Recently, knowledge of a list with potential names for the casting of Batman surfaced to the public. Since the sequel to Man Of Steel is going into production soon, along with the teaser logo for the movie, Warner Bros. has finally started looking for their next Caped Crusader. However, it was also reported that they want to steer towards an older Bruce Wayne, rather than a younger version, such as the one in the Nolan films. Obviously Clint Eastwood and Kevin Conroy are out of the question because they have to rock, paper, scissors for a role as old Bruce in a Batman Beyond movie. (One can hope, right?) However, I felt that the list was lacking in…well, potential.
Arkham City Character Bio: Bruce Wayne/Batman
Real Name: Bruce Wayne
Occupation: CEO/Philanthropist
Based In:Gothan City
Eye Color:Blue
Hair Color: Black
Height: 6 ft. 2 in
Weight: 210 lb
First Appeared: Detective Comics No. 27 ( May 1939 )
No disrespect to the actor’s, but I felt that there should have been a few names added to it, or replaced. Needless to say, a few of them did make my list for what I am presenting to you right now. They want an older Batman, a darker persona, a playboy, and an experienced fighter. These five actors are exactly the people that can bring most, if not all, of the criteria.
5. Jon Hamm
Height: 6’ 2”
Age: 42
Eyes: Green
Hair: Black
Weight: 200 lbs.
Why: Jon Hamm is a fan favorite for Bat’s. He stars in the Emmy winning series, Mad Men. He has also done work in film, such as The A-Team, Bridesmaids, The Town, and Sucker Punch. Not only can this man act, but he also has the age, look, and height of Bruce Wayne. He also could easily nail the playboy aspect, as he does play a promiscuous business man in Mad Men. He is also an avid tennis player and golfer, so he is no stranger to physical health. Now the only reason I mention this is because, although I don’t believe it should be an important thing to consider, his weight/physicality being close to the character definitely helps affirm his place as a top contender. All in all, if he were cast, I would have no complaints.
4. Anson Mount
Height: 6’ 1”
Age: 40
Eyes: Green
Hair: Black
Weight (Estimate): 190 lbs.
Why: First off, the man is pretty well off in terms of physicality and looks, so I’m sure he wouldn’t be a bad choice for the female audience. He isn’t as old as some candidates that were on Warner Bros. list, but he is old enough to play a more experienced and rugged Batman. Plus, as seen in Hell On Wheels, he can play an intimidating antihero, who happens to have a pinch of badass to him. Besides Hell On Wheels, he has also proven his acting abilities in films like Safe and Straw Dogs, while also appearing on Smallville. He also has good looks and his age would allow him to be in multiple films without getting too old.
3. Ryan Gosling
Height: 6’ 1”
Age: Blue
Eyes: 32
Hair: Blonde
Weight: 180 lbs.
Why: Say what??? Possibly, one of the most surprising candidates that Warner Bros. really is looking at is this young and talented actor. He is the youngest on their list, as well as mine, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the ability. Famous for his numerous indie films, as well as more mainstream works like The Notebook, Drive, and Only God Forgives, he has proven he is one of the best actor’s in Hollywood right now, while also showing a distinct devotion to any role he takes. For Only God Forgives, he actually studied Muay Thai for the role and he even gained 60 pounds for a role, only to get replaced for being too fat. However, he has proven that he can tap into the dark sides of characters, while also being intimidating, stylish, charming, and tough. Also, I wouldn’t mind seeing a blonde Bruce Wayne again, especially if he’s the one doing it.
2. Joe Manganiello
Height: 6’ 5”
Age: 36
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark Brown
Weight: 220 lbs.
Why: Joe is one of the top contenders for Warner Bros., reportedly, and for good reason. He stars on HBO’s True Blood, and has a variety of work in genres. There isn’t really a question of his acting, but more of his height, which would somewhat tower over potential co-star, Henry Cavil, who is 6’ 2”. However, would it really matter that much? I’ll leave that up for the executives to decide, but as far as looks and physique go, the man damn near has it down completely. He is muscular, fit, handsome, charming, and young enough to last multiple movies, but not too young to portray an older Bruce.
1. Jeffery Donovan
Height: 6’ 0”
Age: 40
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black
Weight: 183 lbs.
Why: This man is incredible. Not only is he a real life philanthropist, he is also a real and experienced martial artist. His literally, kick-ass resume consists of 20 years of martial arts, a black belt in karate, and experience in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He has also had over 6 years of Aikido training, which is actually a major plus for his case. Why is that? Well, some of you may recall that Dick Grayson’s fighting style is based off of Aikido, which would make it easy and more believable to introduce Dick Grayson in future installments, since Batman was the one who trained him. Also, he has the right age and look of Bruce, while also having the body. Now, you may have noticed that there is about a 20 pound difference between Donovan and Batman. However, he is incredibly lean and still 183 pounds, which, at his height and age, shows incredible strength, muscle mass, and fitness. Sure, he could bulk up a bit more, but that wouldn’t be a problem to an athlete like him. His acting credentials also include films like J. Edgar and Changeling, while he currently stars as Michael Weston in the hit TV series, Burn Notice. Anyone who has watched the show knows that Donovan can portray a tough and rugged hero, a dark and haunted soul, and a charming badass. He is everything that is Bruce Wayne/Batman and I believe he could give previous actors, including Bale, a run for their money.
So, what did you think? Do you agree with the list? Let me know in the comments below to discuss. Until next time, this is Hal Jordan signing off.