Ethan Hawke’s 3-Part Batman Series Is One Of DC’s Unique Releases

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Ethan Hawke is set to play Batman in a new, multi-season TV series. While this isn’t a typical Batman story and won’t appeal to all fans, it’s a fresh take on the character. Batman is DC Comics’ most well-known hero and has been adapted into many different forms, from big-budget movies to popular animated shows and films.

Many actors have played Batman over the years, both in live-action films and animated series. We’ve seen stars like Robert Pattinson – who will reprise the role in The Batman 2 in 2027 – Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, and Christian Bale bring the Dark Knight to life on screen. On the animated side, Kevin Conroy, Troy Baker, and Jensen Ackles are just a few of the voices that have defined the character. Now, Ethan Hawke almost became a live-action Batman, but he’s ended up joining the ranks of those who’ve voiced the hero instead.

Ethan Hawke Almost Played Batman In Live-Action

Following Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne in two films, the role was given to a new actor for 1995’s Batman Forever, which significantly changed the overall style and focus of the Batman movies. Director Joel Schumacher considered Ethan Hawke for the part, and Hawke later revealed in a 2011 interview with Details (as reported by ComicBookMovie) that he now regrets not taking it, stating he believes it could have opened doors for other opportunities.

Ultimately, Ethan Hawke didn’t become Batman; Val Kilmer was chosen to star in Batman Forever. Kilmer only played Bruce Wayne once, as George Clooney took over the role in Batman & Robin (1997). It seemed like Hawke’s connection to the character was over, but a 2022 DC release unexpectedly changed things.

Ethan Hawke’s Batman Series Is A Unique DC Release

Although Ethan Hawke didn’t portray Batman on screen, he recently got to play the character by voicing him in the popular animated series, Batwheels. Batwheels premiered on HBO Max on September 17, 2022, and has released three seasons so far. Hawke has voiced Batman in over 100 segments of the show, including both full episodes and shorter clips.

He recently reprised his role as Batman in season 3 of Batwheels, with new episodes coming in 2026. This show is different from other DC animated series, as Batwheels combines superhero action with the style of popular kids’ shows like Cars and PAW Patrol.

This take on Batman is truly unique, and Ethan Hawke brings a lot of energy to the role. He nails the classic Batman voice while also perfectly capturing the lightheartedness the show—which focuses on the Bat-Family’s vehicles—requires. It’s a fun, over-the-top Batman experience, which is especially fitting considering Hawke previously turned down a role in Batman Forever.

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2026-03-10 01:02