Jensen Ackles' casting as theDC Universeversion ofBatmanhas seen its chances increase after new updates on the state of the franchise and the Dark Knight’s role in it. TheDCU’s Chapter Onestarted with the animatedCreature Commandos, with James Gunn’sSupermanmovie set to continue it in a big way come July. However,there is still no set time for when Batman will arrive, even though the hero already has a movie set to debut, which is more than the other member of DC’s Trinity, Wonder Woman, has right now.
Batman’sThe Brave and the Boldmovieis currently set to be directed byThe Flash’s Andy Muschietti, though that could change after Gunn shows him the film’s script if he does not connect to the story DC is developing. With uncertainty surroundingBatman’s DCU future, a few actors have emerged as the fan-favorites for the role. That list has added a few names along the way, with stars likeReacher’s Alan Ritchson and1923’s Brandon Sklenar considered popular choices. However,Jensen Ackles has always been at the forefront of the conversation, and he has more of a chance now.
Robert Pattinson Will Not Be The DCU’s Batman
The Batman Franchise Is Still Moving Forward
Thelive-action Batman moviesfrom DC have faced a few delays and uncertainty over the past year.The Batmandirector Matt Reeves still has to deliver the script for Robert Pattinson’s sequel as the Dark Knight.The Batman - Part IIwas originally set to be released this year before being delayed to 2026, and then another time to its now July 26, 2025, release date. Due to the many delays and the lack of any discernible movement on the DCU’sThe Brave and the Bold,rumors started to fly around about how DC could be merging both franchises.
The DCU’s Superman Movie Legal Issues Aren’t The Only Copyright Problems DC Has Faced
James Gunn’s Superman movie faces a lawsuit that could block its release in certain countries, but that is not DC’s first time facing legal issues.
While James Gunn and Reeves have commented on the matter multiple times in the past, the definitive answer to the Batman situation came recently. At an event attended byScreenRantwhere Gunn and his DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran shared updates on the studio’s slate of projects, the executives were adamant about howRobert Pattinson would not play the DCU’s Batman.The plan continues to be for Reeves to develop hisThe Batmantrilogyand the rest of his Gotham City universe, which includes HBO’s award-winningThe Penguinseries, and will potentially add more shows.
Andy Serkis
Alfred Pennyworth
Gunn was blunt about Pattinson’s chances of becoming the DCU Batman, saying, “It’s certainly not the plan.” Safran added, commenting on how the duo loved Pattinson’s take on Bruce Wayne, but how it is imperative and the plan forThe Brave and the Boldto introduce a new Batman to the DCU. While Matt Reeves still has to turn in a script forThe Batman - Part II, the DC Studios co-CEOs have already read some of the story for the next film in the trilogy, and they say it is “very encouraging,” trusting Reeves' vision for Batman.
The Brave And The Bold’s Story Remains Unchanged Amid DCU Tweaks
The New Batman Franchise Is Shaping Up Nicely
At the DC event, Gunn and Safran revealed thatthe DCU has been having some issues with a few projectsduring the development phase.The Authorityis a movie that has been put on the backburner, with the TV showsWallerandBooster Goldalso facing problems. The concept and stories for certain projects have changed based on which characters DC Studios has been bringing to life inSuperman,Peacemaker, and more. However, despite not having a set release date, Batman’sThe Brave and the Boldmovie is one of the projects to remain unchanged.
Batman is unaware that he has a son at first in the movie, similar to how Damian’s origin plays out in the comics.
WhenThe Brave and the Boldwas announced, DC revealed thatthe focus of the movie would be on Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian. Gunn has said that he loves Batman, so he is working closely with the secret writer of his upcoming DCU movie to bring the Dark Knight to life. Batman is unaware that he has a son at first in the movie, similar to how Damian’s origin plays out in the comics. While many DCU movies and series have received tweaks since they were announced,The Brave and the Bold’s core story seems set in stone.
Jensen Ackles Is The Perfect Choice For An Older Batman
The DCU Is Bringing A Popular Team From The Comics To Life
WithThe Brave and the Bold’s story not changing and Robert Pattinson confirmed not to join Gunn’s DC Universe, Jensen Ackles' chances of playing the DCU’s Batman have gone up. The upcoming Batman movie is confirmed to feature other Bat-Family members from the comics other than Damian Wayne. Since the DCU’s version of Robin is only the fourth male one in the comics, this meansthe DCU could have a full-fledged Bat-Family. As such, casting an older Batman would make sense. At 46, Ackles would be believable as the leader of the Bat-Family.
Ackles has more than enough live-action experience to play such an iconic hero as Batman. Over 15 seasons ofSupernatural, one of the most successful series of all time, Ackles played Dean Winchester, a hero who comes from a dark and tragic childhood but uses that anger to save others. That is pure Batman material. Ackles also has experience in superhero projects. The actor’sSoldier Boy quickly became one of the most popular characters inThe Boys, Prime Video’s superhero satire series that took the world by storm after it premiered. Ackles can deliver gripping action sequences and intense acting.
Ackles’ Animated Batman Experience Makes Him The Best Fit For The DCU’s Needs
The Actor Has Already Played Batman
One of the most interesting aspects of James Gunn’s DC Universe is how actors will play their characters across different mediums, which include live-action projects, animated movies and series, video games, and potentially more. Thanks to his background in animation, Ackles becomes an even better choice to leadThe Brave and the Boldas Batman. The reason for that is simple —the actor has years of experience voicing Batmanin DC’s animated Tomorrowverse continuity. That included twoBatman: The Long Halloweensolo films, as well as a few Justice League movies and more.
In theJustice League: Crisis on Infinite Earthstrilogy,Ackles' Batman interacted with the Bat-Family. As such, he already has experience not only as the Dark Knight, but with the very setup for the character in the DCU. Since the goal for the franchise is to have animated movies and series released every year, as well as how Gunn and Safran revealed at the DC event that Batman could debut beforeThe Brave and the Bold, what better way than to do so in animation with a veteran from the medium as Batman? Ackles is perfect for the DCU’sBatman.
The Brave and the Bold
The Brave and the Bold will introduce audiences to a new Batman in the DC Universe, focusing on the unique dynamic between the Dark Knight and his son, Damian Wayne, who takes on the mantle of Robin. This film marks yet another reboot for the iconic vigilante superhero.
