While the fate of the DC Studios movie The Brave and the Bold is still unclear, the studio is committed to introducing a new Batman in its cinematic universe. This ongoing effort to recast the Dark Knight has attracted significant attention, with various actors expressing interest in the iconic role. The spotlight now falls on Ben Barnes, who publicly expressed his eagerness to take on the part, adding fresh momentum to the casting conversation.
Challenges Facing Batman’s Reintroduction in the DC Universe
Director James Gunn has acknowledged difficulties in determining the right tone for the Batman project, particularly considering how it should fit within the universe already shaped by Superman’s story. Despite these complexities, Gunn remains optimistic about the film’s future, emphasizing that the creative team has many options when it comes to selecting the right actor to embody Batman.
“Yeah, I mean, the actor who wants to… Listen, first of all, I can’t tell you the amount of big actors that have told me they want to be Batman. I think you’d have a harder time finding actors who don’t want to be Batman. He’s the one character everyone wants to play. That’s the truth,”
James Gunn, DC Studios Director
Actors Considering the Batman Role and Barnes’s Bold Offer
Among those linked to the potential casting is Alan Ritchson, star of Reacher, who recently disclosed he has initiated discussions with DC about playing Batman, although nothing concrete has emerged. Brandon Sklenar is also a contender favored by fans. Barnes, best known for his portrayal of Billy Russo in Netflix’s The Punisher series alongside Jon Bernthal, has now entered the mix by openly sharing his desire to portray Bruce Wayne during a FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention panel.
“I was actually watching some— my parents just visited me, and they bought some like little kid videos, and we were watching some old family videos. And in every single one, I was dressed like Batman or Robin Hood. I think there may have been a Spider-Man one, but it was mainly Batman. So obviously, I was, from age 4 and up, I obviously requested that.”
Ben Barnes, Actor
“Hey, I accept. […] Just call me, I’ve got Bruce Wayne ready to go,”
Ben Barnes, Actor
Assessing Barnes’s Suitability and the Path Forward
Ben Barnes’s look and stature align well with the traditional image of Batman, though his age of 44 might be a consideration for casting directors aiming for a younger Bruce Wayne. However, the possibility remains that the filmmakers could pursue a more seasoned and world-weary Batman interpretation, in line with Barnes’s profile. The debate among fans and critics continues as to whether Barnes is the right fit for the iconic role.
The casting process for Batman remains fluid, with interest from numerous actors and ongoing deliberations shaping the future of the character within DC Studios. Barnes’s public declaration adds a notable voice to the discussion and may influence the final decision on who becomes the next Dark Knight.
