A brief comment from James Gunn has reignited speculation about the DCU’s next Batman. Surprisingly, the conversation leads back to Tom Brittney, an actor who came close to becoming Superman. Because Gunn rarely responds to fan-casting posts, his sudden acknowledgment of Brittney has sparked new waves of discussion across social media.
James Gunn Praises Tom Brittney Publicly
James Gunn recently shared an enthusiastic message on Threads, writing:
“That guy is a great f—— actor!”
This comment appeared under a fan’s post that portrayed Brittney as Bruce Wayne. As expected, the remark quickly spread, causing many fans to wonder whether Brittney might be under real consideration for the DCU’s Caped Crusader. Notably, Brittney already has a professional connection to Gunn after nearly securing the role of Clark Kent in the upcoming DCU reboot.
Brittney’s Superman Screen Test: A Key Connection
During the Superman casting process, Brittney participated in a full-costume screen test. In doing so, he accidentally damaged Henry Cavill’s iconic Man of Steel suit — a moment fans still mention today.
Gunn addressed the audition in 2024, stating:
“Tom is truly one of my favorite actors. Incredibly talented guy.”
Gunn’s history shows that he often revisits actors he likes for future roles. Nicholas Hoult, for example, transitioned from Superman finalist to the DCU’s Lex Luthor. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if Gunn considered Brittney for another major role.
The Brave and the Bold Still Awaits Its Batman
Gunn’s praise for Brittney arrived shortly after he revealed storyboards for Man of Tomorrow, the Superman sequel scheduled to begin filming in April 2026. Since The Brave and the Bold has no confirmed release date or lead actor, every small hint or comment tends to spark conversation.
In an earlier interview with The Ringer-Verse, Gunn explained his casting philosophy:
“I have guys that are at the top of the list for me… But […] they aren’t David Corenswet. So, they didn’t get the job.”
This statement highlights Gunn’s thoughtful approach to casting. It also suggests that several actors remain under consideration for Batman, even if they were once considered for Superman.
Why Fans Believe Brittney Fits the Batman Mold
Fans have pointed out that Brittney possesses several qualities traditionally associated with Bruce Wayne. He has the physical presence needed for the action-heavy role, and he also carries a dramatic intensity suited for the emotional complexity of Batman.
Moreover, actors transitioning between potential Superman and Batman roles is not unusual. Historically, both heroes share similar character profiles in height, build, and charisma. This overlap makes Brittney a reasonable candidate in the eyes of many fans.
Although nothing official has been announced, Brittney’s rising popularity and Gunn’s supportive comments make him one of the more talked-about possibilities. Additionally, with The Brave and the Bold expected to introduce a new era for Gotham, the stakes remain high.
Fans continue to debate who should don the cowl, but until Gunn makes an announcement, every clue matters — especially when it involves an actor he openly praises. whether Brittney becomes the next Batman remains unknown. However, the renewed attention ensures his name stays in the conversation as the DCU moves closer to revealing its Dark Knight.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on DCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to DC Updates’ YouTube channel.
Patrick Webb