Batman: Marvel Star Expresses Interest in DCU Role

Fans of the DC Universe have always been eager to know who will don the cape and cowl next. Recently, Marvel actor Ben Barnes has publicly expressed his enthusiasm for taking on the role of Batman in the DCU. Moreover, his comments arrive at a time when James Gunn is actively shaping the next era of the DC Universe, highlighting the ongoing excitement and speculation among fans.

James Gunn has revealed that there’s no shortage of actors vying to play Gotham’s Dark Knight. In fact, speaking about the overwhelming interest from Hollywood stars, Gunn further noted:

“Yeah, I mean, the actor who wants to… Listen, first of all, I can’t tell you the number of big actors that have told me they want to be Batman. I think you’d have a harder time finding actors who don’t want to be Batman. He’s the one character everyone wants to play. That’s the truth.”

Ben Barnes’ Childhood Connection to Batman

While many actors have shown interest, Ben Barnes’ passion for the Caped Crusader runs deep. In fact, from a young age, the actor reflected on his childhood fascination with Gotham’s vigilante:

“I was actually watching some— my parents just visited me, and they bought some like little kid videos, and we were watching some old family videos. And in every single one, I was dressed like Batman or Robin Hood. I think there may have been a Spider-Man one, but it was mainly Batman. So obviously, I was, from age 4 and up, I obviously requested that.” — Ben Barnes

This long-standing admiration for Batman seems to have fueled his readiness to take on the iconic role. Barnes jokingly signaled his availability for the part, saying:

“Hey, I accept. […] Just call me, I’ve got Bruce Wayne ready to go.”

Barnes is no stranger to comic book adaptations, having played Billy Russo/Jigsaw in Netflix’s The Punisher. His background could make him a strong contender for Gotham’s protector in the DCU.

The Brave and the Bold and the Search for the Next Batman

As for when fans can expect the Dark Knight to officially debut in the DCU, James Gunn provided an update on The Brave and the Bold:

Gunn mentions the project is moving forward but admits it is “a little cloudy,” and that he’s having trouble “cracking” the tonal approach for debuting Batman in the same universe as Superman.

This means that while the project is active, the creative team is still refining how to introduce a new iteration of Batman alongside other DC icons.

Adding to the buzz, other actors have also shown interest in stepping into Bruce Wayne’s shoes. Alan Ritchson has reportedly spoken to DC about the role, while Brandon Sklenar has emerged as a fan-favorite pick.

Why Ben Barnes Could Be the Right Choice for the DCU

With his extensive acting experience and genuine passion for the character, Ben Barnes could bring a fresh yet faithful take on Bruce Wayne. His previous performance as Billy Russo showcased his ability to play layered, morally complex characters—a key trait needed for a convincing Batman.

Fans now wait to see if James Gunn and DC Studios will consider Barnes or another contender for Gotham’s most coveted role. Regardless, the excitement surrounding The Brave and the Bold indicates that the next cinematic Batman could soon be announced.