10 Actors Who Could Play Batman in The Brave and the Bold

DC Comics is rebooting its entire movie universe once again, spearheaded by directing mastermind James Gunn. Gunn has laid out a measured plan for how to implement the new versions of these beloved characters, including a film entitled The Brave and the Bold in which Batman and his son (Damian Wayne) will navigate their relationship as both family and crime fighters. In a world where Robert Pattinson, Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton all occupy the cowl of Batman simultaneously, who will be able to step out of their shadows and make the character their own?

1. Pedro Pascal

When looking at the landscape of action stars that are slightly older, Pedro Pascal seems to be dominating the genre. Having an extensive resume that includes Joel in The Last of Us, Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, and of course Game of Thrones and Narcos under his belt, Pascal should be the frontrunner for Bruce Wayne.

2. Cole Hauser

Cole Hauser is an actor who was relatively unknown to the masses just a few years ago, having done bit parts in action movies and the occasional starring role in TV dramas. However, his time as Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone has really put him on the map as a gritty, serious action star. Given the right personal trainer, there is no doubt that Hauser will be able to play an older Batman more akin to Frank Miller's version.

3. Anson Mount

Whether it's from Hell on Wheels, his time as Black Bolt in the MCU or the Star Trek universe, people know Anson Mount as a gritty yet charming actor. Providing his voice to Batman in 2021's Injustice could be a stepping stone to him playing the character in live action as well.

4. Winston Duke

Winston Duke has gone from playing muscle-bound side characters to a leading man in only a couple of years, and even starred as Batman in the fantastic audio drama Batman Unburied. Duke brings the body and the suave to the role in spades, with his lone downfall being that he might be too young to portray a more seasoned version of Bruce Wayne.

5. Lee Pace

Maybe not the most prominent leading man, but certainly an underrated actor, Lee Pace has a lot of qualifications that make him an excellent Batman. He has the suave charm of Bruce Wayne, the gritty voice and astounding height and frame for Batman, and he has the acting prowess to tie the two personas together. Having worked with James Gunn in the past, Lee Pace could very well be a shoe-in for the new DCU.

6. Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is a strange case for the character of Bruce Wayne, where he is seemingly a perfect fit yet no one suggests him or takes him seriously as a candidate. Cooper has proved time and again that he can take on high dramas that feature a misunderstood protagonist, just as he did with American Sniper, A Star is Born and even Limitless.

7. Jensen Ackles

Perhaps the most prolific choice for Batman right now, Jensen Ackles has more than earned his right to don the cowl. Ackles is the current voice of Batman in all of the connected DC animated projects, and has gained much fanfare due to his time on Supernatural and The Boys. He is past due for his shot at playing a top level superhero, and has grown past being a favorite for Red Hood into being a favorite for the Dark Knight himself.

8. Karl Urban

Speaking of The Boys, Karl Urban's name seems to come up every time there's a new casting for Bruce Wayne, and there's a good reason for that. Urban looks as though he was tailor made for an older and more tortured Batman, and has proved his acting salt in just about every major franchise, from The Lord of the Rings to Star Trek.

9. Idris Elba

It's unclear how The Suicide Squad will play in to the new DCU, but the fact of the matter is that fans deserve to see Idris Elba play Batman. He's suave, he's intimidating, and he has even had real fights as a professional kickboxer. Elba would undoubtedly bring fans to the box office, and has all the attributes to make for a seasoned crime fighter.

10. Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman rarely gets suggested to play Batman, which is very surprising considering the similarities between Wolverine and Bruce Wayne. Jackman has mastered the art of the brooding, tortured superhero, and after so many X-Men films the Batman franchise would be an easy fit.

Who should play Batman? Let me know in the comments!