James Gunn Hints a Major Hollywood Star Is Actively Gunning to Play Batman in the DCU
For DC fans, few questions carry as much weight right now as who will step into the cape and cowl for the rebooted DC Universe. With the franchise now firmly established following the success of ‘Superman,’ all eyes are turning toward the next colossal casting puzzle facing DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, and it may be closer to a resolution than many expected.
‘The Brave and the Bold’ is the upcoming DCU film that will introduce a new Batman to Gunn’s rebooted universe, separate from the Elseworlds continuity occupied by Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight. The film, directed by Andy Muschietti, draws from Grant Morrison’s celebrated comic run in which Bruce Wayne discovers the existence of his son Damian Wayne, who takes on the mantle of Robin. It is one of the most anticipated projects in all of DC, and for good reason, since Batman remains the studio’s most recognizable and commercially powerful character.
During a recent appearance on The Ringer-Verse podcast, Gunn opened up about where things stand with the casting process and dropped a tantalizing hint that sent fan communities into overdrive. When asked whether he had any actors in mind for the role, he confirmed that a shortlist does exist, and that one name on it comes with some genuine mutual interest behind it. “I know one actor in particular who’s a pretty big star that wants to be Batman. We’ve talked about it, but I’m not sure that’s the case,” Gunn said, stopping just short of a name while confirming that real conversations have already taken place.
He also offered a note of caution, pointing out that his initial top choices for ‘Superman’ did not include David Corenswet, the actor who ultimately landed the role, reminding fans that front-runners can shift dramatically once a full search and screen-testing process begins.
Gunn doubled down on the sheer volume of interest he receives from A-list talent when speaking to IGN, noting that he could not overstate how many major actors have expressed a desire to put on the cowl, calling Batman the one character that virtually every actor in Hollywood wants to play. Among the names that fans and the press have floated most frequently are Alan Ritchson, whose physical presence and work on ‘Reacher’ has made him a perennial favorite, and Brandon Sklenar, who has gained serious momentum thanks to his performance in ‘1923.’
Beyond the casting conversation, Gunn also gave an update on the state of the screenplay, confirming that a writer is actively working on the script and that his early impressions of the material are genuinely positive, though it has not yet been completed. More recent reports have suggested the script may now be nearing completion, with DC Studios eyeing a potential release window around 2028 for the finished film.
One additional wrinkle Gunn introduced was the suggestion that some details of the original story concept for ‘The Brave and the Bold’ have shifted during development, particularly around the specifics of Bruce Wayne’s relationship to Damian and the parentage dynamic at the center of the film. It is a reminder that, even with momentum building, this is a production still finding its shape behind the scenes.
What is clear is that Gunn is approaching the DCU’s Batman with the same careful deliberateness he applied to ‘Superman,’ refusing to rush a decision that will define his franchise for years to come. The mystery star who reportedly wants the role badly enough to have already sat down with Gunn is now the most discussed unknown in superhero cinema, and speculation is not about to slow down anytime soon. So, who do you think that “pretty big star” is, and do they deserve to be the DCU’s Batman?
