James Gunn Reveals Batman Actor Shortlist for DCU
In a recent interview with The Ringer-Verse, James Gunn, head of the DC Universe (DCU), dropped some bombshell news about his plans to cast the iconic superhero Batman. According to Gunn, he has already identified several actors who are at the top of his list, including one "pretty big star" who is eager to take on the role.
Gunn's comments sparked a flurry of speculation among fans and industry insiders, with many wondering who might be in contention for the coveted part. While Gunn remained tight-lipped about specific details, he did confirm that Robert Pattinson, who played Batman in Matt Reeves' Elseworlds project, is not being considered for the role.
"We've talked to a lot of people, but I don't think it's going to be one of those guys," Gunn said, hinting at the possibility of a surprise casting choice. "I have guys I like, and we'll see what happens."
Industry insiders point out that Gunn's approach is a departure from his Marvel counterparts, who often kept their casting decisions under wraps until the last minute. By being more open about his process, Gunn may be trying to build excitement and anticipation for the DCU's upcoming projects.
The DCU has been making waves in recent months with its ambitious plans to reboot the franchise and create a shared universe of interconnected stories. With Gunn at the helm, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the DCU saga.
As for who might be on Gunn's shortlist, rumors have been circulating about several actors, including Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, and Armie Hammer. While none of these actors have confirmed their involvement, they all have the action hero credentials to bring Batman to life on screen.
The DCU is set to release its first film, "Superman: Legacy," in 2025, followed by a series of other projects that will lay the groundwork for the shared universe. With Gunn's casting decisions still under wraps, fans can only speculate about who might be donning the cape and cowl next.
In the meantime, one thing is clear: James Gunn is committed to bringing a fresh take to the DCU, and his willingness to share his process with fans has generated a lot of buzz around the franchise. As the DCU continues to evolve, one question remains on everyone's mind: who will be the next Batman?
*Reporting by Forbes.*