The Perfect Candidate to Unleash the Dark Knight: A Fresh Face as Batman

Highlights

In his upcoming DC Universe movie, James Gunn should contemplate selecting relatively unknown actors to portray Batman, as it has the potential to infuse the character with a sense of novelty and unpredictability.

Casting lesser-known actors often leads to more captivating performances driven by their passion for the role rather than fame or fortune. Marvel's success in casting lesser-known actors, like Tom Holland as Spider-Man and Chris Hemsworth as Thor, demonstrates how this approach can yield remarkable and highly praised depictions of iconic characters.

James Gunn is actively working on establishing his own version of the cinematic DC Universe. Despite the upcoming release of Creature Commandos, an animated series, which serves as an introduction to the DCU, he has already cast his Superman and Lois Lane. However, once Superman: Legacy, the true beginning of the DCU, hits theaters, Gunn will need to find his Batman for The Brave and the Bold movie.

While many people are suggesting their ideal actors to play Gotham's protector, James Gunn should consider lesser-known actors who have the potential to fulfill the role. This task may prove more challenging than casting Clark Kent and Lois Lane, as Gunn has expressed his desire for Batman to be older than Superman. Nevertheless, overcoming this challenge can be just as enjoyable as the rest of the process. Isn't that right, James?

Batman has Been Played by Big Stars

The character of the Dark Knight in live-action has mainly been portrayed by renowned Hollywood actors. Even actors like Adam West and Michael Keaton, though not as famous as Christian Bale or Ben Affleck, were well-known before taking on the role. With each new Batman movie, the studios opted for increasingly popular actors.

Val Kilmer, who had already established himself as a star through movies like Top Gun, Willow, The Doors, and Tombstone, took over the cape and cowl after Michael Keaton's departure. Following Kilmer, George Clooney, a recognizable name at the time, played Batman in Batman and Robin. It may be debated if Clooney was the best Batman, but that is not the main point.

More recently, the iconic role of Batman has been taken on by superstars Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson. Love it or hate it, audiences recognize Pattinson from his breakout performance as Edward Cullen in the Twilight series. Throughout the character's various animated adaptations, only established actors have depicted Batman. However, the DCU has a unique opportunity to offer fans something innovative by casting a relatively unknown actor for the role.

Superman's Actor is Relatively Unknown

In addition to notable actors like John Cena as Peacemaker and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Gunn appears to favor undiscovered talent for the roles of the Justice League members. David Corenswet, who starred in Superman: Legacy, is relatively unknown to the general public. Despite this, he boasts an impressive background with an extensive resume, although it may not ring a bell with most people. However, it is crucial to recognize that unfamiliar actors do not lack talent. As a matter of fact, David Corenswet has been honing his craft since the age of nine and graduated from Juilliard in 2016​​​​​​. His expertise and knowledge in the field are commendable.

Casting Lesser-Known Actors has Paid Off

Emerging actors, who still have to go through the audition process and compete for their roles, often possess a greater sense of passion compared to seasoned veterans. They view acting as something more than just a means to earn a paycheck. While this may seem idealistic, it is exactly what fans desire to observe in their beloved superheroes. They yearn to witness their favorite characters genuinely enjoying and embodying their roles, driven not by fame and money, but by the intrinsic value of the character itself. Corenswet has openly discussed his admiration for Superman, emphasizing the character's invulnerability as an intriguing attribute, and expressing a desire to portray a bright and optimistic version of the superhero. Such fervent devotion to a role exemplifies the type of passion an actor should possess.

On the Marvel side, the studio took a gamble by selecting two relatively unknown actors for two key characters. When rumors of Spider-Man's arrival in the MCU started circulating online, there was widespread curiosity regarding his potential actor. Despite numerous A-list contenders, Marvel went against the expected and chose someone unfamiliar to most. Prior to Captain America: Civil War, Holland had only accumulated nine credits, a few of which were short films or brief television appearances. However, he quickly showcased his talent and breathed life into the character, establishing himself alongside Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as a memorable Spider-Man.

Marvel took a similar approach with Thor, selecting a relatively unknown actor for the role. At the time Hemsworth took on the part of Mjolnir-wielding superhero, he had more acting experience than Holland, including a brief appearance as George Kirk, James T. Kirk's father, in J.J. Abrams's Star Trek. Although his role was small, it held significant importance in the film. Thor launched Hemsworth's career, leading Joss Whedon to cast him in Cabin in the Woods, a film that garnered much praise. The Australian actor went on to secure roles in movies like Snow White and the Huntsman and Rush. Hemsworth's impressive portrayal of Thor earned him more standalone movies compared to his fellow Avengers.