In a surprising twist, Blake Lively has declared her top choice for the new Batman in the DC Universe, suggesting that a fan-favorite actor could be the ideal candidate for the iconic role. With speculation swirling around Batman’s future on the big screen, the character is set to be recast for filmmaker James Gunn’s upcoming vision for the DC franchise. Previously portrayed by Ben Affleck as an older Bruce Wayne in the earlier DCEU, the casting for Batman’s next incarnation will not commence until the script for Batman: The Brave and the Bold is fully developed.
Adding to the excitement, there have been recent rumors that Robert Pattinson’s Batman might join the DCU, despite previously being categorized as part of an independent Elseworlds franchise. Although Gunn had stated that Pattinson’s portrayal would remain separate from his new DC Universe, comments from both Gunn and Matt Reeves, the creator of The Batman, suggested a more open approach. However, the director of The Brave and the Bold, Andy Muschietti, dismissed these crossover talks, paving the way for new actors, like Lively’s pick, to potentially don the cape and cowl in future DC projects.
Blake Lively Endorses a Fan-Favorite DCU Batman Casting
Marvel Actress Supports Co-Star for Batman
Having previously portrayed Carol Ferris in the 2011 film Green Lantern, which was less successful critically, Lively has long been part of the superhero universe. Her connections to the genre extend beyond DC, as she will appear in Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, further embedding her in the world of comic adaptations. Notably, Lively has lent her influence to Batman’s casting discussions, expressing her desire for actor Brandon Sklenar to take over the role of the Dark Knight. After collaborating with Sklenar in the film It Ends with Us, she believes he is a fitting choice for Batman.
Lively has actively engaged with fans advocating for Sklenar’s casting. She recently took to Instagram (via M00r3C/Reddit) to encourage her co-star and inform him of the growing buzz online regarding his potential as Batman. In her comments, Lively tagged DC Studios’ creative head, James Gunn, suggesting that Gunn has a reputation for listening to fan demands. By endorsing Sklenar, Lively shines a spotlight on an already emerging favorite among fans.
Brandon Sklenar Expresses Interest in the DCU’s Batman
The Actor’s Aspirations Are Clear
Brandon Sklenar has made his eagerness to portray Batman evident. Following Lively’s endorsement, Sklenar responded with various emojis, including one depicting a bat. This wasn’t the first time he addressed fans’ wishes for him to embody Bruce Wayne; he has previously engaged with online support and has liked several comments suggesting he is in consideration for the role. In May 2024, he even shared fan art of himself as Batman, clad in the character’s iconic blue and grey suit (via Proof-Watercress-931/Reddit).
While James Gunn frequently interacts with casting trends on social media, he has yet to offer any comment on Sklenar’s potential casting as Batman. The most recent development in this ongoing narrative involved Sklenar expressing approval of fan art featuring him as the Dark Knight, reinforcing both his interest and the fan base’s enthusiasm.
Brandon Sklenar Could Master Both Aspects of the Dark Knight
The Actor Exhibits Both Bruce Wayne and Batman Traits
As a leading candidate for the Batman role, Sklenar’s profile may not be extensive among general audiences. With experience in film and television dating back to the early 2010s, his star has notably risen recently, particularly through his performance in It Ends with Us. In this film, he plays Atlas, a character who returns to protect Lively’s character from an abusive partner, showcasing his ability to portray relatable and engaging characters that align well with Bruce Wayne’s playboy persona.
Following his success in the film, Sklenar is set to star in The Housemaid, alongside acting luminaries Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. His recent small-screen performances in Western dramas, such as Westworld, Walker: Independence, and notably 1923, where he plays Spencer Dutton, have illustrated a compelling mix of toughness and charisma that could translate naturally to the role of Batman. Dutton resonates with elements of Batman, showcasing honor and instilling fear in adversaries, echoing the Dark Knight’s presence.
Brandon Sklenar is the Ideal Age for DCU’s Batman
James Gunn Has A Distinct Vision for Batman’s Narrative
Another compelling reason for Sklenar’s suitability as Batman lies in his age. At 34, he is only three years older than David Corenswet, who plays Superman and is 31. This aligns with Gunn’s vision of Batman being a few years older than Superman in the refreshed DC Universe. Having actors of similar ages can create a cohesive dynamic among the DCU’s principal heroes, positioning Sklenar in an ideal age bracket for the role of Batman.
| Upcoming Batman Movies | |
|---|---|
| Movie | Release Date |
| The Batman – Part II | October 1, 2027 |
| The Brave and the Bold | TBD |
| The Batman 3 | TBD |
With The Batman – Part II now delayed until 2027, Muschietti recently announced a postponement for The Brave and the Bold, ensuring the two films do not release back-to-back. This could place the new Batman feature in 2028, by which time Sklenar would be approaching 40—an optimal age to portray Bruce Wayne as a father figure to young Damian Wayne within the unfolding DCU narrative. This careful pacing in casting supports a nuanced portrayal of the character, making Sklenar a prime candidate to embody the next Batman.
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