I fear that my wish to see Jensen Ackles lead The Brave and the Bold's story will feature the live-action debut of Damian Wayne, Bruce's biological son. Bruce and Damian's relationship will be at the center of the film.
I'm very excited about a new Batman. While I like Robert Pattinson's grounded The Batman universe, I want to see the DCU use the comics to the fullest. I'm happy that Gunn has teased that other of the Bat-Family will show up in the film, as I can't wait to see Nightwing in the DCU. There are many interesting choices when it comes to picking who will play the next live-action Batman, but Jensen Ackles has emerged as the fan-favorite. Ackles is also my Batman choice, but a recent update seems to make it harder for it to happen.
James Gunn’s Latest Batman Comments Make The Chances Of Jensen Ackles’ Casting Unclear
The DCU Chief Has Addressed A New Rumor
One of the best aspects of having Gunn in charge of the creative side of the DCU is the director's heavy social media presence. Gunn usually does not take long to debunk rumors about Gunn addressed a new Batman casting rumor that indicated a possible age range the DCU has in mind for its new Batman actor. According to Gunn, the rumor that DC is looking for a middle-aged actor to play Batman in The Brave and the Bold is seemingly not true, as he calls the casting story "fiction."
The Brave and The Bold's writer has yet to be revealed.
A fan then doubled down, asking Gunn why DC could not cast an actor that is closer to David Corenswet's age to have Superman and Batman in the same range. Gunn said, "The story is not true," which I feel throws cold water on my hopes of Ackles being chosen as The Brave and the Bold's Batman. Ackles is 46, so if Gunn means that DC is not looking for middle-aged actors to play the DCU's Batman, I don't see how Ackles could have a shot at the role. Gunn's first reaction to the rumor was to call it "B--shit."
I Don’t Think That A Younger Batman Makes Sense For The DCU
Batman And Superman Can Have Different Ages
If Gunn is truly shooting down a possible older Batman, then I think that does make a lot of sense, given how the DCU is shaping up so far. The Brave and the Bold's story focuses on Bruce Wayne discovering that he has a son, Damian, and bonding with him. Damian Wayne is the fourth male Robin in DC Comics history. With Gunn having said that other Bat-Family will appear in the Batman reboot, though he did not specify who they would be, I'm convinced that an older Batman is the way to go.
DC Announces Robin's Twisted Replacement In The Darkest Way Imaginable
Robin has not been given much of the spotlight in live-action, but The Batman's first spinoff sets up the perfect dark twist replacement to the hero.
David Corenswet's Superman is 30 and will have Milly Alcock's Supergirl by his side. While that is plausible, I can't see how the DCU could have a 30-year-old Batman who leads an expansive Bat-Family and is already on his fourth Robin, or fifth, depending on whether Stephanie Brown exists in the DCU. Damian Wayne and the Bat-Family's confirmed role in The Brave and the Bold asks for an older Batman in the DCU. I think it could even help differentiate this version of the Dark Knight from The Batman's Robert Pattinson, who will continue as the hero outside the DCU.
Hal is the most famous member of the Green Lantern Corps. However, that has not stopped DC from going older with casting for the character, as Chandler is 59.
Adding to that argument is a major recent DCU casting announcement. Kyle Chandler will play the Green Lantern Hal Jordan in HBO's Lanterns series. Hal is the most famous member of the Green Lantern Corps. However, that has not stopped DC from going older with casting for the character, as Chandler is 59. Like Batman's case with the Bat-Family, Chandler's Hal Jordan will be an experienced veteran among other Green Lanterns from Earth, which so far include Guy Gardner and John Stewart. If Hal Jordan can be 59, then I don't see why Batman can't be in his 40s.
I’m Convinced That Jensen Ackles Is Perfect For The New Batman
The Actor Has The Experience For Bruce Wayne And Wants To Do It
Of all the names that have been thrown around for the DCU's Batman in the rumor mill, I can't see a better choice than Jensen Ackles. The actor has shown in live-action series like Supernatural and The Boys that he can handle Bruce Wayne's playboy persona, Batman's darker side & detective skills, and the Dark Knight's fight sequences with ease. There is also the fact that Ackles has played Batman multiple times, voicing Bruce in DC's animated Tomorrowverse franchise. I'm a fan of his portrayal of the hero, and Ackles' Batman experience should give him an edge over other actors.
Besides his past roles making the actor perfect for the role, there is another key factor that makes Ackles my top choice for the next live-action Bruce Wayne. Jensen Ackles would love to play Batman. The actor has revealed that Batman is his favorite superhero. When asked about possibly playing Bruce in live-action, Ackles said, "I would love it. Sign me up." After the DCEU faltered due to controversies, the DCU has to turn things around. Having a Batman that appears constantly for the next decade or more would help, and Ackles' love for Batman can lead to that.
I’m Hoping That James Gunn Is Only Partially Debunking The Rumor
The DCU Chief's Words Are Open To Interpretation
Gunn commented a few times on how the casting story was false. While that could be taken at face value, meaning DC will not look at actors in their 40s and up for the next Batman, I believe that there might be another way to look at it. Gunn was asked by many fans to specify whether he meant that no casting for The Brave and the Bold was happening at the moment or if the part that was wrong was related to the age range of the Batman star. Interestingly, Gunn never cleared that up.
As such, I'm hoping that Ackles can still be considered, which would be possible if Gunn simply meant that the story is false because no Batman casting is happening right now. Previously, Gunn made it clear that casting for any DC Studios project would only begin after a script was firmly in place. So far, no official announcements or reports have come out about The Brave and the Bold finding a writer, let alone a script being finished. The casting process for the DCU's Batman has likely yet to start, so I believe Jensen Ackles still has a chance.
The Brave and the Bold
- Director
- Andy Muschietti
- Writers
- Grant Morrison
- Franchise(s)
- DC Universe
The Brave and the Bold will introduce audiences to a new Batman in the DC Universe, focusing on the unique dynamic between the Dark Knight and his son, Damian Wayne, who takes on the mantle of Robin. This film marks yet another reboot for the iconic vigilante superhero.
