Yeah, Chris Pratt Spoke About Not Getting To Play Batman, But Fans Had Some Even Better Ideas

It seems everyone, including Chris Pratt, dreams of playing Batman! Pratt jokingly asked his friend, James Gunn, if he could be considered for the role in the upcoming Brave and the Bold movie. While fans appreciate the humor, they’ve been sharing their own ideas about which actors would be a better fit – and some of those suggestions are actually really good.

What Did Chris Pratt Say About Batman?

During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Pratt admitted that when Gunn was gearing up to shape DC’s new cinematic future with Chapter One: Gods & Monsters, he couldn’t resist having a little fun with the idea of playing The Dark Knight. Specifically, he photoshopped himself wearing the cowl and sent it directly to Gunn as an impromptu “pitch” for The Brave and the Bold.

According to the Parks & Rec alum, Gunn’s response was immediate and unmistakable. He explained:

I did it in Photoshop, and James just said, ‘Haha.’ It’s safe to say I am not going to be Batman.

It was a pretty firm hint that he won’t be playing Batman, without directly saying so. Pratt’s comments also show he understands what the role demands. Batman needs a serious, controlled energy, and Pratt has become known for his comedic timing and ability to play relatable, charming characters. He seems to realize those qualities might not fit Gotham’s dark and serious hero. But what do fans think about all of this?

How Fans Are Reacting To Chris Pratt’s Comments?

@gabriel.amaro.music: “I’d still love to see him as Batman tho.”
@thejohnnyluu: “He could totally do it.”
@filipellnunes: “You’d be a good Batman, but the one from ’66 🤣🤣🤣🤣”
@ferlarios: “Please don’t.”
@nicky3nots: “Batman is kinda like James Bond! U gotta be a certain type of guy to pull it off! And as much as I love [Chris Pratt], I don’t think he’d do him justice! Sorry, Chris, but I’d have to agree with [James Gunn] 😕”

What’s really interesting is how fast fans began suggesting other DC roles that seem like a better fit for Chris Pratt. Here’s what they’re saying:

@luisalbertogo5: “Batman nah, but Green Arrow would be cool for Chris.”
@Itsrafts: “Booster Gold”
@brentsmailbox: “Animal Man! Right!?”
@danielvoelkl: “Honestly, I don’t think he would be a good Batman.”
@misheard: “I want to see [Chris Pratt] do a villain.”
@ofirassraf__: “Green lantern maybe?”
@amine.kamel42: “Maybe you could play catman 😅😅”

People have mixed feelings about Pratt taking on the role of Batman, but the discussion about what other DC character he could play actually sparked a thought. If I were casting, which role would I give the actor known for Mercy?

My Take On Who Pratt Could Play In The DCU

I definitely don’t think Chris Pratt should play Batman – that’s a role best left untouched. What really struck me in this interview was how comfortable Pratt seemed when discussing Star-Lord, and how freeing it was for him to play a character without a long history of previous interpretations. He really excels when he has the freedom to make a role his own and keep audiences guessing.

Rather than casting him as a well-known superhero, here are some lesser-known characters who would be a great fit for the actor and allow him to deliver a really compelling performance.

The Question (Vic Sage) – A faceless investigative journalist obsessed with uncovering hidden truths. This would push Pratt into quiet, paranoid, morally rigid territory—less charm, more intensity—a real departure.
The Creeper (Jack Ryder) – A manic TV personality whose alter ego borders on terrifying chaos. Pratt could weaponize his comedic energy here, letting it spiral into something genuinely unsettling instead of safe.
Adam Strange (The Burned-Out Version) – A former space hero struggling to live with who he used to be. This version plays directly into themes of relevance, regret, and identity—areas Pratt hasn’t fully explored yet.
The Human Target (Christopher Chance) – A master of disguise who loses himself by becoming others. Cool, detached, and emotionally hollow. Pratt leaning into restraint instead of likability could be quietly devastating.
Captain Atom – A god-level being treated like a government asset. Less “superhero power fantasy,” more existential frustration. Think grounded sci-fi tragedy rather than spectacle.
Wildcat (Ted Grant) – An aging boxer-turned-vigilante mentoring younger heroes while reckoning with his own limits. Pratt playing someone past his prime would hit differently—and work.
Shade the Changing Man – Psychedelic, emotionally fractured, and deeply weird. This is Gunn territory through and through, and Pratt could surprise people by going introspective and surreal instead of loud.

These roles don’t require Chris Pratt to step into the shoes of a famous character, but allow him to create a brand new one. If James Gunn’s DC Universe prioritizes compelling characters over simply protecting existing brands, Pratt has a unique opportunity to shine.

Fans eager to see Chris Pratt—who isn’t part of the DC Universe—can now enjoy his new sci-fi thriller, Mercy, which releases in theaters on January 23, 2026. Check your local movie listings for showtimes.

2026-01-25 21:45

What Did Chris Pratt Say About Batman?

How Fans Are Reacting To Chris Pratt’s Comments?

My Take On Who Pratt Could Play In The DCU

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