10 Perfect Actors For DC’s New Batman In James Gunn’s DCU Now That Alan Ritchson Is Out, Ranked

With the DC Universe reboot happening, the search for a new Batman will begin shortly after the script for The Brave and the Bold is completed. Since James Gunn announced the DCU changes, many actors have been suggested as potential replacements for Ben Affleck.

Alan Ritchson, known for his role in Reacher, was a fan favorite for the part of Batman. However, he’s probably not going to get the role. Ritchson has said he talked with James Gunn about it, and while he might appear in other DC films down the line, it won’t be as Bruce Wayne. This means the competition is still open, and here are some of the best actors who could play Batman:

10. Penn Badgley

I’ve been completely captivated by Penn Badgley, especially his performance as Joe Goldberg in You. Honestly, watching him, I can totally see him as Batman! He has this incredible intensity that would make for a truly magnetic and frightening Dark Knight – the kind of villain everyone would be afraid of, and maybe even a little fascinated by.

Even though his character in the show was a murderer, Joe was incredibly charming, which often helped him escape tricky situations. I think Penn Badgley could bring that same captivating quality to the role of Bruce Wayne. Plus, many fans have long wanted to see him as Reed Richards in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so this could be his chance to play a hero.

9. Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in a popular Netflix show, would be a great fit to play Bruce Wayne in the new DC Universe. His character in Bridgerton is responsible and protective of his family – qualities that mirror Batman’s dedication to the Bat-Family, which will be a key part of the upcoming The Brave and the Bold movie. Plus, Bailey’s experience with dramatic love stories could translate well to the complex relationship between Batman and Catwoman.

Beyond his other roles, playing Fiyero in Wicked and Dr. Henry Loomis in Jurassic World Rebirth demonstrated Bailey’s natural charisma – a quality Bruce Wayne possesses in abundance. This was especially apparent in Wicked, which perfectly highlighted Bailey’s ability to portray Bruce Wayne’s charming, playful side. Director James Gunn has even shared that he was a fan of Bailey’s performance in Wicked, further supporting this observation.

8. Ben Barnes

Ben Barnes recently expressed his desire to play Batman, playfully stating he’s prepared for the role and used to dress up as the character as a child. He’s proven through his previous work that he’s capable of portraying both the public persona and the darker side of Bruce Wayne.

I’ve been a fan of Ben Barnes for years! He really shone as Prince Caspian – such a genuinely good character. Then he totally surprised me as the complex Logan in Westworld. But honestly, his role as the Darkling in Shadow & Bone convinced me he’d be an amazing Batman – a really layered and brooding hero. And it’s cool to remember he’s already tackled the superhero world, playing the villain Jigsaw in The Punisher! He’s got the range to make this Batman truly special.

7. Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has already proven he can play a superhero in three different roles. He’s shown a knack for comedy in the Kick-Ass films, which could bring a fresh, lighter side to Batman – something that might be useful as James Gunn builds a more family-focused DC Universe. Plus, the confident and bold energy he brought to Quicksilver in the Marvel Cinematic Universe could translate well to the playboy persona of Bruce Wayne.

Honestly, seeing Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven the Hunter totally blew me away. He completely embodied the physical presence you’d expect from a character like Batman, but even more impressively, he was at the center of some of the most brutal and exciting fight choreography I’ve ever seen in a superhero movie. It really raised the bar!

6. Theo James

I really think Theo James deserves another big movie franchise. The whole Divergent series ending so abruptly was such a shame, and he’s seriously talented! I’ve been so impressed with him in The White Lotus and The Gentlemen – he just owns every scene. He’s fantastic at playing those wealthy, complicated characters, and honestly, he makes them incredibly entertaining. His performances are never boring – they’re always a blast to watch!

The next actor to play Bruce Wayne needs to have a strong personality. James is a good fit because he can portray Batman’s inner pain and intensity during fights, while also showing vulnerability with those close to him. His ability to play a serious, deadpan character, as seen in The Gentlemen, would be perfect for Batman’s often stoic demeanor.

5. Andrew Lincoln

Credit: AMC via MovieStillsDB

At 52, Andrew Lincoln is the most seasoned actor being considered for the role. While James Gunn might prefer someone closer in age to David Corenswet, who plays Superman, Lincoln’s age could actually be an advantage. If Batman is depicted with a large supporting cast – a full ‘Bat-Family’ – an older actor like Lincoln would be a great fit.

Andrew Lincoln has spent over ten years portraying Rick Grimes, a hugely popular character in The Walking Dead. He’s skilled at playing heroes who are both compassionate and capable of fierce protection when those they care about are threatened. This makes him a strong contender to play Batman, offering a version that could be a truly effective leader for the DC Universe – someone who inspires fear in criminals while also representing justice.

4. Jake Gyllenhaal

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon.

Jake Gyllenhaal would be a huge get for DC as Batman. While the new DC Universe hasn’t cast many A-list stars in leading roles yet, having someone as popular as Gyllenhaal play Batman could really boost the franchise’s profile and help it gain traction.

Honestly, I think Jake Gyllenhaal wants this role, and that makes a huge difference. He’s openly said he’d love to play Batman, and after seeing him in films like Nightcrawler and Prisoners, I can totally see why he’d be perfect. He’s a master at playing complex, troubled characters, and he brings a real intensity to everything he does. A Gyllenhaal Batman? It would be dark, gripping, and absolutely unforgettable – you wouldn’t be able to look away.

3. Glen Powell

Image via Paramount Pictures

Glen Powell is quickly becoming a major movie star. His upcoming film, The Running Man, could significantly boost his career if it’s a box office success. At 37, he appears to be around the same age as David Corenswet and would be an excellent choice to play Batman, especially in a version with a large supporting cast of heroes – a full ‘Bat-Family’.

David Corenswet and Kiernan Shipka previously worked together on the movie Twisters, and a video of them celebrating Corenswet being cast as Superman became very popular online. Corenswet has often been fan-cast in various DC roles, including Batman, Booster Gold, and Green Lantern. Shipka is skilled at portraying compelling action characters, whether they’re playfully irritating or simply self-assured, and she would be excellent in both the Batman and Bruce Wayne roles.

2. Jensen Ackles

Credit: MovieStillsDB

If DC decides to cast an older actor as Batman, Jensen Ackles would be a great choice. He’s already voiced the character in several DC animated movies, giving a convincing performance as both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Ackles has proven he can handle the role and has expressed his interest in playing the live-action version.

As a movie fan, I think Jensen Ackles would be amazing as Batman. He’s already proven he can play a similar character – Dean Winchester from Supernatural. Dean’s a hunter who’s seen some seriously tough times, and it’s shaped him into this flawed, often moody, but ultimately good-hearted hero. Honestly, that is Batman! Plus, Dean’s always been charming and has a complicated love life, which I think would translate perfectly to Bruce Wayne’s playboy persona.

1. Brandon Sklenar

Over the past year, Brandon Sklenar has become a fan favorite to play Batman in the new DC Universe. Sklenar has publicly expressed interest in the role, and James Gunn, who is overseeing the DCU, has acknowledged the online buzz and praised Sklenar’s work as Spencer Dutton in the show 1923.

Taylor Sheridan’s western series perfectly highlights why Jacob Sklenar would be an ideal Batman. Sklenar embodies the qualities of a hero: he’s strong, thoughtful, self-assured, and kind, rarely needing to say much. At 35 years old, he’s also the right age to credibly play alongside the actor cast as Superman. Having already held his own acting alongside veterans like Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, Sklenar has proven he has the presence and skill to convincingly portray Batman.

2025-11-01 17:41