DC fans want Robert Downey Jr. to play Lex Luthor after debuting new bald look

Fans are wigging out after Robert Downey Jr. unveiled his new bald look on a recent red carpet.

The Iron Man actor showed off his new, shiny scalp at the Academy Governors Awards last week.

Many were left stunned as his bald head glinted in the sun at them, erasing all memory of his Marvel character Tony Stark apparently washed away.

However, some fans believe Downey Jr. could step back into the superhero genre in a new role now that he's ditched his hair.

Social media lit up with suggestions for the MCU actor to defect to the DC Universe and play Lex Luthor from the Superman storyline.

One Twitter user said: "[Seeing him play Luthor] would be interesting. I’d love to see him do it. Those scenes with [Captain America when he said] 'everything special about you came out of a bottle' shows he can do it."

Another added: "Honestly Robert Downey Jr. had the capabilities to play anything. Would he be my first choice? Maybe not. Would I like it? Hell yeah!"

Another social media user lashed out at past casting choices for the Superman baddie: "I'd rather see that than whatever Lex Luthor live action we got last time. Good God. He's a good actor people be thinking Tony Stark but he does something totally different and surprises the f**k out of you. Because that's what actors like him can do."

Tbh. I'd rather see that then whatever lex Luther live action we got last time. Good God. He's a good actor people be thinking Tony stark but he does something totally different and surprises the fuck out of ya. Because that's what actors like him can do.

— CalebLeeEugene (@Caleb261994) November 23, 2022

not a bad call, i still believe Marc Strong is the one and only to play the role pic.twitter.com/njtXGuIvAn

— Dr. Brocas MD (@Diegazbro) November 23, 2022

Others were less than impressed, calling out DC Comics fans for just fancying anyone who is sans-hair for the role.

One user said: "Literally nobody is less creative than DC fans casting Lex Luthor.

A second was fine with their current favourite: "We're pretty happy with Jesse Eisenberg, thank you."

A third offered an alternate casting option: "Not a bad call, I still believe Marc Strong is the one and only to play the role."

While there is a large question mark hanging over what is going on with future films from the DC Cinematic Universe, it is worth noting that the Avengers star previously came close to playing the iconic villain in Superman Returns.

Literally nobody is less creative than DC fans casting Lex Luthor.

— Subjectively Bad (@worldofcardbord) November 24, 2022

We're pretty happy with Jesse Eisenberg, thank you!!

— peter2.o (@peterintheflesh) November 23, 2022

According to ScreenRant, Downey Jr. landed the gig but a veritable revolving door of directors during development and a change of direction by the studio ultimately saw Kevin Spacey cast as Luthor.

But, who knows.

Maybe Eisenberg will return for another feature film.

Or maybe, just maybe, Downey Jr's lack of locks has marked the start of him stepping into the role of a super villain.