The freshly rebooted DC Universe has already found its Man of Steel, as David Corenswet will portray Clark Kent in Superman (which releases in theaters on July 11, 2025). But, fans are still desperate to learn who will play the DCU’s equally iconic, and much darker vigilante, Batman. James Gunn, who directs Superman while also being the co-president of DC Studios, has remained tight-lipped about the DCU’s Caped Crusader. His latest social media update puts Batman in the spotlight, but fans might be disappointed about it.
James Gunn recently took to social media to celebrate Batman Day. Held annually on March 30, the day celebrates the anniversary of the creation of Batman, who debuted in Detective Comics #27 back in 1939. In the post, Gunn shared four gorgeous panels of art depicting the Bat Signal shining over the Gotham City skyline. “For over 85 years, one signal has illuminated Gotham City’s sky,” Gunn wrote. “Today is for Batman!”

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As sweet as the post is, some fans were hoping Gunn would make the most of Batman Day and use it to announce who will be playing The Dark Knight in the DCEU. Batman is confirmed to appear in the franchise’s first phase, titled “Gods & Monsters.” The Brave and the Bold will introduce the DCU’s Batman and mark the live-action debut of his son, Damian Wayne, who becomes one of the four Robins. The Brave and the Bold was announced as part of James Gunn’s first promo video for the new DCU back in 2023. However, the project has had very few updates since then.
Who Should Play the DCU’s Batman?

Whoever steps into the role of Batman in the DCU has a very large cowl to fill. The past decades have seen Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney (although that performance is better left forgotten), Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and, most recently, Robert Pattinson, wear the cape and cowl in Gotham City. Batman is one of the most beloved DC characters in cinema, so it’s vital that DC Studios nail the casting.
Reacher’s Alan Ritchson is many fans’ favorite to play Batman. The actor has repeatedly shared his love for the character, and even said that DC Studios wouldn’t have to pay him. If Ritchson is cast, it would make the DCU’s Batman similar to Ben Affleck’s, who was a hulking tower of muscles. It would also make a stark contrast to Robert Pattinson’s leaner, detective-focused Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves’ ongoing The Batman trilogy. Unfortunately for Ritchson and fans, James Gunn has publicly stated that the actor won’t be the DCU’s Batman.
Another actor whom fans have wanted to play Batman for years is Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles. Other popular fan castings include Jake Gyllenhaal, Brandon Sklenar, and Glen Powell. It is unclear how long we will be waiting before James Gunn and DC Studios announce who the next Batman will be. While we wait, Superman will keep us entertained in theaters when it releases on July 11, 2025.
Source: @JamesGunn on X

The Brave and the Bold

Director

Andy Muschietti

Franchise(s)

DC Universe