The Bat-Signal is shining bright in Tinseltown, and rumor mills are in overdrive. With The Brave and the Bold poised to bring a new interpretation of Batman into the DC Universe’s new era, speculation is running high about who will wear the cape and cowl. James Gunn’s vision guarantees a Bruce Wayne in his prime, joined by his son Damian Wayne—Robin’s most unstable iteration—and it’s a father-son combination the big screen has never addressed before.
While DC is remaining tight-lipped about casting for now, that hasn’t prevented fans (and yes, us too) from conjuring up the perfect Bruce Wayne. Here’s our top ten countdown of actors who could realize the Dark Knight’s next installment—because prolonging the agony is half the fun.
10. David Boreanaz – The Detective’s Detective
Boreanaz, star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bones, has been brooding on television for decades, and he’s got the gravitas and grit to portray an older, battle-worn Batman. He’s 53 now, and he could pull off the role of a crimefighter with years of wear and tear—and a son taking up the family business.
9. Aaron Taylor-Johnson – The Comic Book Chameleon
From Kick-Ass to Quicksilver to next year’s Kraven the Hunter, Taylor-Johnson has shown he can seamlessly transition between comic book realms. His athletic physique, intensity, and versatility might make him a natural to play a Dark Knight who’s as scary as he is cerebral.
8. Jamie Dornan – The Brooding Enigma
Yes, Dornan’s best known from Fifty Shades, but his more subdued, introverted roles reveal a depth and vulnerability ideal for Bruce Wayne. He can execute the suave billionaire and tormented avenger without batting an eye.
7. Tom Ellis – The Devilishly Good Fit
After embodying Lucifer Morningstar, Ellis has already mastered suave charm, wit, and menace. At 6’3” and in his forties, he’s physically right for the part, and his charisma could give Batman a fresh, sharp-edged energy.
6. Ben Barnes – The Fresh-Faced Contender
Barnes (Narnia, The Punisher) injects youthful vigor without sacrificing dramatic heft. He’s young enough to survive for a long haul within the DCU, but experienced enough to provide Bruce Wayne with the emotional depth fans crave.
5. Bradley Cooper – The Oscar-Worthy Wildcard
Cooper’s name may not be the first one that pops into mind for Batman, but his career in gritty dramas and action movies proves he can go dark and focused. His past with James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) only adds to rumors.
4. Luke Evans – The Blockbuster Backbone
Evans has a gift for bringing every film he works on up to his level, be it The Hobbit, Beauty and the Beast, or Fast & Furious 6. He exudes contained power, ideal for a Batman who is as much a teacher as a fighter.
3. Kit Harington – The Fan-Favorite Swordsman
Harington’s stint as Jon Snow demonstrated he is capable of being a stoic hero burdened by duty. With his Marvel franchise in limbo, the time may be ideal for him to trade in a sword for a Batarang.
2. George Clooney – The Redemption Arc
Clooney’s Batman & Robin is still the butt of jokes—but imagine if he came back, older, wiser, and with a serious tone. His brief appearance in The Flash sparked just enough buzz to make the idea tempting.
1. Jeffrey Dean Morgan – The Flashpoint Favorite
Morgan has already gotten his toe wet in Gotham as Thomas Wayne in Batman v Superman, and fanboys have been clamoring for him as a weathered, different-universe Batman. His authoritative presence would redefine the character for the DCU.
The State of the Bat: Gunn’s Current Stance
For the time being, though, it’s all wish lists and fan casting. James Gunn has been adamant that no actor will be approached until the script is locked. With no screenwriter officially on board yet, waiting will be a long time coming—but that just means more waiting to speculate, debate, and imagine who’s deserving of wearing the cowl next.