10 Actors Who Could Play Batman If Ben Affleck Steps Down

For the last week or so, the talk of the nerd town has surrounded Ben Affleck, and his status as The Batman.

After Affleck stepped down as the director of the solo film, word began to spread that he would want to depart from the DCEU as an actor as well.

While this is nothing more than a rumor – and we seriously hope it isn’t true – we can’t help but think about who would be a good replacement for the guy.

If Ben really does want out, who should step in?

We’ve got a few choices, and they could all be seriously considered. Take a look through the slideshow to check out ten actors who could replace Ben Affleck as Batman.

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm has the voice, the hair, and the impeccable jaw line to make the perfect Bruce Wayne. He’s also worked alongside Gal Gadot in recent years.

The biggest factor working for Hamm here though, is his ability to portray the troubled hero. Think about what he brought to Mad Men, and then imagine that kind of rugged dialogue being used in a Batman film.

 

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Flashpoint is one of the best DC storylines of all time, and the DCEU already has a great actor in place if they want to make it happen.

If Thomas Wayne was able to be Batman – the grizzled and lethal Batman from Flashpoint – then the studio already has the perfect guy.

Think about Negan, but a lot angrier and not as funny. That’s the Batman we deserve.

 

Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell has proven he can hold his own in hand-to-hand combat scenes, and he’s done so over the course of his career.

The guy can also anchor a franchise, and his name is one that audiences recognize. Since he has the look down, Farrell could be a trusted replacement.

Plus, Farrell played Ben’s villain in the 2003 Daredevil movie. How would that be for ironic? 

 

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is the fan-favorite for the role of Sinestro, but how great would it be to see the guy take on the Bat?

He’s got the attitude, he’s got the swagger, and he’s got that devilish charm that draws everybody in. Evans can rage on screen with the best of them, and make fans believe he’s going to take care of business.

 

Gerard Butler

How much needs to be said here? Butler is about the same age as Affleck, he’s got the body for the part, and he could slide in for a seamless transition.

If you saw 300 – Who didn’t? – you know that Butler can be one menacing S.O.B. If you’re looking for a rugged tough guy to strike fear into Gotham’s biggest criminals, watch Gerard Butler scream at something.

 

Matt Damon

You had to know this was coming.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are best friends, and the years have sort of molded them into similar dudes. They have the same style, they can take the same roles, and they’re both bonafide movie stars.

The Martian proves Damon can handle himself in a dramatic role, and the Bourne series makes him more than qualified for action required in The Batman.

Could this move drive a wedge between the best buddies? 

 

Christian Bale

Fans loved Christian Bale as Batman, so why not just have him come back for another round?

Bale may not want to take the part if Christopher Nolan isn’t directing, but a good script and a hefty paycheck would be more than enough to change his mind. 

If he drops the scratchy bat-voice, this could be this safest choice.

 

Michael Fassbender

Throughout his years as Magneto, Fassbender showed fans just how well he can take care of an iconic comic book character. The perfect combination of rage and subtlety made him perfect for Magneto, and even more perfect for Batman.

Think about this guy hunting down bad guys, and pummelling them for information. He’d bring the gritty detective style of Batman to the movies for the first time. This would also be the most emotionally-driven Bruce Wayne we’ve ever had, which doesn’t sound like a bad thing.

 

Hugh Jackman

Since he’s done as Wolverine, why not give another gritty hero a shot?

Look, Jackman has certainly been worn down over the last few years as Logan, but Batman is probably a little less trying on the body.

No one can play a troubled hero like Jackman, so why not give him one more run?

 

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is the youngest on this list, but he’s definitely got the look down-pat. The White Collar star is in incredible shape, and he seems like the ideal Bruce Wayne

While he may not be a perfect replacement for Ben Affleck, he’d be the right guy for the role. The studio would have to work the story of the films around the change, but it’s definitely not out of the question.

Who would you cast as Batman if Ben Affleck chooses to step down? Let us know in the comments below.