncertain whether Joaquin will accept the role given his preference for low-key, character driven films. The exact role is uncertain but it is determined to be a villain.

The speculation is that an actor of his caliber deserves no less than the main villain role, which would probably be Lex Luthor.

Visit this site again for updates on 'Batman Vs Superman.' The movie will open on July 17, 2015.