The DCU’s Batman Casting Gets Most Promising Update Yet From James Gunn

Now that the DC Universe is in full swing, one of the biggest questions fans have about the franchise concerns Batman. With Matt Reeves’ ongoing Batman Epic Crime Saga taking place in a separate continuity, many are curious to see how the DCU brings its own version of the Dark Knight into the proceedings. DC Studios co-head James Gunn has admitted it’s a big problem he has to solve, but there’s a plan in place. Currently in development is the movie The Brave and the Bold, which will revolve around an older Bruce Wayne. Everyone’s waiting to learn who will play Batman in that film, and Gunn has some encouraging updates on that front.

During an appearance on the podcast The Ringer-Verse, Gunn confirmed the script for The Brave and the Bold is still being worked on, but it hasn’t been finished yet. He also addressed casting possibilities. “Do I have ideas about actors to play Batman? Absolutely, I do,” Gunn said. “I have guys I like. I have guys that are at the top of the list for me, just like I had people that were at the top of the list for Superman. But let me tell you something … they aren’t David Corenswet. They didn’t get the job … we’d have to screen test, we’d have to do the whole thing. It’s unlikely that I’m gonna hire someone … like Sylvester Stallone as Batman, we’re just hiring him, he’s not gonna audition … it’s unlikely that Batman’s gonna be one of those guys, but it is possible. I know one actor in particular who’s a pretty big star who wants to be Batman. We’ve talked about it, but I’m not sure that’s the case.”

Will James Gunn Cast An Unknown as the DCU’s Batman?

Gunn’s comments illustrate how the casting process evolves over the course of development. Corenswet proved to be a perfect fit for Kal-El in Superman, but he was far from the only choice for the role. For such a critical character like Batman, Gunn is going to cast as wide a net as possible, going well beyond his personal top picks. There could be someone who auditions who impresses the DC brass so much that he surges to the top of the power rankings and becomes the new Batman. Once the script for The Brave and the Bold is complete, Gunn and Co. will be able to conduct a search for an actor who best fits the material.

It will be fascinating to see if Gunn goes with a relative unknown or casts a more established star. Interestingly, an actor’s level of fame seemingly would not prevent them from landing a DCU role; in the past, Gunn’s mentioned he would have considered casting Chris Pratt as Superman if Pratt was younger. Given that The Brave and the Bold centers on a more experienced Batman, it stands reason to believe it will star a veteran name audiences have some level of familiarity with. For what it’s worth, previous on-screen Batmen were established names by the time they donned the cape and cowl, including Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson. Gunn could follow suit by targeting someone of note.

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That said, there are advantages to casting a relative unknown. For one, DC Studios would likely be able to save some money on production costs since it wouldn’t have to pay as high a salary. It also could be easier for audiences to buy a lesser-known actor as Batman since they won’t be coming into the film with as much baggage. The actor could disappear into the role. What’s encouraging to hear is that Gunn is keeping himself open to all possibilities. His tease of a talk with “a pretty big star” will make fans think of Reacher star Alan Ritchson again. Though, Ritchson recently cast doubt he will play Batman.

One thing to keep in mind is The Brave and the Bold is still years away, so we’re unlikely to learn who is playing the DCU’s Batman anytime soon. Gunn does not want The Brave and the Bold to release in the same calendar year as 2027’s The Batman Part II, so the former won’t hit theaters until 2028 at the earliest. So there’s still plenty of time to conduct a thorough search for the new Batman, and someone with such a keen eye for casting will leave no stone unturned.

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