‘The Punisher’ Star Eyes Role as Batman in James Gunn’s DC Universe

Ben Barnes, known for his roles in The Punisher and Shadow and Bone, has revealed that playing Batman has been a lifelong dream.

Speaking at the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, Barnes shared stories from his childhood, saying he always loved dressing up as Batman or Robin Hood. “I was actually watching some— my parents just visited me, and they bought some like little kid videos, and we were watching some old family videos.”

“And in every single one, I was dressed like Batman or Robin Hood. I think there may have been a Spider-Man one, but it was mainly Batman. So obviously, I was, from age 4 and up, I obviously requested that,” he told Collider.

Barnes didn’t stop there. When asked if he would take a role in James Gunn’s DC Universe, he said, “Hey, I accept. […] Just call me, I’ve got Bruce Wayne ready to go.” The actor recalled growing up with superhero games and comics, but it was Batman who always captured his imagination.

In the DC Universe, Superman has already been cast with David Corenswet. Wonder Woman and Batman, however, have yet to be officially announced, though Gunn confirmed he has actors in mind. Fans have suggested a few names, including Jensen Ackles and Reacher star Alan Ritchson, but Ritchson later confirmed he talked with James Gunn and that he likely won’t get the role.

DCU’s Batman is expected to debut in The Brave and the Bold, a film focusing on the “Bat-Family” and introducing Damian Wayne as Robin.

Gunn has described it as a “strange father and son story” centered on Batman and Robin. Ben Affleck will not return as Batman, and Matt Reeves’s version will continue separately under the DC Elseworlds label. Andy Muschietti, known for The Flash, is set to direct, with Barbara Muschietti co-producing alongside Gunn and Safran.

The project experienced some delays to avoid conflicts with Reeves’s The Batman: Part II, but a writer has been hired and is working closely with Gunn on the script.

It’s exciting to hear that Ben Barnes is so passionate about playing Batman. With the DCU still casting the role, someone with genuine love for the character could bring a lot of heart to the part. Seeing the Caped Crusader in a father-and-son story could be a fresh and interesting take on the hero.

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