DCU Batman: My Top Picks For The Next Bruce Wayne

James Gunn's The Brave and The Bold seems to a while off (sadly), but there a lot of names swirling around the web about who could be stepping into the Bat Cave next.

So, I've put together my most worthy and logical choices. Some of these you may have seen, some may be new to you. Either way, these seem to be actors who would fit the Bruce Wayne/Batman role well. Let's get into it.

Brandon Sklenar

A hot topic at the moment, and it totally makes sense.

Brandon Sklenar's name as popped up in most fancasts for DCU's next Dark Knight. His profile really has rocketed over the last few years. Being a part of the Yellowstone dynasty. Popping up in movies like Drop and The Housemaid. He's got the physique, the voice, the acting chops. No link to many major franchise as of yet. It all makes him a brilliant casting choice.

What's more is he would really match the comic look of the character. Much like David Corenswet's Clark Kent/Superman, he literally looks like the character ripped from the comic books. It's maybe a bit of a reach, but hey, everyone was shouting for Corenswet to be the new Superman and it became a reality. Maybe lightning can strike twice.

Jensen Ackles

He's been there. He's done that. But why not again?

Ackles has been a big part of superhero projects before. He had a part in the Superman origin serious, Smallville. He is a part of The Boys. He's actually played Batman before; he voiced the character in a few different animated movies, even voicing Jason Todd/Red Hood at one point.

So, could there be a chance of him leaping into live-action with the role?

As with most of my choices, he is a bit older than Gunn is probably wanting (he'll want these actors in these roles for a while - younger means better longevity). Having said that, a good casting is a good casting.

He's got handsome look and he's also proven he can do the Batman voice thanks to playing Soldier Boy in The Boys. It's a win-win.

Alan Ritchson

Another DC veteran who could give us an interesting take on the Caped Crusader.

Ritchson seems to be busier than ever nowadays after his Amazon Prime show, Reacher, boosted his star power. But he did dive into the DC world over 20 years ago, playing Arthur Curry/Aquaman in Smallville throughout the show's 10 year reign.

Nowadays, people are campaigning for him to step into the coveted Batman role. Truth be told, I couldn't say he is my absolute top pick for the role. But, you can see why people would want his casting to be a reality.

He's got this huge, bulking physique that we saw a fraction of with Ben Affleck's incarnation, which is the character's biggest look to date in live-action. To have a big brawling Batman from Ritchson, which would actually match the silhouette of the character we glimpsed in the DCU's animated Creature Commandos show, would be a big hit for fans. It's further expanding on different builds/looks for the character and it's creating a distinctive look that sets him apart from Corenswet's Man of Steel.

Richard Madden

Taking the leap from Marvel to DC.

The last time we saw Madden in superhero mode was in the ill-fated Eternals where he played the plot twist villain of Ikaris. So, with that in mind, could we see him playing the next iteration of Bruce Wayne?

Madden definitely has the look. And, although he's tall, dark and handsome like Corenswet, there is still a distinctive difference in their looks. You could almost say Madden seems to have more of an edge to him, which would make him a perfect fit, wouldn't you say?

Ryan Gosling

A big name with little chance of happening, but hear me out.

Ryan Gosling has become a household name across Hollywood. He's made quite the name for himself across everything from rom-coms to serious dramas. One thing Gosling has never stepped his foot into is a major franchise. Well, he's actually the star of the next Star Wars movie, Star Wars: Starfighter, but that really is a first. Hopefully he enjoys the experience and would be up for it taking part in a superhero role?

Gosling's name has actually been dropped here and there for other Batman castings in the past which have obviously never come to pass, but this could work. Gosling's demeanour is generally quite serious and he does have the acting ability to do the role justice.

The only thing I feel is pushing against the possibility of this being a thing is Gunn's direction. I feel that for someone with such star power, he may feel it will take away from the actual character. For all we know, Gosling may not be interested in this type of role, but regardless it may be that Gunn doesn't want an actor who is too well known.

Want an idea of how he'd look as the billionare playboy? Take a quick look at his role in The Big Short. Probably the closest we'll get, at least for now.

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It is going to be some time before we see our next Batman appearing on screen, unless there is a surprise appearance queued for another upcoming project. But knowing Gunn, we'll know the moment we have our next Bruce Wayne confirmed and locked in with a contract.

The Brave and the Bold currently does not have a release date set.