Unveiling The Brave And The Bold: Who Wants to Play Batman According to James Gunn?

The buzz around The Brave And The Bold is heating up as James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, recently shared intriguing insights about the number of actors vying for the iconic role of Batman.

In an interview with IGN on September 28, 2025, Gunn revealed that many high-profile actors have expressed interest in donning the cape and cowl for this upcoming film. Set to explore Bruce Wayne’s journey with his son Damian as Robin, the movie has sparked a wave of excitement, and Gunn’s comments offer a fascinating glimpse into the casting process.

How Many Actors Have Reached Out to James Gunn?

Gunn disclosed that a significant number of actors, described as “many A-listers,” have either directly or indirectly approached him about playing Batman. The IGN interview, published on September 28, 2025, highlights that these actors range from established stars to those eager to make their mark in the DC Universe.

While Gunn did not specify an exact count, the plural “many” suggests a competitive pool, potentially numbering in the double digits based on industry speculation reported by Variety the same day.

This aligns with his earlier comments in August 2025 on a podcast, where he noted ongoing discussions with talent, though no names were dropped.

The film’s production is still in the scripting phase, with Gunn confirming to GamesRadar+ on September 21, 2025, that casting has not yet begun.

This indicates that the interest predates official auditions, reflecting Batman’s enduring appeal. The movie is slated for release in 2027, with pre-production underway, as noted in Wikipedia’s updated DCU timeline on September 20, 2025.

What Does This Say About Batman’s Popularity?

The sheer volume of actors reaching out underscores Batman’s status as a cultural icon. Gunn’s remarks suggest that the role attracts a wide range of talent, from those with prior superhero experience to newcomers.

A Reddit thread on r/DC_Cinematic from August 2, 2025, with 809 votes, speculated names like Alan Ritchson and Brendan Sklenar, fueled by Gunn’s praise for Ritchson in the GamesRadar+ article.

This fan enthusiasm mirrors real-world interest, with Gunn noting in the IGN interview that Batman is “the character everyone wants to play.”

This popularity also ties into the film’s unique angle, focusing on Bruce Wayne’s relationship with Damian, as outlined in DC’s official synopsis from July 2024.

The narrative shift could be drawing actors who see it as a fresh take, distinct from Robert Pattinson’s ongoing portrayal in The Batman series, set for Part II in October 2026 per IMDb.

Who Might Be Among the Interested Actors?

While Gunn kept names under wraps, clues point to a diverse lineup. The IGN interview mentions “big actors,” and Variety’s September 28, 2025, report suggests some have contacted agents or mutual contacts to express interest indirectly.

Fans on social media have speculated about stars like Christian Bale, who redefined the role in the Dark Knight trilogy, or younger talents like Jake Gyllenhaal, linked to Batman rumors in 2019 per Deadline archives.Gunn’s cautious approach, urging fans to “wait and see,” reflects a deliberate casting strategy.

The Brave And The Bold’s script, penned by Gunn and in development since early 2025 according to The Hollywood Reporter, prioritizes story over star power. This could mean casting surprises, potentially favoring actors with dramatic depth over box-office draw.

How Will Gunn Choose the Right Batman?

Gunn emphasized a story-first approach in the IGN interview, stating that the script will guide casting decisions. He hinted at taking liberties with Bruce Wayne’s origin, suggesting a Batman tailored to the DC Universe’s new direction.

Production updates from September 2025 on Wikipedia indicate filming could start in mid-2026, giving Gunn time to align talent with vision.His past work, like casting Dave Bautista in Guardians of the Galaxy, shows a preference for actors who bring emotional weight.

The Brave And The Bold’s focus on father-son dynamics might favor someone with strong acting chops, as noted by Collider on September 29, 2025, analyzing Gunn’s directorial style.

The process remains fluid, with reshoots likely, per industry norms.

Some Closing Thoughts

As The Brave And The Bold takes shape, Gunn’s revelations about actor interest paint an exciting picture of a highly coveted role.

The blend of mystery and anticipation keeps fans engaged, with the casting decision poised to shape the DC Universe’s future.

Whether a veteran or a fresh face emerges, the journey to find the next Batman promises to be as thrilling as the film itself.

Who's your favorite casting pick for the caped crusader for DCU's Gotham? Let us know in the comments section down below!