Brave and the Bold: 8 Actors Who Could Play the DC Universe’s Batman

Alan Ritchson

One particularly prevailing fancast has been Reacher and Smallville star Alan Ritchson, with the actor even addressing the possibility in an interview with ComicBook earlier this year.

At one point, Ritchson playfully commented, “With all this buzz, it seems like this role should just be handed to me on a silver platter now,” referring to playing Batman. However, he humorously added, “I’m not Batman yet. I don’t know James Gunn’s plans for the character, but that would be fantastic. After all, Batman is one of the most renowned characters in history.

It’s understandable that, due to his tall build and the witty humor frequently portrayed by his screen characters, Ritchson is commonly preferred for the role of Batman. At 41 years old, his interpretation could offer an intriguing contrast to Corenswet’s Superman.

Jon Hamm

For nearly a decade now, there’s been persistent speculation about Jon Hamm, famously known for his roles in ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Fargo’, potentially taking on the role of Batman across various cinematic universes. With the emergence of the new DCU, fans are eagerly awaiting this possibility. His witty delivery and stardom could effectively introduce the distinctive dynamic of ‘The Brave and the Bold’ to a wider audience, particularly when contrasted with potential members of the Bat-Family who might form part of the supporting cast.

When Hamm is 53 years old, there would be a more significant difference in age between his portrayal of Batman and Corenswet’s Superman. However, Hamm might be closer in age to characters such as Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan.

Reg?-Jean Page

In the first season of Netflix’s Bridgerton, Regé-Jean Page gained stardom, but he hasn’t yet led a major blockbuster film series. Although many superhero roles could suit him well, the idea of him playing Batman is particularly intriguing.

Initially, it’s worth noting that if cast as Batman, Page would become the first African American actor to portray this iconic character on the silver screen. This choice would undeniably set apart the DC Universe from its previous cinematic depictions. A glance at the upcoming 2023 film “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” offers a glimpse into Page’s versatility, demonstrating his ability to handle action sequences, deliver humorous lines, and portray somber intensity – all qualities essential for playing Batman.

Henry Golding

2017’s “Crazy Rich Asians” brought Henry Golding into the spotlight, yet his film career has largely revolved around indie hits adored by fans, such as “A Simple Favor”, as well as franchises that didn’t quite take off like “Snake Eyes” and “The Gentlemen”. Nevertheless, enthusiasts are eager to see Golding venture into the superhero genre, and playing Batman could be an incredible opportunity for him to do so.

In his 37 years, Golding might embody a flawless mix of an experienced, battle-hardened Batman and a peak-performance superhero. Moreover, with the increasing number of supporters visualizing Bruce Wayne as an Asian-American character, Golding’s selection for the role could potentially realize this representation on-screen.

Josh Hartnett

Actor Josh Hartnett, known for his roles in “Oppenheimer” and “Trap,” has come close to appearing in several superhero revamps; he tried out for J.J. Abrams’ unsuccessful “Superman: Flyby” and declined the part of Batman in Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” series. With Hartnett experiencing a career resurgence now, it could be an ideal moment to reconsider the prospect of portraying Batman.

In his mid-forties, Hartnett might serve as an ideal bridge connecting the younger and older cohorts of established DCU characters. Moreover, the idea of Hartnett playing a character with hidden secrets has already gained favor among many fans.

Glen Powell

In 2024, it’s expected that Glen Powell will continue to shine brightly in the acting world, boosted by the success of movies such as “Hit Man” and “Twisters.” For quite some time, Powell has been a favorite among fans for roles like Booster Gold and Nova. However, he recently admitted that the superhero role that truly piques his interest is none other than Batman.

In the movie “Hit Man,” Powell convincingly portrayed Batman, demonstrating his remarkable ability to embody a character completely. His captivating on-screen interactions with Bruce’s stand-in family left audiences spellbound. At just 35 years old, he could effortlessly play a contemporary of Corenswet’s Superman.

Oliver Jackson-Cohen

Although Oliver Jackson-Cohen may not be immediately recognized by many, his performances in series such as “The Invisible Man” and Netflix’s “Haunting” franchise have left audiences eager for more. With growing enthusiasm for him to land roles like Marvel’s Moon Knight, fans are now proposing the idea of him taking on DC’s Batman, known as the Dark Knight.

Jackson-Cohen might find stardom with the role of Batman, given its potential for a powerful performance. His previous acting work demonstrates his ability to portray complex, somber characters convincingly.

Tom Bateman

A rising star whose trajectory might soar with “The Brave and the Bold” is Tom Bateman, famed for “Based on a True Story” and Kenneth Branagh’s Poirot films. Bateman has already garnered significant attention among fans who believe he bears a striking resemblance to Bruce Wayne’s comic-book look.

In his mid-thirties, Batman portrayed by Bateman could coexist with the Superman played by Corenswet, making both characters contemporaries. Furthermore, this interpretation of Batman could convincingly take on a patriarchal role within the Bat-Family, while maintaining ample potential for character development throughout the DC Universe.