Batman fans divided over DCU casting

Since Batman was first introduced way back in 1939, with his first television appearance taking place during 1966’s Batman, our caped crusader has been portrayed by quite a few talented actors.

It is hard to believe but since his inception, Batman has been portrayed by 10 different actors across live-action films and television with many more taking on the role for animation and video game works.

Check out our most recent live-action Batman in action below with the trailer for The Batman.

It is safe to say that fans are smitten with the billionaire-turned-vigilante Bruce Wayne so it is no wonder that he is still one of the most iconic superheroes almost 90-years after his very first comic book appearance.

In more recent years, actors such as Christian Bale and Ben Affleck have taken on the role (with one more successful than the other) but even more recently, Robert Pattinson donned the mask and cape for his role in 2022’s The Batman.

Directed by Matt Reeves, The Batman was a success and amassed $771 million at the box office and as a result, The Batman Part II is expected to hit cinemas on 2 October, 2026.

However, according to a recent rumour courtesy of Marvel and DC insider MyTimeToShineHello, CEO of DC studios James Gunn wants to see a middle-aged actor play Batman in the future of the DCU.

The rumour was recently shared to r/DC_Cinematic and as you can expect, plenty of hardcore fans had plenty to say about potential casting.

“They're casting unknowns for the other Justice League members. I'd like to see a big name get Batman to bring more attention to the DCU as a whole,” BatmanNewsChris commented.

Other suggestions range from keeping Pattinson for the role and even Affleck but some suggest some new faces such as Lee Pace, Henry Cavill or even ... Zendaya? I’d support it.

JefferyTheQuaxly had this to say: “I feel like middle aged for Hollywood means someone in the 35 to 40 or so year range (or at least an actor that can realistically play a 35 to 40-year-old), which also tracks with him wanting to add Damian Wayne and a more adult Robin/Nightwing to the series.”

Whoever takes on the role of Batman for the future of the DCU has some big shoes to fill but for now, we can look forward to Pattinson’s portrayal in 2026’s The Batman Part II.