Recasting Batman For The DCU: All 8 Major Candidates, Ranked
James Gunn’s DCU is still in its earliest stages, meaning that Batman has not yet been cast in the new shared universe. However, we know that The Brave and the Bold is on the way, and there are plenty of conversations online about which actor would be best suited to take on the iconic cape and cowl.
Unlike Robert Pattinson’s younger and more isolated Dark Knight in Matt Reeves’ Elseworlds universe, it’s been said that the DCU’s Batman will be older, more experienced, and will already have Damian Wayne as his son operating as his Robin. As such, that also creates the implication that he’ll likely have an established Bat Family of heroes working alongside him in Gotham.
Keeping that in mind, it’s interesting to look at some of the biggest names who have continually been brought up in conversations and reports about the DCU’s Dark Knight. While James Gunn has insisted that the Batman casting search hasn’t yet begun, he did recently tease that Batman will likely be closer in age to David Corenswet’s Superman (mid-30s). Even so, here is our ranking of eight major DCU Batman fancast candidates, ranked from the least to best fit.
8
Tom Brittney
Tom Brittney is certainly an interesting possibility, seeing as how he already came very close to joining the DCU as Superman before David Corenswet was cast in the major role. As such, this has certainly given fans some reason to wonder if Gunn might consider him for a different role in the DCU, like The Dark Knight. It certainly seems as though he could portray a solid Bruce Wayne by day before transforming into the Caped Crusader at night.
However, Brittney is less established than several other candidates, and some fans remain unconvinced he could capture the full screen presence required to lead a franchise as major as Batman. He’s a solid possibility, though there are more exciting options.
7
Glen Powell
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Without a doubt, Glen Powell has become one of Hollywood’s biggest rising stars, and his natural charisma could certainly make him an interesting Bruce Wayne. His performances in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You demonstrate his ability to play confident, charming characters, which would translate nicely if he were to bring the billionaire philanthropist to life in the DCU.
While Powell has done more serious action roles, there could be a concern that he might not be dark enough to play a hero as brooding and intimidating as Batman. He’s also been talked about online for other DC hero roles like Booster Gold, which might be a better fit for him in the DC Universe.
6
Richard Madden
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Richard Madden has the kind of experience that could easily make him a compelling Bruce Wayne. Best known for Game of Thrones, Citadel, and Marvel’s Eternals, Madden has demonstrated a solid ability to play confident, physically capable characters, while also having an inherent darkness.
At 40, Madden could be a solid choice as a Batman who’s a few years older than Superman, while still having a son with Damian Wayne’s Robin. Likewise, his previous superhero casting could motivate eyes elsewhere when it comes to casting the next Batman for James Gunn’s DC Universe.
5
Jake Gyllenhaal
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Jake Gyllenhaal has been connected to Batman casting for years, and his prior work practically speaks for itself, from the dark intensity of Nightcrawler to his role as a detective in the psychological thriller Prisoners. However, he’s also got some great range and could easily bring the charm of Bruce Wayne to life as well. Although he is 45 and has been a part of the MCU as Mysterio, it’s easy to see Gyllenhaal having some great chemistry with David Corenswet’s Superman, and it totally makes sense why he’s been talked about for Batman for so long.
4
Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Oliver Jackson-Cohen has definitely become one of the more frequently suggested Batman candidates in recent months, especially when considering actors beyond established blockbuster stars. His performances in The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and The Invisible Man all demonstrate his ability to portray troubled, darker, and mysterious characters. He also has the right kind of physical presence to look like a pretty good Batman alongside Corenswet’s Superman.
Jackson-Cohen’s range is certainly the biggest advantage he has, according to fans online arguing for his ability to play a charming public figure and the darkness of Batman below the surface, which is exactly what playing Bruce Wayne demands. While slightly older than Gunn’s apparent age-range target, his combination of screen presence and dramatic ability makes him one of the strongest choices, despite not being a major actor just yet (which could end up being appealing to Gunn).
3
Alan Ritchson
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Alan Ritchson is arguably one of the easiest candidates to picture wearing Batman’s suit, hence his status as one of the most talked-about actors for the DCU’s Dark Knight (though buzz has started to cool down somewhat). Nevertheless, his imposing physique and commanding presence in Reacher have made him a popular choice among fans who really want a physically intimidating Dark Knight.
One drawback is that Alan Ritchson is currently 43. He’s also played two different DC characters in past projects, with the CW’s Aquaman on Smallville as well as Hawk on HBO’s Titans series. Also, Ritchson himself has recently commented on potentially wanting to play a different character in the DCU who’s perhaps “messier” than The Dark Knight. Still, it’s pretty fun to imagine him wearing the cape and cowl all the same.
2
Jensen Ackles
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Across the board, Jensen Ackles might be the most familiar Batman candidate to longtime DC fans. Beyond his popularity from Supernatural and more recently with The Boys, Ackles has already voiced Bruce Wayne in multiple animated DC projects, including Batman: The Long Halloween (not to mention Jason Todd’s Red Hood). Beyond having the right physical presence, we already know that he has a deep familiarity with Batman lore, and we already know that he’d sound perfect as The Dark Knight.
It’s easy to see why his name continually appears in fan discussions online. However, Ackles is 48, suggesting that he’s likely outside the window James Gunn appears to be after. After all, it follows that whoever gets the role of the DCU’s Batman will likely have it for a decade or (hopefully) longer. Nevertheless, fans who prefer a more experienced Batman both on and off-screen definitely see Ackles as the right candidate.
1
Brandon Sklenar
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Brandon Sklenar has emerged as one of the most popular Batman fan casts ever, and it’s super easy to see why. Best known for playing Spencer Dutton in 1923, Sklenar has the height, jawline, build, and all-around perfect look that many fans associate with Bruce Wayne’s Batman. His performances also suggest he could handle the emotional weight of a character whose personal life is shaped by loss, anger, and darkness.
Interestingly enough, John Papsidera is the casting director for James Gunn’s DC Studios, who just so happens to be the same casting director who cast Sklenar in 1923 (his breakout role). At 36, he also fits Gunn’s recent comments about wanting Batman to be closer in age to Superman. While he doesn’t have the biggest body of work or major roles compared to others on this list (which may be concerning to some), neither did Corenswet before he was cast as Superman. All in all, Sklenar’s growing profile, relative youth, and natural screen presence make him a very compelling choice for the DCU’s Batman overall.
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