Jesse Eisenberg says winning a Razzie for Batman v Superman left him unable to get studio roles, and pushed him towards directing. Speaking at a screen talk at the BFI London Film Festival on Sunday, he said: "I couldn't get into movie studio parts anymore because I had won a Raspberry Award from [being in the] 'Batman' movie... and I saw the trajectory." The industry, he said, "did not want me to be in a superhero movie".
Acting is an unstable industry in which you are always worrying whether you are on an upslope or a downslope, he said, and as a paranoid person he sees it coming early. "So I was like, I've got to direct movies," he said.
He played Lex Luthor in Zack Snyder's 2016 film and was handed the Razzie for worst supporting actor. The film, which opened globally with $424.1 million, won four Razzies in all, including worst screenplay, worst sequel and worst screen combo for Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck.
Eisenberg has said before, on Armchair Expert, that the role "hurt my career in a real way". The festival was closing on Sunday with his latest film as director, The Debut, starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti.
The actor noted that the transition to directing was not just a creative choice but a survival strategy in a fickle industry. By taking control of the narrative behind the camera, he found a way to bypass the limitations imposed by critics and studio executives who had pigeonholed him following the 2016 backlash.
His directorial work has been met with critical acclaim, marking a successful pivot for the star. The transition highlights the broader challenges faced by actors in Hollywood, where a single critical failure can significantly alter one's professional path.
Industry analysts suggest that Eisenberg's experience is not unique, as many performers turn to writing or directing when their on-screen opportunities dwindle. This shift allows them to maintain relevance and creative agency.
The BFI London Film Festival served as a platform for Eisenberg to reflect on these challenges openly. His candid admission resonated with many in the audience who are familiar with the pressures of the entertainment world.
As he continues to develop his career as a filmmaker, Eisenberg remains a prominent figure in cinema. His journey from a controversial superhero role to a respected director serves as a testament to his resilience.
Ultimately, the Razzie award, once seen as a career setback, became the catalyst for a new chapter in his professional life, proving that even negative feedback can lead to unexpected growth.