In 1992, the birth of Warner Bros. "Batman: The Animated Series" changed the Batman Universe forever. The dynamic series spawned a new technique in animation using black backgrounds that would eventually be dubbed "Dark Deco." Dark Deco gave every scene within Gotham an extraordinary look, redefining the image of the city. The series also revamped the classic characters, casting a unique perspective on their origins and personalities. The series included all the popular characters and even created some new ones. The most significant change was the transformation of the Dick Grayson/Robin character in the "new" 90's costume, resulting in a hipper more adult representation which the character has never seen. The Batman character continued to embody the dark image fans have come to love while maintaining the heroic qualities identified with the character.
Another significant change was the transformation of the Rogues Gallery of Villains. From the ever-popular Joker to the more obscure Clock King, the series displayed each villain's unique personality to perfection and introduced new characters, including the popular Ms. Harley Quinn. Although she wasn't born into the Batman universe until the seventh episode of the series, Harley quickly overshadowed such long time favorites as Catwoman and Poison Ivy. Thanks to Batman: TAS, Harley Quinn will be a staple in the Batman genre forever.
In Fall 1995, the final five episodes aired (85 total episodes were produced) and the curtain closed on Batman: The Animated Series.
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BATMAN | KARL URBAN
Bruce Wayne
As a boy, Bruce Wayne witnessed his parents' gruesome murder by an unknown gunman and vowed revenge against all who broke the law. As a young adult, he worked to fulfill this vow by traveling the world to learn from masters of various defense disciplines. Eventually he became an exceptional escape artist, master of martial arts, acrobatics, science, technology, boxing, disguises, criminology and detective skills. Having perfected his skills, Bruce Wayne is prepared to embark on his mission. But one thing eludes him -- the ability to strike fear in the hearts of the criminals he will confront while protecting his true identity.
One night, in his father's study, Bruce Wayne relives the horror of his parents' death. Suddenly, in a terrifying flash of blackness, the window is shattered by the striking image of a black bat. In that moment, Bruce Wayne's destiny is determined. He would become the night... he would become the Batman. Bound by his personal code of justice, Batman resolves to never kill an enemy. Instead, he relies on his physical prowess and mental superiority to bring his enemies to justice.
During the day, Bruce Wayne is CEO of Wayne Enterprises and maintains the public image of a millionaire playboy. In fact, Bruce goes to great lengths convincing others that the self-centered socialite is his true self. Bruce Wayne is the disguise, Batman is the true personality.
The Animated Series finds Gotham City in urban chaos, dark and gloomy as the criminals who inhabit it. The city cries out for justice -- not the kind that comes from the police, but from a man who wears a mask. Batman is Gotham City's "Dark Knight" and will stop at nothing to restore order to the city and protect it's citizens.
Karl Urban
Karl is a really strong actor who suits the role of Bruce Wayne / Batman perfectly! I first noticed him in
Lord of the Rings but it was
Star Trek that convinced me he's right for the role.
ROBIN | STEVEN R. MCQUEEN
Dick Grayson
Bound together by the tragedy they share, Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson's lives are distinctly similar. As part of the traveling circus's high wire act "The Flying Graysons," Dick Grayson witnessed his parents' death while they performed at the Haley Circus. A two bit extortionist, Tony Zucco, cut the wire to gain kickbacks from the circus owner. Bruce Wayne, who was in the audience, felt an instant connection to the boy and took him in.
Shortly thereafter, Grayson became the ward of Bruce Wayne. Wayne provided him with a home, solid financial support and taught him new skills, adding to his tremendous gymnastic abilites. Eventually, Bruce Wayne allowed Grayson access to his most private world as his partner, Robin.
Dick Grayson attends Gotham State University causing him to spend less time as his alter ego. But thanks to semester breaks, Dick returns to Wayne Manor where he dons his famed red and green costume whenever the need arises.
Steven R. McQueen
Haven't really seen this kid on much apart from
Vampire Diaries which he's great in. It doesn't hurt that he strongly resembles Dick either!
ALFRED | TERENCE STAMP
Alfred Pennyworth
Butler to the Wayne family, Alfred Pennyworth has known Bruce Wayne most of his life. After the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne, Alfred became a second father to Bruce and is one of the few who are privy to the secrets contained beneath Wayne Manor. In addition to his duties as Bruce Wayne's butler, Alfred tends to much of the high tech gadgetry in the Batcave, and is an expert mechanic. Once an agent for the British Secret Service before joining the Wayne household, Alfred is the voice of reason for the often emotional Batman and Robin. Although he openly voices his opinion about his employer's nocturnal activities, he also believes that their cause is a just one.
Alfred maintains Bruce's daily routine with the utmost attention to detail. His humor is also helpful to Batman who admittedly can be too serious. Jokes not withstanding, Alfred is firmly committed to Batman and his mission. Always vigilant at Wayne Manor while Batman patrols the Gotham night, Alfred minds the phones and gates, covering Bruce Wayne's tracks. Alfred is also a father figure for Dick Grayson when Wayne is not available. Dick looks upon Alfred with great respect, love, understanding and admiration for his loyalty.
Terence Stamp
Okay, this one took a lot of thinking but when I came to conclusion of Stamp I couldn't be more happy with it. He somewhat reminds me of Michael Gough, my favourite Alfred. I think it's something to do with his voice? None the less he's a great actor suited very well for the role.
COMMISSIONER GORDON | DENNIS QUAID
James Gordon
Batman trusts and confides in James Gordon. The Gotham PD is crawling with crooked men. Gordon is an honored police officer and father of Barbara Gordon. Through devotion and remaining an honest cop among mass corruption, Gordon rose through the ranks to Lieutenant, and ultimately to Commissioner. Even though Gordon does not know the identity of the man under the mask, Batman and James Gordon share a special friendship. Their secret meeting places to discuss strategies and criminals have become a mainstay in their relationship. Although Gotham City embraces Batman, Gordon is still chastised for relying on the Dark Knight over those with the legal authority in Gotham . . . but Gordon wouldn't have it any other way.
Dennis Quaid
Another character hard to cast, there's plenty of good choices out there but I tried to be original going with Quaid. I'm sure he could pull it off.
BATGIRL | EMMA STONE
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon, daughter of police Commissioner James Gordon, is a college student attending Gotham State University. When Two Face sets up her father for taking bribes from Rupert Thorne, Barbara enlists the help of Batman to appear at a public rally for the Commissioner. When Batman dismisses the idea of making a "public appearance" Barbara takes matters into her own hands -- Barbara Gordon dresses in a Bat costume and attends the rally herself! When Robin spots the impostor, he chases after her. Grabbing the back of her cowl, he reveals her fiery red hair and thus "Batgirl" was born. With her gymnastic ability and innovative detective work she gains the respect of Batman and Robin. Barbara is similar in age to Robin, and the two share a flirtatious relationship.
Emma Stone
A very good young and upcoming actress. She really impressed
Superbad, Zombieland and
Easy A. I'm sure she'll do a fantastic job as Gwen Stacy in
The Amazing Spider-Man as well.
THE JOKER | MICHAEL SHANNON
Jack Napier
Next to nothing is known about Batman's greatest enemy, except that he operated as an enforcer/hitman for various crime bosses before becoming the "Clown Prince of Crime." The Joker first encountered Batman during a botched robbery at the Ace Chemical Factory. He escaped by leaping into a drainage vat of chemical waste, but later discovered the toxins bleached his skin chalk white, dyed his hair fluorescent green, and stretched his lips into a hideous, permanent red grin. It's not hard to understand why such a transformation snapped his already unstable mind.
The Joker's methods are simple: gain pleasure in breaking every law and moral stature known to man. More importantly, he makes the crime funnier by playing a game of cat and mouse with Batman. Joker views every crime, infliction of pain, and murder as the ultimate joke -- mocking Batman. Joker's trademarks are his razor sharp playing cards and the laughing gas Smilex, a chemical that infects his victims with the same ghastly grin as his own.
Extremely intelligent despite his lunacy, the Joker often accesses information within Gotham City that should only be available to government officials and the police. His only real motive is bringing Batman as close to the edge as possible. Joker strives to outdo Gotham's other villains as well, for if they have the honor of doing Batman in then he has no purpose. To The Joker Gotham is merely a stage on which he performs.
Michael Shannon
I came across this very clever photoshop of Shannon as The Joker on DeviantArt and could honestly not agree with it more. He could put a different spin on it after the amazing job Heath Ledger (R.I.P) did in
The Dark Knight. Shannon is set to star as Zod in the upcoming
Man Of Steel.
HARLEY QUINN | ALEXIS BLEDEL
Harlene Quinzelle
Harlene Quinzelle was a brilliant and successful criminal psychiatrist. After encountering the criminal mastermind, The Joker, at Arkham Asylum, Harlene develops a fascination with the madman's maniacal psyche. She begins to treat him, only to find herself completely under The Joker's control. Unable to break his hold on her, Harley enters a world of crime as The Joker's criminal accomplice and lover, Harley Quinn.
Harley quickly becomes one of the Dark Knight's deadliest enemies, as she carries out The Joker's every evil whim. She develops a villainous friendship with Poison Ivy and the two become sisters-in-crime by virtue of their shared hatred for male domination in the criminal underworld.
Although her true personality has been subjugated by The Joker, beneath it all Harley remains a sweet lovable person. Upon her arrest, she is deemed mentally unbalanced and sent to Arkham Asylum - not as the brilliant doctor she once was, but as one of Gotham's criminally insane on the other side of the padded cell.
Alexis Bledel
Absolutely fell in love with her after her performance in
Sin City. I can really imagine her doing well in this role alongside Shannon. She has amazing eyes.
MR. FREEZE | ED HARRIS
Victor Fries
Dr.Victor Fries was one of Gothcorp's most brilliant scientists and cryogenic researchers, however he was unable to cure his wife Nora of a deadly disease. His research in cryogenics was eventually cut off by the bureaucrats at Gothcorp. His experiment to create a cryogenic freezing chamber to house his wife until a cure could be found was interrupted by Ferris Boyle, C.E.O. of Gothcorp, and his security guards. A fight ensued, accompanied by an explosion. In the explosion, Dr.Fries was smashed into his cryogenic freezing tanks. The accident soaked Dr. Fries's entire body with the freezing solution and rendered him unable to survive outside of a sub-zero environment. He vowed revenge on those who had wronged him. He was forced to create a vacuum tight suit which maintained his body temperature at 50 degrees below zero. The suit's cybernetic processor also tripled his strength. After building a laser-powered cold gun, Mr. Freeze was born.
Driven by hatred over the destruction of his life and maddened by his condition he pursues a life of crime and vengeance by destroying Ferris Boyle and crippling Gothcorp. His plans are stopped by Batman. Mr.Freeze becomes bent on destroying Batman since he blocked his mission for revenge. He is a quiet, but dangerous adversary. Mr.Freeze is an angry and saddened man, who is sentenced to Arkham Asylum when apprehended. A special cell is designed to maintain his need for a frozen environment. He is alone and his only motivation comes from his wife's music box, which he holds as his last piece of the happiness he once had. He is viewed as an loner by the rogues gallery, and generally does not hold alliances with any of the other inmates of Arkham. Batman knows he is a dangerous adversary, and that the traumas that have occurred in Mr.Freeze's life are scars which will never heal.
Ed Harris
I love this choice so much. After Mr. Freeze's depiction in
Batman & Robin I really can't see him doing a worser job. Harris is an experienced actor who has the age, look and attitude to pull off a perfect Mr. Freeze. He's a tragic character and Harris would be able to bring that out brilliantly!
THE RIDDLER | MICHAEL C. HALL
Edward Nygma
Edward Nygma was a computer and electronics genius who was fascinated with puzzles and riddles since childhood. Extremely intelligent and a bit odd., he would cheat at school and feel superior to his classmates. Nygma's obsession and love for committing crimes lead him to don the guise of "The Riddler." Edward's transformation allows him to lose all sense of reality. He becomes completely wrapped up in the evil and criminal behavior which is warping his mind. He needs to be the Riddler to truly express the real Edward Nygma, in turn completely separating himself from any normalcy he once had. The Riddler uses a vast array of computer and electronic gizmos in his arsenal, but is best known for the lethal use of his "?" cane. It is his trademark. When his plans are ultimately foiled by Batman, The Riddler's hatred turns to an obsession to outwit and ultimately destroy Batman. His hatred is fueled by the surprising intellect Batman posses, which leads to his solving of Edward's riddles. His twisted mind is only concerned with creating the ultimate riddle related crime, which Batman can never solve.
Michael C. Hall
If you've seen his performance on the hit HBO Series
Dexter you would understand why he's perfect for the role. Hall is definitely one of my favourite television actors. His performance on Dexter is so addicting!
TWO FACE | JOSH BROLIN
Harvey Dent
Once Gotham City's distinguished District Attorney, Harvey Dent was known as a true guardian of law and order. On the cusp of apprehending mob boss Rupert Thorne, Thorne learned of Dent's other side and knew if it was exploited it could ruin Dent's career. When a fight ensued between Dent and Thorne's men, a freak explosion destroyed the left side of Dent's body. The trauma was powerful enough to force his alternate personality to dominate, and left Harvey in a state where right and wrong no longer held any meaning.
He becomes Two Face. He feels as though this is the way he was meant to be, living in a world of chaos, without the order and justice he once upheld and believed in. His world revolves around chance, more importantly the flip of his coin. It is no ordinary coin as it is double sided, clean on one side, and covered by scars on the other. Every decision Two Face makes falls on the flip of his coin. It is judge, jury and executioner. When the "Good Heads" turns up Harvey is in control. When it's "Bad Heads" however Two Face shines and becomes more dominant than Harvey can ever be. Yet there always seems to be a piece of Harvey which is strong enough to linger within the mind of Two Face when he is committing his ungodly acts. However, Two Face is the dominant personality.
Josh Brolin
Now I know the last time Brolin had his face horribly scarred didn't turn out too well for him i.e
Jonah Hex but that really wasn't his fault. Josh is a phenomenal actor. Don't believe me? Just check out his performances in
No Country For Old Men and
True Grit.
POISON IVY | ISLA FISHER
Pamela Isley
Pamela Lillian Isley was a well-known and highly successful botanist. After learning she has a hyperactive immune system that causes her body reject any infection, poison, or outside contamination, she dons the guise of "Poison Ivy" and begins a career of crime. Those who spurn or commit acts that harm plant life or the environment become the object of the evil affections of Poison Ivy. She is evil yet can be incredibly seductive in luring men to do her bidding. Her crimes are often targeted toward wealthy men. She is known to use poison perfumes and lipstick as well as plant creatures of her own design.
The animated series introduces Poison Ivy as a botanist who works for a cosmetics company developing new fragrances. When she sees then DA Harvey Dent destroy an endangered plant during the ground-breaking ceremony for Stone Gate Prison, he becomes the first object of her evil affections. After almost killing Dent with her poisonous lipstick, she is apprehended by Batman. This incident with Dent causes a great rift between Ivy and Two Face, who has a great animosity toward her. She is known to have an occasional partnership/friendship with Harley Quinn. She is not liked by the various members of the rogues gallery, but is greatly respected
Isla Fisher
She has got be the one of the hottest redhead actresses in Hollywood! Loved her in
Wedding Crashers and would love to see her tackle a more serious role. What better than Poison Ivy? She's certainly got the look for it!
RA'S AL GHUL | JASON ISAACS
Ra's Al Ghul
Ra's Al Ghul is the single most mysterious and cunning of Batman's foes. He does not associate with the criminally insane group of the rogues gallery. Ra's Al Ghul is a criminal like no other. No one knows exactly when he was born, but he claims to have been alive for over 600 years. His name translated means "The Demon's Head."
Ra's heads a worldwide criminal organization, whose mission is to purify a polluted planet, and restore nature to the dominion abridged by the human race, ultimately creating a better world where he would rule. He will use whatever means and force necessary to achieve his twisted vision of a new utopian society. Ra's is always accompanied by his faithful bodyguard, Ubu. His madness originates in the unique power source which maintains his body's appearance, The Lazarus Pit. It is a substance of unknown elements which replenishes the body, like a fountain of youth. The side affects however are spells of sheer madness. Being addicted to this substance for so long has dried any bit of morals and values for Ra's Al Ghul. He views himself as above any preset laws which are governed by mankind. He has many followers, and heads a cult like organization filled with men who will do his bidding. He is extremely dangerous and cunning.
His interest in Batman arose when he felt the Lazarus Pits affect was dwindling. Ra's feels he needs a male to be his successor. Since his only offspring is his daughter Talia, he has to choose a male to marry her that is worthy of becoming ruler of his vast empire. Ra's proves his resourcefulness to Batman by meeting the "Detective" as he calls him, in his own Batcave confirming that he knows his secret. Upon implementing many tests to prove whether Batman was worthy of becoming his successor, Ra's knew immediately he had found the one. But Batman refused numerous times, and thus Ra's believes that since he will not be with him, they must be against each other, as enemies. He is highly sophisticated and can be quite hypnotic. Ra's has returned many times after Batman thinks has foe had perished.
Jason Isaacs
Isaacs is most well known for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the
Harry Potter Saga. He's really good at playing bad guys and would be great as Ra's!
CATWOMAN | CHARLIZE THERON
Selina Kyle
Selina Kyle has always had a thing for cats. She is a sophisticated, yet vengeful woman who is both as beautiful as she is deadly. Selina Kyle is a strong animal rights activist. However, as Catwoman she often takes matters into her own hands. This brings her into conflict with Batman. Catwoman has a somewhat different relationship with Batman than the rest of his rogues gallery. She is attracted to Batman and he shares that attraction in return. However, the law separates the two from anything more. It should be noted that while Catwoman and Batman have had their encounters, so have Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne.
Charlize Theron
I was slightly disappointed when Anne Hathaway got the role of Catwoman over the likes of Charlize Theron. She was great in
Æon Flux as a mysterious assassin and would be able to bring a very similar aspect to the role of Catwoman.
THE PENGUIN | TIMOTHY SPALL
Oswald Cobblepot
Born with a short, wobbly body and a bird like nose, Oswald Cobblepot's appearance made him an outcast in his rich, debutante family. Their rejection drove him to become violent criminal. In keeping with his family's tradition of wealth, the Penguin lives a life of crime and evil, yet executes it with his own self proclaimed high society class and style. He commits crimes with the theme of the various birds he loves. Unlike most of the "Rogues Gallery," The Penguin is in control of his own actions and perfectly sane, creating a unique relationship with his arch enemy Batman. The Penguin's trademark are the various deadly umbrellas he uses to execute his evil plans.
Timothy Spall
Another actor from the
Harry Potter Saga, Spall has been great as Peter Pettigrew and with the picture above it's not hard to imagine him as Oswald Cobblepot.
THE SCARECROW | CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON
Dr. Jonathan Crane
Jonathan Crane was interested in the study of human fears and phobias ever since he was a child. Nicknamed the "Scarecrow" as a teenager, Crane was bullied and chastised for his scrawny appearance. The boys would call him Icabod Crane, for his resemblance to the fictional character. Crane loved the character, except when he came upon the part when Icabod is disgraced by his nemesis. He was outraged by the fear that overwhelmed Icabod and swore to never expose his fears to a bully.
Crane was a Professor of Psychology at Gotham State University until his experiments in fear became too dangerous. He lost his job due to his obsession with inspiring terror in his patients and students. Crane turned to a life of evil and used various drugs, chemicals, devices, and his expertise in psychology to terrify whomever crossed his path. He took the name "Scarecrow" which the bullies gave him as a boy, and would use it to become one of the most feared criminals in Gotham.
The Scarecrow has been known to pollute Gotham's water supply with his fear toxins, infect professional athletes with his chemicals, then bet against their teams for the money to fund his evil experiments. He even had one of his henchmen spray Batman with his toxin, in the hope of driving him mad with fear. A sick and twisted man, his ultimate goal of crippling Gotham State University was foiled by Batman. He was sentenced to Arkham Asylum where he became even more dangerous by gaining criminal contacts with the likes the Mad Hatter, who also shares a sick interest in various types of mind control. These contacts would aid him in his quest to bring Gotham and Batman to it's knees with fear.
Christopher Eccleston
Eccleston was apparently in talks for the role of Scarecrow in
Batman Begins. I for one think he would of been great in the role! Don't get me wrong, Cillian Murphy was amazing. But if it's isn't Cillian, Eccleston is definitely the way to go. He has Scarecrow written all over him!
THE MAD HATTER | JUDE LAW
Jervis Tetch
A technical and electronic genius, Jervis Tetch experimented with animals using mind controlling microchips stored within hats to stimulate brain waves. A love for the Mad Hatter character in Alice in Wonderland mixed with an infatuation for his secretary Alice caused Jervis to become an odd and bitter man. Donning the guise of The Mad Hatter, he tries to win Alice's affection by attempting to make her believe he is suave and debonair. Unfortunately she spurns his affections. Her rejection enrages Tetch, so he uses his mind controlling microchip's to force Alice to do his bidding. After being captured by Batman, Tetch blames him for ruining his chance of having Alice and swears revenge against the Dark Knight.
Tetch is a delusional psychotic who will use any methods to get what he wants. This madman uses his knowledge of computers and technology to satisfy his criminal desires. His mind controlling chip induces his victims into a trance which either extracts information from their minds or makes them highly subjective to doing his bidding. This chip can also tap into an unused potential of the mind which can increase the subjects strength and stamina, turning them into the ultimate henchmen for Tetch. He is a prominent member of the rogues gallery who occasionally conspires with the others to destroy Batman and Robin.
Jude Law
A talented actor for a slightly lame villain. I believe Law could do something really interesting and unique in the role. He was great alongside Robert Downey Jr. in
Sherlock Holmes and is set to reprise the role of Watson in the Sequel.
CLAYFACE | DOMINIC WEST
Matt Hagen
Matt Hagen was a well-known movie actor. Badly disfigured in an automobile accident, he was rushed to the Gotham burn clinic. At the clinic Hagen was approached by Roland Daggett, a crooked businessman looking for test subjects for his "miracle product" RenuYou. Daggett promised the product could restore Hagen's features within minutes as compared to the years of plastic surgery he would have to endure. The only problem was that this drug was not FDA approved and highly addictive. In exchange for the product, Daggett forced Hagen to commit crimes. When Hagen finally refused to do any more of Daggett's dirty work, the supply of RenuYou was cut off. Crazed for the drug, Hagan broke into the RenuYou plant where he Daggett's henchmen poured gallons of the untested toxic chemical down Hagen's throat.
Instead of dying from an overdose, the chemical soaked every cell in Hagen's body, transforming him into a hideous man of clay. An enraged Hagen vowed to destroy Roland Daggett. What Hagen did not realize was that his new cellular structure allowed him to change his shape and appearance. He could form anything he wanted just by thinking it. As a living shapeshifter, he became the evil Clayface. As one of Batman's most bizarre and difficult criminals to handle, it takes great measures to apprehend Clayface. When caught, he was deemed insane and a special suit was designed to hold him in Arkham Asylum (Although he was believed to have died in the episode "Mudslide").
Dominic West
If you've seen the show, you'll know that Dominic West looks exactly like Matt Hagen, he's dead-on for the role. Although a lot of CGI would be used, he would absolutely own as Matt Hagen.
BANE | KEVIN DURAND
Bane
Shrouded in mystery, Bane appeared in Gotham City assigned to eliminate Batman for crime boss Rupert Thorne. Besides being a man of great physical size and power, Bane's strength is augmented by "Venom," a Super Steroid that increases his strength, physical size and durability for limited periods of time. It should be noted that Bane's strength is matched by his intelligence and cunning. He prefers to manipulate his target until they are most vulnerable, and then strike. After a short confrontation, Batman defeated Bane.
Kevin Durand
While I'm happy with Hardy's casting as Bane in
The Dark Knight Rises as he truly is an amazing actor he just to me, is too short for it. While Durand on the other hand stands at a solid 6' 6''. Just imagine if he tried to buffen up.. even more? He would be epic as Bane!
KILLER CROC | KEVIN GREVIOUX
Waylon Jones
Born in the slums within the everglades of Florida, Waylon Jones had a rare condition that gave him reptilian-like skin. Viewed as an outcast, he became a thief and was placed in a juvenile hall. In juvenile hall, Jones killed an inmate with his bare hands who made fun of his appearance and was sentenced to jail. Paroled after 18 years, he found work as a professional wrestler and took the name "Killer Croc." He stole the wrestling promoter's money, escaped to Gotham City and became a master thief, extortionist, and murderer. Although primitive and no genius, Croc is one of Batman's strongest enemies. After numerous arrests, Croc is deemed insane and sentenced to the violently disturbed ward within Arkham Asylum.
Kevin Grevioux
Ya huh, bit of a common choice around here but Grevioux really is perfect for the role. Everything from his build to his voice. Especially his voice! He's been great in the
Underworld movies.
THE MANBAT | DOUG JONES
Kirk Langstrom
Scientist Kirk Langstrom worked as a Zoologist at the Gotham City Zoo, experimenting with bat mutigene to create a serum to replicate the creatures' long life. After testing the serum on himself, Langstrom became the vicious ManBat. Though Batman eventually cured Langstrom, his obsession with the power of the ManBat compelled him to take the serum again and again. Francine, Langstrom's wife and colleague, was accidentally cut by a sliver of glass from a vial which contained the bat mutigene and also became a ManBat at one point.
Doug Jones
The guys known for appearing frequently in films with heavy costume make-up i.e in
Hellboy, and The ManBat would need A LOT of costume make-up! That aside, Jones is a really great actor who even resembles Kirk Langstrom quite a bit.
THE VENTRILOQUIST | ROBIN WILLIAMS
Arnold Wesker
Arnold Wesker looks like a quiet, peaceful, mild mannered older man, but in the company of his other personality, ScarFace, he is a vicious ruthless criminal. As a schizophrenic, ScarFace is a dummy who is made to look like a mafia type boss with a scar on his right cheek. ScarFace is the dominant personality, with the Ventriloquist only able to emerge briefly, until ScarFace demeans his alter ego. Upon meeting with Batman, the Ventriloquist/ScarFace is housed in Arkham Asylum. Through therapy Arnold has tried to rid his mind of Scarface, going so far as to take up a less dangerous puppet in "Socko." Somehow, Scarface breaks through the Ventriloquist's mind and forces Arnold to do his bidding.
Robin Williams
Although there's been a lot of rumours about him appearing in the
The Dark Knight Rises as Hugo Strange I think he'd do a much better job as Arnold Wesker, The Ventriloquist. Williams would really be able to make Wesker a serious character as he's very talented in comedy and drama.
HARVEY BULLOCK | RAY WINSTONE
Det. Harvey Bullock
Bullock is a long time detective on the Gotham Police Force. Fat, unshaven, poorly dressed, and always chewing on an old toothpick, Bullock is hardly the poster boy for a good cop. He's always thought to be on the take because of his questionable methods, yet Bullock is one of Gotham's finest. He enforces the law his own way, often being pulled off cases or suspended for his actions. Bullock has his own methods and style, but he stands by and believes in the law. Often accusing Batman of working on the wrong side of the law, Bullock has been against the idea of Batman since he first appeared in Gotham. Strangely enough, there have been occasions when Bullock and Batman have worked together, and even times when Bullock has called upon Batman personally for assistance. Bullock is certainly one of the most interesting characters in Gotham City.
Ray Winstone
I've only really seen him in
King Arthur but even just his whole attitude in that makes me think he could make a really decent Detective Harvey Bullock.
RENEE MONTOYA | ELIZA DUSHKU
Officer Renee Montoya
One of the most respected officers on the police force, Montoya remains one of Batman's links to the Gotham City Police Department. Much to her dismay, she is partnered with Bullock often. Fearless and tough minded, Montoya doesn't back down from anyone, whether it be a lowly street thug or a Super Criminal like Harley Quinn or Poison Ivy.
Eliza Dushku
Not only is she ridiculously hot, she a great actress too. It also doesn't hurt she looks a whole lot like Montoya. Can't think of anyone better for the role.
CLOCK KING | JEREMY IRONS
Temple Fugate
Temple Fugate was a mild mannered legal clerk who worked in Gotham's District Court office. He served as the right hand man of then Supreme Court Judge Hamilton Hill. Fugate was an odd, lonely man who was obsessed with time and with being punctual. His every waking moment was pre-planned, on a "to do" list broken down into nano-seconds. When urged by his boss Judge Hill to take a coffee break, Fugate initially refused, as he did not want to ruin his schedule. After insistence by Hill, Fugate took the coffee break. Upon returning, Fugate was reprimanded by Hill as he could not find important documents, and Hill abruptly fired him. Fugate's already anal retentive personality swore revenge on Hill, and he becomes the Clock King. Using his keen knowledge of the element of time, he turns to a life of crime and revenge.
Jeremy Irons
I honestly don't think any other actor could make this character work. When I think of Irons in this role I very much think of his performance in
Die Hard: With a Vengeance. C'mon, he fits the role too a tee!
TALIA GHUL | RHONA MITRA
Talia Ghul
Daughter of Ra's Al Ghul, it can be truly said that Talia is as mysterious as her father. Talia has devoted her life to aiding her fathers crusade to purify the planet. She finds herself completely in love with Batman, and unlike Batman's other admirers, she cares for him both he and Bruce Wayne. This poses a great dilemma to Talia, as Batman defies everything Ra's Al Ghul stands for, and has sworn to fight his global terrorism. Part of Talia's lack of loyalty toward her father can be attributed to the fact that he admittedly does not treat her with the same respect that he would if he had a son. To Ra's Al Ghul only a son is worthy of succeeding him and leading his organization. With all that aside Talia still finds herself drawn to her father, and many times has betrayed her beloved Batman in order to aid her father.
Rhona Mitra
She's a popular choice for Elektra in the untitled
Daredevil Reboot which makes me think it wouldn't be stretch to imagine her as Talia either. She handles action really well as shown in
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans and also strongly resembles Talia Ghul.
LOCK UP | GERARD BUTLER
Lyle Bolton
When Arkham Asylum was in dire need of a new Head of Security, Bruce Wayne felt Lyle Bolton, a security expert at Wayne Enterprises, was the perfect man for the job. What Bruce and the doctors at Arkham did not know was that Bolton pushed the boundaries of the law and used unnecessary means to keep his prisoners in line. So malicious that the Scarecrow, the "Master of Fear" himself, escaped Arkham just to get away from the vicious security guard. After an inquiry is ordered to address Bolton's behavior, his true colors are shown. He breaks out in a violent rage and is abruptly fired. Bolton blames the bureaucrats, doctors and media for protecting the villains of Gotham City from true justice and vows to instill his own law and order upon them. He becomes Lock Up, and uses his vast knowledge of security, crime, and punishment to instill his "justice" upon those who do him wrong.
Gerard Butler
A hard character to cast, I decided to go with Butler because we all know he can kick ass as shown in
300 and it would be very cool to see Karl and Gerard go at it.
HUGO STRANGE | ROBERT KNEPPER
Hugo Strange
Hugo Strange is a psychiatrist running a rest hospital that he uses to blackmail Gotham's elite with secrets he finds out with a machine that reads minds. Bruce Wayne goes to the hospital and undergoes the "treatment," which allows Strange to discover his secret identity. He auctions off this information to a trio of Gotham's top crime bosses: the Joker, Two-Face, and the Penguin. Two-Face had personally known Bruce Wayne ever since childhood, and later accuses Strange of fraud when Batman switches the tape with one he had created that portrayed Strange as fabricating the secret identity. Strange tries to save his skin by simply telling the villains that Bruce Wayne is Batman, but they simply scoffed at the idea, thinking he was lying. Two-Face comments that if Bruce Wayne was Batman, he was the King of England. The trio then tries to kill him by throwing him out of an airplane. Batman saves him at the last minute however, and had Robin show up at the crime scene disguised as Bruce Wayne to discredit Strange's claims of knowing the Dark Knight's secret identity. Hugo Strange is then taken into police custody
Robert Knepper
Awesome actor, loved him in both
Prison Break and
Heroes. He fits the Animated Series Hugo Strange really well. There's just something about the look of him. Not only is it evil it's somewhat.. Strange (pun intended).
RUPERT THORNE | BRIAN COX
Rupert Thorne
he was indirectly responsible for district attorney Harvey Dent's transformation into the arch-criminal Two-Face. Thorne blackmails Dent with his psychological records, threatening to tell the press that the young DA suffers from multiple personality disorder unless he stops prosecuting his henchmen. Enraged, Dent "switches" into his alternate, violent personality and chases Thorne into a nearby chemical processing plant, where an explosion permanently disfigures half of Dent's face and leaves his evil personality in permanent control. Dent, now calling himself "Two-Face", later seeks revenge on Thorne, and with the help of a reluctant Batman, succeeds in capturing him, although both Thorne and Two-Face are sent to prison, as Two-Face was just barely stopped from killing Thorne.
Brian Cox
Now Cox has got be one of my favourite actors. From
The Bourne Trilogy to
Troy he's just an all round great actor. Can you honestly think of anyone better for Thorne? His performance in
Bourne is what got me.
SEWER KING | STEVE COOGAN
Sewer King
A man shunned by society and stricken with poverty, the crazed Sewer King decided to live in the sewer. His real name unknown, he was quickly able to adapt to sewer life and actually train alligators as his pets. He also kidnapped orphans, making them work for him in the cold dark sewer, and struck them with silence and abuse, marking his territory in the sewers with spray-painted signs warning: "Beware The Sewer King". Batman soon encountered some of Sewer King's orphans, who had been committing petty crimes. He saved one and soon learned that the boy belonged to a gang of forgotten runaways who lived deep within the Gotham sewer system. He also learned that the Sewer King forced the children to steal food and supplies for him. Batman marched upon his underground society and was able to free the orphans, destroy his evil society, and help the orphans find good homes. The Sewer King was taken to jail, and his pets were taken off to the zoo. The Sewer King waited patiently for his pets to free him from prison.
Steve Coogan
Lame character played by Steve Coogan? It just works on so many levels!
RED CLAW | MILLA JOVOVICH
Red Claw
Red Claw's true identity and past are unknown. Apparently hailing from Eastern Europe, she is the founder of an international terrorist organization. Both she and her operatives bear a red claw tattoo on their bodies, usually on the shoulder. Other than issuing threats and ransom demands against powerful countries, the Red Claw organization's agenda is unknown.
Red Claw first came to Gotham City shortly after Batman's first encounter with Catwoman. She and her agents stole a deadly plague virus as it was being transported via train. Prior to this encounter, Red Claw's gender was unknown to global law enforcement. When a wealthy businessman stealing land from local wildlife proved to be a Red Claw agent, Catwoman became involved in the conflict. Batman and Catwoman were forced to put aside their differences to stop Red Claw from releasing the plague and killing millions. Though they succeeded, Red Claw herself managed to escape.
Milla Jovovich
Jovovich just seems to fit Red Claw all too perfectly. Her role in the
Resident Evil films really validate my point.
EMILE DORIAN | DAMIEN LEWIS
Dr. Emile Dorian
Emile Dorian was a former geneticist in Gotham City where he was Kirk Langstrom's tutor. Upon creating the T-99 mutigen, Dorian turned to criminal activities. He was quickly found out and was forced to leave Gotham. He decided to move out to an inhabitant island, where he continued his experiments. He had managed to create Garth, a genetically-altered gorilla and later Tygrus, a half-man, half-tiger hybrid, with cunning and strength augmented attributes.
When Tygrus was feeling lonely, Dorian decided that he should find him a soul mate. He chose Selina Kyle (AKA Catwoman) as Tygrus' new mate and sent Garth to kidnap her. Garth took her to Dorian's island and Dorian subjected her to splicing. As a result, Catwoman was transformed into a half-woman, half-feline. However, Batman suspected Catwoman's appearance and tracked her to Dorian's island. Upon arriving, Batman learned of Selina's transformation and attempted to save her, but Dorian sent Tygrus to kill Batman. When Tygrus learned that Dorian had tricked him, he turned on him. When the laboratory exploded, Tygrus saved Dorian and delivered him to Batman and Catwoman. Dorian was later sent to Arkham Asylum.
Damien Lewis
Red hair? Check. Decent actor? Check. Why not?
ROXY ROCKET | HILARY SWANK
Roxanne Sutton
Roxanne Sutton, aka Roxy Rocket, started her career as a stunt woman, as she was always seeking "The Ultimate Thrill." When the risks of her occupation no longer were daring enough for her, she turns to a life of crime. She embarks to test the dangerous waters of the criminal underworld of Gotham City. To make it all the more fun, she seeks to test Batman, seeking a game of cat and mouse with the legendary "Dark Knight" to satisfy her craving for danger.
Roxy's next appeared in Knight Time, an episode of Superman: The Animated Series. In this next appearance, Roxy tries her luck in Metropolis, where she ends up tipping off Superman to the fact that Batman is conspicuously absent in Gotham. Unlike Batman (who can't fly), Superman picks Roxy off her rocket speeder with no effort at all. The episode eventually leads to a team-up between Robin and Superman.
Hilary Swank
I've been sitting on this cast for ages, and to tell you the truth Swank really isn't my top choice anymore. That being said I'd really love to see Jennifer Carpenter in the role. Swank however would still be decent.
ROBIN II | LOGAN LERMAN
Tim Drake
Tim Drake was little more than a toddler when attended the circus with his parents. In order to ease his wife's concerns that the circus might frighten Tim, Jack Drake asked to take a picture with the Flying Graysons, who were the starring act. It was here that Tim first met Dick Grayson, who offered Tim special attention, and even promised to dedicate his performance to the toddler. Soon after, Tim and his family bore witness to the murder of Dick's parents John and Mary, alongside Bruce Wayne. As his parents rushed him out of the circus tent, Tim managed to catch sight of the mysterious Batman consoling Dick. Feeling sorry for Dick, Jack and Janet sent him a copy of the photo they had taken prior to the murder.
A few years later at the age of nine, Tim saw footage of Batman and Robin apprehending the Penguin. Robin performed a quadruple somersault, a rare maneuver that only Dick Grayson and a few others could perform. After learning Grayson was the ward of Bruce Wayne, he came to the conclusion that Grayson was Robin and that of course Wayne was Batman. Tim continued to follow the adventures of the Dynamic Duo, as well as Grayson's becoming Nightwing and Jason Todd succeeding him as Robin. After Jason's death, Timothy began to take notice of a drastic and almost psychotic change in Batman's behavior, in which he became convinced that Batman needed a Robin to maintain his sanity.
Logan Lerman
A popular choice for Spider-Man, Lerman is a young actor with a bright future ahead. He's not the most amazing actor but he's certainly on his way there. Lerman would fit no Robin better than Tim Drake.
CALENDAR GIRL | CATHERINE ZETA-JONES
Paige Monroe
Paige Monroe is a former model and actress who's fame dwindled as she got older. Monroe's transformation into a villain and one of Batman's colorful opponents was out of vanity. After her modeling and acting career dried up and she vanished from public view, she could not find work. It was never clearly discussed what she did in the years after professional career ended. It can only be assumed that she spent that time plotting revenge, gathering resources and fostering a deep seated psychotic obsession with getting revenge on those people and companies/brand names who had turned their back on her when she turned 30.
She eventually re-emerged as Calendar Girl and proceeded to attack each of her former employers — Gotham Motors and Donna Days Fashion on the anniversary of her contract expiration. Each contract expired during a different season and she dressed in a themed costume for each occasion, with her attacks having a similar theme. Additionally, she hired and/or used attractive male henchmen. Calendar Girl was based out of an old nightclub she owned called Faces. Her plans for revenge were thwarted by Batman and his team. She is unmasked revealing that she was still beautiful. Batman points out that all she can see are her flaws.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Haven't seen her in much since
The Legend Of Zorro. She is however a very beautiful actress and very well suited to this role.
MAXIE ZEUS | VINCENT REGAN
Maximilian Zeus
He carries a metal rod appropriately in the shape of a thunderbolt, which he uses to electrocute his victims into unconsciousness. In his debut episode, "Fire From Olympus", after recovering from a serious financial crisis after turning to smuggling following a run of bad business, Maxie goes insane, develops a god complex, and starts to believe that he is the Greek god Zeus and his lawyer-girlfriend is the muse Clio. When Batman arrives at the top of his building, Maxie believes he is Hades, as "no mortal can reach 'Mount Olympus" without his permission, and even calls the caped crusader his "brother". Maxie steals a giant lightning gun which he uses on "pitiful mortals" who dare to oppose him, although on a couple of occasions he seems to revert to normal. When Clio tries to stop him, he has her gagged and bound to the barrel of the lightning gun by his henchmen, though she is saved by Batman before she can be killed. Maxie is eventually subdued by Batman with help from Clio. While being dragged through Arkham Asylum, he looks at the prisoners watching him and believes that he sees a Greek deity in their place: the Joker is Hermes the trickster god, Two-Face is the "double-faced" Janus (actually a Roman god), and Poison Ivy is the goddess Demeter. His last line is "Now at last, Mighty Zeus is home", indicating humorously that he is now where he belongs, in Arkham Asylum.
Vincent Regan
This guy needs to be in more stuff! Loved him in his small role in
Troy and even more as the Captain in
300. This guy just screams Maximilian Zeus!
PROFESSOR MILO | ADRIEN BRODY
Achilles Milo
Doctor Milo has his hands in just about every dirty deal in Gotham. Milo specializes in under world activities, and was a pivotal player in creating the plague which Roland Daggett attempted to release. He also ruined many people's lives, including an Olympic Gothamite. Milo created an untraceable steroid/wolf derivative for Anthony Romulus, which resulted in Romulus becoming an actual living werewolf.
Dr. Achilles Milo first appeared in the Batman: The Animated Series episode "Cat Scratch Fever" voiced by Treat Williams. He engineered a plague to infect Gotham's stray pet population for Roland Daggett. This plague also affected Catwoman when her cat Isis attacked her. When Batman stumbled onto this plot to look for the antidote, Milo unleashed an infected dog to attack Batman who got away with the antidote and managed to use some of it on the dog during mid-chase. Dr. Milo was later seen about to drive a truck that will distribute the antidotes. Roland Daggett tells Dr. Milo that he'd better make sure that dog did away with Batman cause if Batman evaded it, Roland instructs Dr. Milo to keep driving as far away from Gotham as the truck he's in will take him. Dr. Milo later reappeared in "Moon of the Wolf" where he was the one responsible for making an untraceable steroid/wolf hormone (when he got the Alaskan Timber Wolves from zookeeper John Hamner) derivative for an athlete named Anthony Romulus, which not only enhanced his athletic abilities, but also turned him into a living werewolf. When Anthony Romulus turned into a werewolf in the climax, Milo then realized too late that he had unleashed a monster he could not control. Milo (who was really a coward at heart) screamed at Romulus that would give him whatever he wanted, but Romulus lost his human reasoning during the transformation and beat up Milo mercilessly like the animal he was transforming into. Dr. Milo was knocked out by Anthony. He was later seen being loaded into the ambulance. When he states that they can't convict him of anything, Commissioner Gordon quotes, "Don't bet on it."
Adrien Brody
A really, really talented and versatile actor. He was very impressive in
The Pianist as well as his unexpected turn in
Predators. But what really got me was his nose. It's perfect!
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