Recasting Batman For The DCU: All 8 Major Candidates, Ranked
A different Batman for the DCU
The DCU’s Batman is expected to be older and more experienced than Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight in Matt Reeves’ Elseworlds universe. He is also expected to have Damian Wayne as his son and Robin, with an established Bat Family potentially working alongside him in Gotham.
Gunn has said the search for Batman has not started, while suggesting the character may be around the age of Corenswet’s Superman, who is in his mid-30s. The Brave and the Bold is on the way, but the casting remains undecided.
Early possibilities and concerns
Tom Brittney is presented as a possible choice after coming close to playing Superman before Corenswet was cast. The article says he could suit Bruce Wayne, but notes that some fans question whether he has the screen presence to lead a major franchise.
Glen Powell’s charisma and confident roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You are cited as strengths for playing Bruce Wayne. The article also raises doubts about whether he could bring enough darkness to Batman and notes online discussion of him for Booster Gold.
Established actors in the mix
Richard Madden’s work in Game of Thrones, Citadel and Eternals is cited as evidence of his ability to play capable, confident characters with an underlying darkness. At 40, he could portray a Batman older than Superman, although his previous superhero role may lead casting discussions elsewhere.
Jake Gyllenhaal is described as a longstanding online Batman possibility, with Nightcrawler and Prisoners offered as examples of his intensity and range. At 45 and after playing Mysterio in the MCU, he could still bring Bruce Wayne’s charm and potentially have chemistry with Corenswet’s Superman.
Jackson-Cohen’s dramatic range
Oliver Jackson-Cohen has been suggested frequently in recent months, including as an alternative to more established blockbuster stars. His roles in The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor and The Invisible Man are cited as examples of his work with troubled, mysterious characters.
The article points to his physical presence and range as strengths, including the ability to portray Bruce Wayne’s public charm alongside Batman’s darker side. It also notes that he is slightly older than Gunn’s apparent target age range.
Key points
- Batman has not been cast, and Gunn says the search has not begun.
- The DCU version is expected to have Damian Wayne as Robin and an established Bat Family.
- The five candidates discussed are Tom Brittney, Glen Powell, Richard Madden, Jake Gyllenhaal and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
- Gunn has suggested Batman may be close in age to David Corenswet’s mid-30s Superman.