Who's next to play Batman? Top 5 picks for the caped crusader

Batman, one of the most recognizable superheroes in existence, was first brought to the public on March 30, 1939. Created by artist Bob Kane in conjunction with writer Bill Finger, ‘The World's Greatest Detective’ debuted in Detective Comics’ 27th issue and has seen a steady rise in popularity and acclaim since.

It is well known by now that Batman is the alter ego of playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne, who is hell-bent on channeling his vengeance and unresolved anger for his parents' murder into the eradication of crime in the fictional Gotham City. He is intelligent and suave, but ultimately flawed and human, characteristics that have made the iconic crimefighter truly stand the test of time.

Since the character’s mainstream debut on comic panels, there have been several subsequent live-action and animated depictions that have grown the hero’s legend and cachet. The first of which is the unforgettable but camp portrayal in the 1960s Batman television series by Adam West. This remained as the standard and tone the character would receive on-screen until Tim Burton added his sensibilities to the fold in feature format with 1989’s Batman. His interpretation grounded the character and presented him to the masses in a darker and grittier way, with a young Michael Keaton serving as the caped crusader.

The Bat-vigilante would eventually be played by a string of actors who all managed to add their own shades to the character over the years. The list includes Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson. Kevin Conroy and Will Arnett have been the most significant contributors to the character’s appearances in animated works and video games.

Now, with James Gunn at the helm of DC Comics, a new Batman is on the way, and social media has been abuzz with potential actors they envision for the role. The list includes actors who narrowly missed out on playing the hero in the past, with Jake Gyllenhaal’s name being at the front and center of the online debates.

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James Gunn’s Batman - What We Know So Far

In a recent interview with Rotten Tomatoes, James Gunn shared his thoughts on how Batman would fit into his version of the DCU.

“He’s the most popular superhero in the world, and I can’t wait to see more of him.”

There have been conflicting reports concerning Robert Pattinson’s potential involvement considering the success of Matt Reeves’ The Batman, as well as The Penguin mini-series that followed in 2024. While there is no confirmation regarding this and it’s pure speculation at this point, fans have joined to push back on the idea.

After seeing Gunn’s version of Superman in the promotional pictures and footage for the upcoming summer blockbuster with the same name, there is obviously a massive departure from the previous take on the character in Zack Snyder’s films. Social media users and comic book superfans are seemingly pushing for Gunn to give their beloved Batman a similar treatment.

No concrete details are available for Gunn’s vision for the hero or when we can expect him to appear in the new DCU, but that hasn’t prevented netizens from voicing their opinions on who should take the mantle. With that said, let’s explore the best candidates for a potential turn as Gotham’s savior.

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Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal is inarguably the most accomplished actor on the list of potential candidates for the role. His diverse filmography demonstrates the actor’s incredible range and commitment to the physical aspects of embodying a given character. His impressive resume would suggest that he would be fully capable and at home in both the role of Batman and his alter ego Bruce Wayne.

Gyllenhaal has also previously appeared in a superhero blockbuster with his villain turn as Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home. The only thing standing in the way of this becoming a reality is whether the actor is interested in playing a character who he would likely have to depict over a string of movies over the next several years.

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Jensen Ackles

Ackles’ name always seems to be thrown into the mix when these discussions come to life. He has the acting chops to do justice to the role and has even done voice work as Batman in animated fare. His role in The Boys proves that he can handle the physicality required and add an intensity and sense of inner turmoil to the hero convincingly. He’s also the perfect age to play the mentor role to his son Damian that Gunn foresees, and if cast, it seems that the overwhelming swell of reactions would be understandably positive.

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Alan Ritchson

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Ritchson was candid with his admission that the caped crusader would truly be his dream role.

"I would love to play Batman. There, I said it okay? I’ll shout it from the rooftops, ‘I want to be Bruce Wayne’. Here’s the thing about Batman. You know what his superpower is intelligence. Dude is the smartest superhero there is. Like he’s inventive and he’s got all the gadgets and stuff but he’s super smart. I want to be that guy."

For his part, Ritchson has already played a superhero, and his burly physical stature would certainly make him the most intimidating version of the character on the big screen to this point.

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Jonathan Bailey

The Bridgerton actor’s inclusion on this list dates back to when DC head James Gunn liked a tweet mentioning Bailey’s on-screen abilities. Fans have been doing whatever they can to fuel the fires since, and several factors contribute to making him a compelling choice for the forthcoming Bats. Perhaps the most relevant element of his potential casting would be that he would become the first openly gay man to inhabit the role.

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Bradley Cooper

While there has been no comment from the actor’s camp about the feasibility of this casting, that hasn’t stopped the online community from trying to speak this rumor into existence. The accomplished actor/director has all the makings of a brilliant and nuanced Bruce Wayne, as well as the physical prowess to nail Batman, as evidenced in films like criminally underrated The A-Team remake, and American Sniper.

If Cooper is truly interested in the role, however, his previous relationship with Gunn from starring as Rocket Raccoon in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise could grease the wheels for a possible reunion.