10 actors who should play the DCU Batman, according to fans

Following Superman’s introduction, an intriguing query persists: which actor will bring the DC Universe’s Batman to life next? Social media buzzes with fan suggestions, and here are ten of the most frequently mentioned names.

When filmmaker James Gunn unveiled the initial lineup for DC Universe’s “Gods and Monsters,” there were two significant points to note. Initially, the world crafted by Robert Pattinson and Matt Reeves, which includes The Batman Part 2, will be categorized as Elseworlds, implying that the sequel doesn’t currently fit within the primary storyline.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Gunn is working on a fresh take for Batman titled “The Brave and the Bold.” In this upcoming storyline, we can expect a new interpretation of Batman teaming up with Robin.

If the plan goes ahead as described, we’ll have two real-life Batmans. The question then arises, which one should take on the role of Batman?

Alan Ritchson

As a gamer, I’m all about action-packed roles, and Alan Ritchson certainly delivers that with his character Reacher. He’s got this knack for dishing out justice to the wicked and bending the rules just enough – you could say he’d fit Batman like a glove.

As a passionate gamer diving into the world of Creature Commandos, I can’t help but notice the imposing figure hinted at for DCU’s Batman. From what I’ve seen, Joe Manganiello’s physique is downright mountainous compared to Ben Affleck’s muscular portrayal in BvS. And here’s the kicker – he’s openly expressed his desire to don the cape and cowl.

I’ve always dreamed of playing Batman, and now I’m ready to share it with the world. In other words, I can’t wait to take on the role of Bruce Wayne!

What makes Batman unique among other superheroes is his exceptional intelligence. He’s not only resourceful, equipped with an array of ingenious gadgets, but he’s the epitome of brainpower. If I could be anyone, it would be him, and to top it off, having a cave filled with high-performance vehicles – that’s my dream.

Brandon Sklenar

Brandon Sklenar is frequently suggested by fans, especially following the debut of 1923 Season 2. In recent interviews, he’s been questioned several times about portraying Batman, and it’s clear that he finds the prospect intriguing.

In conversation with The Playlist, he expressed: “I find it intriguing to see the fan suggestions for this Batman project. I’m a huge Batman fan, and the idea is certainly appealing. It would be a dream come true, no doubt. However, we’ll have to wait and see what transpires; I feel well-suited for the role.

Should Sklenar’s dream materialize, he’s already formulated unique perspectives regarding the character’s portrayal. As a kid, this character was his most cherished comic book hero, and he stands out as exceptional due to his authentic human qualities.

He shared with THR that he’s deeply grieving the loss of his parents, and finding solace in Batman helps him deal with it.

I believe there’s still a lot to discover about that place, and I can imagine a way to approach it that feels authentic. To be honest, among all the versions of Batman I’ve seen, Christian Bale’s portrayal was my favorite. That being said, I appreciate what Robert Pattinson is bringing to the role now; it’s a daring decision and he’s an outstanding actor overall. If given the chance, I would be honored to continue the legacy of Batman, and I wouldn’t take that responsibility lightly.

Sklenar undeniably bears a resemblance to Bruce Wayne, and at 35 years old, he’s an ideal candidate for a fresh addition to the Batman series, given his fitting age.

Theo James

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but marvel at Theo James’ growing stardom! He’s graced our screens in the Divergent series, The White Lotus, The Gentlemen, The Monkey, and even lent his voice to X-Men ’97. With such an impressive resume, I can’t help but wonder: Could Batman be next on his list?

Based on an interview he gave to The Movie Dweeb, it seems that this task might not be his immediate focus or top priority.

The Batman is adored by all. It seems as though there have been numerous interpretations of the character, approximately 70 in total. However, I must admit, I was a fan of Ben Affleck’s portrayal.

Nevertheless, one fan wrote: “When can we all start campaigning Theo James to play Batman?”

I believe Theo James could be the pick for DCU Batman if he auditions. They’re likely to choose an individual with a strong presence, a skilled actor, and whose fame wouldn’t diminish significantly compared to Pattinson.

Oliver Jackson-Cohen

It’s quite likely that you’re familiar with the work of Oliver Jackson-Cohen, as he has appeared in Netflix series such as The Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor, as well as in the film The Invisible Man directed by Leigh Whannell.

In terms of his profile, he’s perfectly suited: He’s 38, making him a suitable age to portray an older Bruce Wayne; standing over 6 feet tall, ensuring he won’t appear small alongside David Corenswet’s Superman; and his fame level is such that he wouldn’t overshadow Pattinson and Reeves in their films.

Regrettably, he has never shared his thoughts on the matter during interviews, yet there are numerous discussions on Reddit speculating that he would make an excellent Batman.

Henry Cavill

Let’s take a stroll together. Casting Henry Cavill as Batman might seem like a wild notion at first, and it would definitely fall under the category of ‘stunt casting.’ However, it does have its potential merits.

Indeed, Henry Cavill is most recognized for his portrayal of Superman within the DC Extended Universe. Initially, he was set to return to the role following the release of Black Adam; however, subsequent plans involving James Gunn and Peter Safran were ultimately abandoned, and Cavill was respectfully let go from the project.

In another scenario, we might witness him reprising his Superman role only if Gunn intends to bring Crisis on Infinite Earths into play, potentially setting the stage for a multiverse appearance. Alternatively, should they decide to take a risk, they could cast him as Batman and ignite the world with excitement.

Consider it in these terms: He possesses the right build, stature, and is at an appropriate age for portraying an older version of Batman (42 years old).

Additionally, a fan humorously suggested, “If I were James Gunn, I’d consider casting Henry Cavill as Batman to playfully tease or provoke the Snyder Brothers.

Ponder it for a brief second. In other words, give it some thought, just as the saying goes. That meme is so hilarious that it could potentially make an excellent choice for a casting decision, another user suggested.

Glen Powell

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at Glen Powell’s meteoric rise in the acting world. His performances in Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters have undeniably cemented his status as a global star today. Excitingly, he’s set to appear in The Running Man and JJ Abrams’ highly anticipated sci-fi epic – I can hardly wait!

In simpler terms, is it essential for him to portray Batman? Not necessarily, but much like Robert Pattinson, his selection surprised many and resulted in one of the most remarkable portrayals of Batman ever seen (Powell also had a minor role in The Dark Knight Rises; he lost his head on a table when Bane struck it).

As far as superheroes go, I’ve always been a fan of Batman. If given the chance to create my own Batman story, it wouldn’t resemble the dark, brooding tone seen in Matt Reeves’ work. Instead, it might be more reminiscent of the style displayed by Michael Keaton.

As a devoted fan, I must admit, his profile indicates he’s not keen on donning a superhero cape. So, it seems our dreams might remain just that – dreams.

Jensen Ackles

Previously, Jensen Ackles has portrayed Batman in a total of five animated films: “Batman: Under the Red Hood”, “Batman: The Long Halloween”, “Legion of Super-Heroes”, “Justice League: Warworld”, and “Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths”.

There’s no doubt about it – he excels at acting, fits the bill perfectly, and is admired by many, particularly after his performances in Supernatural and The Boys as Soldier Boy. Given these factors, isn’t it plausible that he could bring Batman to life on screen in a live-action setting?

When asked by Collider about potentially playing Batman in a live-action setting, he replied with a casual, “Honestly, I’m not sure.

It might prove challenging to create a distinct performance as Batman given the abundance of previous ones. I’d likely need to rely heavily on Gunn, the director, and the writer for inspiration, drawing ideas primarily from the script.

Carrying a football when you don’t want to drop it sounds nerve-wracking for me, but at the same time, it feels like an achievement I’d be proud of – sort of like adding a special feather to my cap.

Scott Adkins

In terms of his martial arts skills, Scott Adkins doesn’t need words to prove himself, as evidenced by his roles in John Wick: Chapter 4, Avengement, and American Assassin. However, it’s worth noting that he also possesses a talent for dramatic acting that often goes unrecognized.

I might not be spring chicken myself, clocking in at 49 years old, but if they’re looking for an older Batman mentoring Damian, I’d definitely be a strong contender, given my past experience. In fact, I even auditioned for the role before ‘Batman v Superman’ – here’s a glimpse of that audition!

In an interview with Entertainment Focus back in 2019, Adkins shared his views regarding Robert Pattinson taking up the role of Batman.

He seems confident that Matt Reeves will excel as the director and admits he hasn’t seen much of his previous work, but he’s a fan nonetheless. He believes it’s best to stay quiet and wait for the results before passing judgment,” he remarked.

Concerning my audition, I came across some statements here and there suggesting that I had made my tryout public, which is quite disappointing because I assure you, I never would have done such a thing! Unfortunately, it seems like the information leaked out, and now it’s out there. All we can do is move forward. That audition was actually for the role of Batman that Ben Affleck eventually played.

A complete unknown

Instead of choosing any semi-well-known, athletic, attractive actor who’d suit the role of Batman well, it’s worth considering that the character itself could bring out the best in an actor, much like James Bond. In other words, the actor doesn’t necessarily need to fit the role; rather, the role can shape and elevate the actor.

As a gamer, I’m intrigued by the casting choice of Tom Rhys Harries as Clayface. With actors like Jack O’Connell and Tom Blyth also being considered, I can’t help but wonder if Gunn is willing to roll the dice on an unknown factor who might just be the ideal fit for the role – a talent we haven’t yet discovered.

As a fan, I strongly believe that choosing an unknown actor for the role of Batman in the DC Universe could be a brilliant move. It allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the character without any preconceived notions about the actor portraying him. This approach would help emphasize the essence of Batman and keep the focus on the story, rather than on the performer behind the mask.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson has proven himself to be an exceptional Batman. In fact, he’s among the finest versions of the Dark Knight that we’ve witnessed so far. This much is clear and undeniable.

If you’re on the fence, there’s an article detailing the reasons Robert Pattinson would make a great DCU Batman. In essence, having two Batmen can be confusing, and the contrast between Gotham City’s gritty reality and Metropolis’ fantastical elements creates a unique synergy – it’s not just about crossover events, but about how these contrasting worlds complement each other.

Check where you can watch Superman in theaters currently, as well as information on its runtime, post-credit scenes, and our review rankings of the various Superman films.

Additionally, you might be interested in our analysis comparing the box office performance of Superman and Man of Steel, with a standout advantage that Man of Steel had over Gunn’s film.

2025-07-15 11:50