Jensen Ackles is a popular choice to play the new Batman in James Gunn’s DC Universe, and I feel the actor has demonstrated throughout his career that he is the best man for the position. Ben Affleck played Batman as the principal iteration of the hero in the DCEU, the most recent cinematic universe. Affleck and the rest of the cast from 2017’s Justice League are supposedly set to appear in the new DC Universe. While I appreciated Affleck’s portrayal of Batman, I agree with the choice to change actors for the DCU.

After all, Affleck was not even meant to be the lead Batman in the DCEU anymore. Michael Keaton’s role as the Dark Knight in 2023’s The Flash was originally intended to replace Ben Affleck. Bruce Wayne, as played by Keaton, would have served as a mentor to younger heroes. While I’d like to see that interaction with Batman in live-action, I believe the 73-year-old Keaton is too old for that character in a film universe. The upcoming film “The Brave and the Bold” will feature a new Bruce Wayne, as Robert Pattinson’s Batman is not part of the DCU.

Jensen Ackles’ Past Roles Make Him Perfect For The DCU’s Batman

The Actor Has Experience Playing Dark Characters

I am certain that Jensen Ackles is the best candidate for the DCU’s Bruce Wayne. The actor is a strong contender to play the venerable DC superhero because of his wide range of roles. Live-action and animated films serve to create a vision of what Ackles’ Batman would look like over the course of the next ten years or more of the DCU’s slate of films. One of Ackles’ best-known roles as the Dark Knight is a wonderful illustration of what he was capable of.The actor, who played Dean Winchester, co-starred in 15 seasons of Supernatural.

“Dean’s life was shrouded by darkness, violence, and pain, all aspects common to Batman’s journey.”

Dean was a hunter. In Supernatural, the character – and his brother Sam — would frequently investigate unusual supernatural situations, including as murders, disappearances, demonic possessions, and much more, destroying whatever was causing the issues. Dean, like Bruce Wayne, chose a dark path in life following a catastrophic childhood tragedy. Dean’s mother was 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed by a demon when he was young. As an adult, Dean’s life was surrounded in darkness, violence, and pain, all of which are typical to Batman’s journey. Ackles did an excellent job of developing Dean into a well-rounded character that embodied both Bruce Wayne’s playboy demeanor and Batman’s seriousness and gloom.

Another major live-action role that makes a good case for Ackles’ Batman casting is his more recent turn as a “superhero” in The Boys. The superhero satire series is one of the most popular shows of the last few years, which is in large part due to The Boys‘ star-studded cast. Despite sharing scenes with fan favorites like Antony Starr’s Homelander and Karl Urban’s Butcher, Ackles’ Soldier Boy stole the show every time he was onscreen. The star displayed great s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s for superhero action sequences, as well as depth as an actor to make an evil character charismatic like few can.

I’m A Fan Of Ackles’ Animated Version Of Batman

The Star Brings A Lot Of Emotion And Nuance To The Dark Knight

While I think Ackles’ live-action roles are more than enough to show the actor’s range for such a major role in the DCU as Batman, his animated projects are an even better showcase of what he could bring to the role. The reason for that is Ackles has already succeeded in bringing Batman to life in a shared universe, as the actor voiced the Dark Knight in DC’s animated Tomorrowverse. That included two solo Batman movies — Batman: The Long Halloween Part One and Two — as well as appearances in Justice League films and more.

Aside from Batman, live-action films frequently undervalue the Dark Knight’s superb detective abilities. Fortunately, Ackles’ animated Batman movies focused entirely on it after a protracted inquiry that gave the actor the opportunity to portray Batman and Bruce Wayne in a variety of historic Gotham City roles. Ackles did a fantastic job portraying the complexity of Batman in both his solo movies and the team ensembles that followed in the Tomorrowverse. He also added a great deal of passion to his voice work, which further enhanced the character’s appeal. That kind of performance is what I want in the DCU.

Jensen Ackles Is Perfect For The DCU’s Batman Plans

An Older Bruce Wayne Makes Sense For The DCU

Though there aren’t many details on the DCU’s Batman reboot movie yet, what is known is plenty to get me excited. James Gunn’s DC Universe will feature several Bat-Family members in The Brave and the Bold, following the DCEU’s decision to forgo using the Bat-Family. Only the Damian Wayne version of Robin has been confirmed for the film thus far, though I hope that Nightwing will be revealed sooner rather than later. Bruce Wayne and Damian will first meet and develop a bond in the upcoming Batman reboot.

Damian Wayne is the fourth male Robin in DC Comics canon, which should mean that many other members of the Bat-Family will be active in the DCU. As such, having a Batman actor the same age as Superman star David Corenswet — 30 — would not be the best choice. At 46, Ackles is the perfect age to play a believable Bruce Wayne as the central figure of an expansive Bat-Family in live-action. I think a Batman in his 40s would be the most realistic choice with the team’s confirmation, and it would follow DC’s older Green Lantern search.

I’m Convinced Ackles Wants To Play Batman As Much As Fans Want Him To

The Supernatural Star Has Made His Wishes Clear

Finally, Ackles has shown a lot of interest in playing Batman in the DCU. The actor has previously dressed up as the character, donning a Batsuit for cosplay shots that gave fans a peek at what Ackles could look like as Batman in live-action. Ackles even nearly got the chance to play a live-action Batman. The actor almost appeared as Batman in Gotham Knights, but Ackles ultimately could not do it due to scheduling conflicts with another project. The information was revealed by Two-Face actor Misha Collins to Multiverse of Color, adding that Ackles “was pretty psyched about the prospect.”

Regarding his potential role as Batman in the DCU, Ackles stated, “I would love it.” Enroll me, please.” The actor also disclosed that his favorite superhero is Batman. The actor is a perfect fit to play the part in the DCU, in my opinion, because of Ackles’ remarks on Batman, his live-action parts, and his excellent performance voicing the character in several animated features. Although the casting process for the next Batman has not yet begun, Ackles’ notoriety and abilities ought to at least result in an audition for the part.