‘The Punisher’s Ben Barnes Wants to Play Batman in James Gunn’s DCU

by

Ben Barnes is famous for playing the villain Billy Russo, also known as Jigsaw, in The Punisher. Now, he’s looking to make a change, potentially moving from the Marvel universe to DC, and from playing bad guys to heroes. Although many important roles are already cast for the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, some major characters still need actors, and Barnes has a specific one in mind. He recently expressed his interest in playing Bruce Wayne, better known as Batman, in the new DC films led by James Gunn and Peter Safran. He even directly asked the co-CEOs to contact him about the possibility of joining the cast as the Caped Crusader.

Barnes has shared his interest in bringing back The Punisher’s main enemy in the MCU, but he’s also eager to try something new. He recently spoke with Collider at a panel during FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention and revealed that his dream role in the DCU would be Batman. He explained that he’s always loved the character, recalling how he grew up watching superheroes and often dressed up as them, with Batman’s cape and cowl being a particular favorite. He shared this with the publication, stating:

I was just watching some videos-my parents recently visited and brought some old childhood videos. We were looking at them, and I noticed that in almost every single one, I was dressed as either Batman or Robin Hood. I think there might have been a Spider-Man video too, but it was mostly Batman. So, it’s clear that, starting around age four, I was definitely asking to be dressed that way.

If anyone can will a role into being, Barnes would eagerly volunteer and seize the chance. “Yes, I’m in,” he stated, showing how enthusiastic he is. “Just let me know. I have my take on Bruce Wayne prepared.” While a superhero role would be something new for Barnes, he’s previously played heroic characters – most famously, Prince Caspian in Disney’s The Chronicles of Narnia series. However, he’s far more experienced playing characters who are untrustworthy or flawed, like the scheming General Kirigan in Netflix’s Shadow and Bone and the untrustworthy Logan Delos in HBO’s Westworld.

A New Version of Batman Is Coming to the DCU


Netflix

The DC Universe (DCU) is getting a fresh take on Batman, distinct from Robert Pattinson’s darker version in The Batman: Part II, the next film in Matt Reeves’ Elseworlds series expected in October 2027. This new Batman will debut in The Brave and the Bold, a movie focusing on the dynamic between Batman and his son, Damian Wayne, who is Robin. Finding the right actor will be a thorough process, and won’t start until the script is finished. Several actors are reportedly very interested in the role, and their efforts could potentially influence who gets cast.

Reacher star Alan Ritchson has repeatedly expressed his interest in playing Batman within James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe. He’s also a popular choice among fans, prompting Gunn to address the possibility in interviews. Gunn has remained noncommittal, stating in July that everyone needs to “just wait and see what happens.” This suggests Gunn might be waiting to see if the final script for The Brave and the Bold suits Ritchson, or that the actor could be considered for another role in the DCU. With many projects still planned, fans will need to follow Gunn’s advice and see if Ritchson-or even David Barnes-lands a spot on the highly sought-after cast.

Read More

2025-10-02 19:10