Jake Gyllenhaal on Playing Batman in DCU: “It Would Be an Honor Always”

Jake Gyllenhaal is known for his prominent roles outside the superhero genre, but he was once considered for both ‘Batman’ and ‘Spider-Man’ roles. However, he ended up portraying the villain Mysterio in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man series within the MCU.

Gyllenhaal was also a contender for the role of the Dark Knight in Christopher Nolan’s films before Christian Bale landed the part. In a recent interview with Screenrant, Gyllenhaal shared his perspective on potentially playing Batman in the newly rebooted DCU.

Oh, man. That’s a classic. It’s an honor. Speaking of playing roles that other incredible actors have played in the past, to me actually roles that other incredible actors have played in the past, which, to me, actually, when I think about it, I’m going to play Iago in Othello with Denzel Washington, and I think about like the history of actors that have played that role throughout time, and I’m intimidated by that. So that’s the first level. That’s what I’m working on right now. But of course. It would be an honor always. Those types of things and those roles are classics.

The upcoming DCU film ‘The Brave and the Bold’ is set to introduce Batman and his son Damian Wayne as Robin, focusing on their unique father-son dynamic, as described by director James Gunn. The movie aims to present a singular portrayal of Batman, avoiding multiple iterations of the character.

Gunn underlines Batman’s significant role in the DCU, drawing from Grant Morrison’s comic run. However, Ben Affleck will not reprise his DCEU role, and Matt Reeves’s Batman will continue as a separate project under the DC Elseworlds label, albeit facing a recent one-year delay.

Director Andy Muschietti, along with producer Barbara Muschietti, James Gunn, and Peter Safran, will helm ‘The Brave and the Bold.’ With the casting call for the new Batman expected soon, Jake Gyllenhaal might consider being in the running again.

As always, opinions on Batman actors tend to be polarizing within the community. Share your thoughts in the comments below!