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actors that should play batman, considered, after ben afleck

5 Actors Who Should Totally Play Batman Next

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Actors That Should Take Over As the Batman

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Steven Yeun

Batman

Steven Yeun may not have even crossed your mind when thinking who should play the Batman. Which, is one reason why he is a perfect fit for the role. A lot of times when speculating who should fill these blockbuster parts it’s easy to cast the part with a big name that everyone is familiar with. That familiarity can sometimes be to the detriment of the character. You want to see Bruce Wayne on screen and it can be hard to suspend disbelief when you see Ben Affleck portraying Batman rather than just seeing Batman (nothing against Ben Affleck).

One of the most important things to consider when determining who should dawn the cowl of the caped crusader is who would make a great Bruce Wayne. After all, Batman’s secret identity is such a major part of who the hero is.

It is Bruce that must make all of the moral choices and Bruce who hides behind the millionaire playboy facade to do all of Batman’s detective work. Steven Yeun would make an excellent Bruce. He has that perfect charismatic humor that makes him feel innocent, which would only serve to make him more deadly when he strikes.

While Steven Yeun hasn’t had the biggest Hollywood career he has more than proven himself as one of the fan-favorites with his breakout role on The Walking Dead. Where his character Glenn proved that even if he wasn’t the biggest of the group he was willing to lead and put himself in danger for the greater good.

Steven Yeun embodies the spirit of the Batman and the charisma of Bruce. Which is why he should most certainly be on Warner Bros. radar.

Actors That Should Take Over As the Batman

Nicholas Holt

Nicholas Holt has proven that he has some of the most range of any young actor in Hollywood today. He portrayed a humorous yet lifeless role in Warm Bodies, he became a psycho businessman with a thirst for blood in Kill Your Friends, he took that craziness to another level as Nux in Mad Max: Fury Road, and yet he still manages to be one of the most charming and likable characters in the X-Men franchise.

So while he might not initially look like Batman his acting skills would do more than enough to convince you otherwise. Nicholas Holt has the ability to be whoever and whatever he wants to be in a role. For a character like Batman that essentially has two identities, this is perfect. The millionaire playboy by day and the dark brooding hero of the shadows by night.

There are few who could embody both characters with enough subtlety to make each one unique, but Nicholas Holt has proven time and time again that he can transform himself into any role.

Actors That Should Take Over As the Batman

Robert Pattinson

While he may be known for the sparkling teen vampire that everyone loves to hate, Robert Pattinson is an incredible actor. With a massive portfolio of indie films and blockbusters under his belt, he has portrayed a wide range of roles.

Much like the aforementioned Nicholas Holt, he has proven to be somewhat transformative. If you’ve ever seen the 2017 film Good Time then you know that he can become another person in front of the camera.

One thing Robert Pattinson has that many actors don’t is the sense of regal personality. Looking at him you could believe that he is the heir to an entrepreneurial kingdom like Wayne Tech Enterprises. He has the appearance of the playboy millionaire and the attitude to match. He is charming and it is easy to picture him has Bruce Wayne.

When it comes to Batman Robert Pattinson would make for a more traditional take on the character. You could see him in that dark setting and fitting right in.

Actors That Should Take Over As the Batman

Mahershala Ali

This one is a little different than the other choices on the list. That’s because he is a bit older than many of the other actors mentioned so far. It is unclear that WB would go with that direction given that they just tried to make an older Batman with Affleck. But if they chose to give an older Bruce Wayne another shot Mahershala Ali would be the perfect casting.

Every movie that Mahershaliu Ali is in has seen his character demanding the audience’s attention. The man even took home an Oscar for best supporting actor in Moonlight. A film which he had less than 20 minutes of screen time in.

That alone shows the lasting power of his presence. Out of all of the heroes that make up the Justice League, Batman is the one who needs that sort of presence. Even if he isn’t the leader he needs to be able to demand attention through intimidation and respect.

Mahershala Ali is more than capable of bringing that level of respect to the character. He has the ability to be the compassionate Bruce that you know wants what is best for the people, but you wouldn’t dare cross him. He could be the wild card that Warner Bros. needs to save the DC Cinematic Universe.

Actors That Should Take Over As the Batman

Wyatt Russell

Mostly known for his supporting characters Wyatt Russell hasn’t really had a breakthrough in Hollywood yet. But that doesn’t mean he should go overlooked. While many of his performances to date have been fairly comedic his breakout role in last years action/horror Overlord, proved that he does have the chops to be an action star.

One of the biggest complaints The DC Cinematic Universe has had so far is that it lacks the humor and charm that has made Marvel’s filmography so successful. Wyatt Russell excels in both action and comedy. That might just make him the perfect person to help lighten up that dark tone that the Batman franchise has kind of worn thin.

Wyatt Russell has some of the same advantages for him as Steven Yeun. That being that he is fairly unknown to the general audience. It is always easier for an actor to be accepted into a role when they aren’t carrying the weight of their past work on their shoulders.


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Nolan Mackey
A former freelance writer for Twinfinite, Nolan focused his time writing news on all of the biggest games coming to PC and consoles. When he wasn't writing, he was busy fine-tuning his Hearthstone deck or watching the latest goings-on in the esports scene.