Speculation surrounding the James Gunn Batman casting continues to intensify, with Jensen Ackles emerging as a favored contender among fans after new artwork and public comments reignited interest in his potential to portray the Dark Knight. Ackles, well known for his role as Soldier Boy in “The Boys,” has found support from both artists and online communities eager to see him don the cape and cowl in the upcoming DC Universe reboot.
Fan Enthusiasm for Ackles as Batman Grows
The Joker may have his share of dedicated followers, but when it comes to Batman, few have inspired as much fervor lately as Jensen Ackles. The conversation around James Gunn Batman casting was reignited when digital artist Captain Raccoon shared an image on Instagram depicting Ackles as Bruce Wayne, mirroring the reveal style used previously by Gunn for Superman’s unveiling. In the illustration, Ackles’s Batman borrows elements from both Ben Affleck’s suit and the New 52 comic design, complete with the iconic Bat-Signal glowing in the night sky outside the window.
The online reaction to the post was overwhelmingly positive, with fans flocking to the comments to advocate for Ackles. One user remarked,
“We need this. And Jensen would kill in the role.”
Fans even took to tagging James Gunn himself, hoping to catch the attention of the DC Studios’ creative head. The push comes at a time when the DC Universe is undergoing a strategic overhaul under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran, following the mixed reception and direction of the former DC Extended Universe.
What Jensen Ackles Has Shared About the Prospect
The enthusiasm for Ackles is clear, but does the actor himself share the same excitement about stepping into the role of Batman? In a June 2025 interview with Collider, Ackles openly addressed the idea, expressing that he would be willing to take the call if Gunn ever offered him the part. Importantly, Ackles also acknowledged the weight such an iconic character carries, reflecting on the high expectations that come with being Gotham’s protector.
“You talk about not wanting to fumble the football — that’s one that I would be nervous as hell to carry,”
Ackles explained, referencing the daunting task of embodying Batman. Despite the pressure, he views the opportunity as something to be immensely proud of, adding,
“But also proud. A certain feather in the cap. Anybody who gets to wear the cowl, they got something.”
The idea of taking on Batman appears to be a genuine aspiration for Ackles, whose advocacy for the role stretches back years. Back in 2013 at San Diego Comic-Con, Ackles wore a Batman t-shirt as he discussed the possibility of playing the hero on screen, declaring,
“Any guy in his right mind would die to play Batman,”
and,
“It would be a dream come true.”
Ackles’s Experience Voicing Batman in Animation
One factor working in Ackles’s favor during this period of rampant fancasting is his existing connection with the character. The Dallas native has voiced Batman in several critically acclaimed animated DC films, including the two-part “Batman: The Long Halloween” released in 2021. Ackles’s work as the Caped Crusader also extends to “Legion of Super-Heroes,” “Justice League Warworld,” and the recent trilogy
“Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths,”
which has been counted among the standout animated releases of 2024.
Critics have highlighted Ackles’s portrayal of Batman, often calling attention to his ability to embody the complexity of the Dark Knight. IGN described his version as
“scary while still having a youthful aura about him.”
Beyond his voice work, Ackles’s dedication to the role is evident—he dressed up as Batman for Halloween back in 2019, even organizing a professional photo shoot that he shared with his fans on Instagram. It’s clear that this is more than a passing interest for Ackles; it’s a role he takes seriously both in spirit and in practice.
What the Growing Buzz Means for the Future
As momentum builds behind Jensen Ackles’s candidacy, the fervor surrounding the James Gunn Batman casting is unlikely to dissipate soon. Both fans and industry commentators see Ackles as a natural fit—someone with acting pedigree, prior Batman experience, and genuine enthusiasm for the character. Whether Gunn and Safran will reciprocate the interest remains to be seen, yet Ackles’s consistent public appeal is hard to ignore. For now, it seems the next move lies with the DC Studios leadership, but Ackles’s commitment to the mantle has been clearly established.
The coming months could prove crucial for Warner Bros. and DC as they shape the new era of Gotham’s protector. The Ackles Army, as well as those following the evolution of the DC Universe, await further news anxiously, eager to see whether Jensen Ackles will finally don the cape and cowl in live action under James Gunn’s vision.
