Jensen Ackles is among the most popular picks for the DCU’s Batman: The Brave and the Bold, but the actor almost donned the cape and cowl in live-action a year ago for the short-lived Gotham Knights TV show. While some Marvel and DC characters have been so perfectly embodied by an actor that it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking on the role, Bruce Wayne has been wonderfully brought to life in live-action and animation by a wide range of Batman actors. Now the question is who could be next.
With hype on the rise for the DCU following the casting and suit reveal for Superman, audiences are once again vocalizing their hopes for who will play Batman in Andy Muschietti’s Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Ackles, who’s no stranger to superhero projects, is among several Batman fan casts with serious potential. After missing his opportunity to play a small-screen Batman last year, the time is now right to put Ackle’s Bruce Wayne on the big screen.
Jensen Ackles Almost Appeared As Batman In Gotham Knights
Going back to the Adam West Batman TV show in the 1960s, continuing through the 90s with hits like Batman: The Animated Series, and most recently making a historic run with the Arrowverse, DC has a storied history on television. While Batman has starred in several series, DC has also proven willing to branch out with lesser-known characters as stars. Attempting to be the best of both worlds, last year’s Gotham Knights (not to be confused with the video game of the same name from the same year) stars a group of young characters stepping up after Batman’s death.
Among the main ensemble, which also includes Turner Hayes (an original character adopted by Bruce Wayne) and Duela Dent (daughter of Harvey Dent), is Navia Robinson’s Carrie Kelley, who fans will recognize as Bruce’s Robin from the iconic graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns. Recently, Gotham Knights showrunners Chad Fiveash and James Stoteraux explained their planned and approved Batman cameo, which would have been a flashback showing the Dark Knight auditioning Kelley to be his Robin. The role was designed to be played by Kevin Conroy, but illness prevented his appearance.
According to the Gotham Knight creatives, once it became clear Conroy wouldn’t be able to play the role, series star Misha Collins, who played Harvey Dent, tried to get Jensen Ackles instead. It’s not clear why the move didn’t work out, but it’s likely Collins had the idea due to his years on Supernatural with Ackles. Given the popularity of casting Ackles as Batman, it would have been wonderful to see the actor put on the cowl, even if only for a short scene.
Ackles Is A Top Batman Fancast For The DCU & It Makes Perfect Sense
He’s Proven Himself In Animation And Live Action
As is to be expected, there is no shortage of popular Batman casting ideas from dedicated fans. However, Jensen Ackles has remained one of the most requested – and also the most qualified. First and foremost, Ackles clearly has the look to play Bruce Wayne. While the character has looked different in various projects and mediums over the years, Ackles’ sharp features and penchant for showcasing a reserved intensity align well with the Dark Knight.
However, Jensen Ackles’ history with superhero roles (many of which are Batman-related) seems to give him a leg up over other casting ideas. Ackles played Jason Teague in Smallville season 4, which is his only live-action DC appearance to date. However, 2010 saw him voice Jason Todd/Red Hood in Batman: Under the Red Hood and Batman himself in Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 1 and Part 2 and Legion of Superheroes.
Moreover, Ackles got another big role in The Boys Season 3 as Soldier Boy. The character is far from heroic – Soldier Boy is a violent and twisted parody of Captain America – but it still allowed Ackles to show that he’s perfect for Batman. His gruff line delivery would be perfect under the cowl, and he clearly has the physique to pull off a convincing superhero who’s amply intimidating.
What Jensen Ackles Has Said About Playing Batman In Live Action
Though some actors have no issue publically campaigning for a role they want, Ackles has been understandably reserved. However, in June 2023, the actor did respond to a question of if he’d been contacted for the role and if he’d be interested if he had the opportunity. Ackle’s Batman comments can be read below:
I don’t know. Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you. I mean, could I do it? Sure. Would I wanna do it? Yes. Will I be mad when Pedro Pascal gets it? Yeah. God bless you, Pedro. You just keep killing it, buddy. Let me know when you pass on something. Look, right now nobody’s talking about anything… There’s a strike going on in the entertainment industry, and until that gets solved, nobody is having conversations about anything… Would I entertain the idea of playing my favorite superhero of all time? Nah, I’m good (laughs)… I would love it. Sign me up.
The actor plays coy about not being able to say much even if he’d heard something, but James Gunn himself clarified in February that Batman casting wouldn’t happen until a script was in hand.
At this point, it’s still far too early for the DCU to reveal anything about its upcoming Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Though the movie is confirmed to be part of the DCU’s Chapter 1, the movie won’t be coming out for at least a few years yet. However, as casting considerations happen, it seems like the perfect opportunity to make good on the Gotham Knights cameo that almost was and let Jensen Ackles become the bat.