It just wouldn’t be Hollywood if there weren’t rumors abounding about which actor will be playing a coveted part. This time around it’s Denzel Washington as Lex Luthor in the upcoming “Man of Steel 2/Batman vs Superman.”

The rumors of Washington playing Superman’s arch-nemesis started in early December when a source revealed that they were already testing for the part of Lex Luthor. Washington was at the top of their list, but nothing has materialized just yet. Other’s on this list included Idris Elba and a certain reoccurring cast member from the CW series Arrow who also fits the description.

Elba would be a hard get, especially since he plays Hemdall in Marvel’s Thor films. It might also be quite difficult for the actor from Arrow to portray Lex Luthor if the DC world ever wanted to bring the characters of Arrow to the big screen. So that would leave Washington.

One thing’s for sure, Washington has proven that he can play the villain very well. His Oscar winning performance from Training Day anyone?

This newest rumor of Washington playing Lex Luthor comes off the heels of the rumor Joaquin Phoenix would be playing the role.

And before that the rumor mill was circulating that Breaking Bad‘s Bryan Cranston might even be playing the part. Those rumors were quickly proved false by Cranston himself.

Don’t know if this guy approves of Washington as Lex Luthor, but at least he enjoys his work.

Denzel Washington is incredible.

— Mike (@FearCrads) December 26, 2013

And if he does get the role there is at least one person who is certain to go see the movie.

Any film with Denzel Washington in it is a film worth watching

— #VIVALESTA (@__demsss) December 21, 2013

While it isn’t clear yet whether or not the character of Lex Luthor will even be in the sequel to Man of Steel, casting choices we do know include Ben Affleck as Batman and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.

So internet, I guess it’s time to start ranting and/or raving about Washington as Lex Luthor.

Image via YouTube.