Who will growl the iconic line, “I am Batman”? James Gunn's universe is officially in motion following Superman and the R-rated Clayface set for release this October. Fans are desperate to know who will lead The Brave and the Bold.
The shadow over Gotham is already shifting. Unlike previous iterations, this version of Batman will be a seasoned veteran and (for the first time on screen) a father to Damian Wayne. With that in mind, Action Network has released updated odds on which actors are most likely to step under the cowl and join the new age of DC heroes.
Top 10 Actors Most Likely To Be Batman – Brandon Sklenar and Alan Ritchson
These odds take into account age, body of work, physicality, online talk, public comments, and the direction Gunn’s new project seems to be heading.
*These odds are for entertainment purposes only
DCU Batman – Top 10 Casting Odds
1. BRANDON SKLENAR
- Implied Probability: 33.3%
- The 1923 breakout has become the "inevitable" pick. Since last September, his buzz has only intensified after he dodged Batman questions on the Today show with a massive grin. At 35, he’s the perfect age to play a senior peer to David Corenswet’s Superman. With his tactical look and 6'2" frame, he’s currently the one to beat.
2. ALAN RITCHSON
- Implied Probability: 20%
- No actor has campaigned harder for the cowl than the Reacher star. Ritchson has the exact "Powerhouse Batman" physicality that Gunn often favors in his casting. Fans have dubbed him the perfect "Dad-Bats" for the Damian Wayne storyline, and his odds have surged as he continues to be the most vocal candidate in Hollywood.
3. JAKE GYLLENHAAL
- Implied Probability: 16.7%
- Gyllenhaal is the "Prestige" pick. Now that we know this Bruce Wayne needs to be an experienced father figure, Gyllenhaal’s age (45) is a major asset. He has the acting chops to carry a massive franchise and has been connected to the character since the Nolan era. If Gunn wants an A-list veteran, Gyllenhaal is the call.
4. GLEN POWELL
- Implied Probability: 12.5%
- Fresh off a string of box office hits, Powell is the biggest star currently unattached to a cape. While many see him as a better fit for Hal Jordan, his ability to play a charming, high-society billionaire makes him a dangerous dark horse for Bruce Wayne.
5. JENSEN ACKLES
- Implied Probability: 10%
- The "People’s Choice." Ackles has already voiced Batman in the animated Tomorrowverse and has a massive cult following. While his age (48) might be a hurdle for a 10-year plan, his "veteran hero" energy is exactly what The Brave and the Bold requires.
6. OLIVER JACKSON-COHEN
- Implied Probability: 9.1%
- A favorite among "cinephile" fans, Jackson-Cohen has the brooding, haunted look of a man who lives in a cave. He’s the "Corenswet-style" pick—a talented actor on the verge of superstardom who hasn't been overexposed yet.
7. TOM BRITTNEY
- Implied Probability: 7.7%
- Brittney was famously the runner-up for the Superman role. James Gunn clearly likes him, and in the history of superhero casting, the runner-up for the lead often ends up playing another major hero (or villain) down the line.
8. RICHARD MADDEN
- Implied Probability: 6.3%
- The former King in the North has the jawline and the "noble but weary" presence needed for an older Bruce Wayne. After Citadel, we know he can handle the high-octane action and the billionaire aesthetic.
9. AARON TAYLOR-JOHNSON
- Implied Probability: 5.3%
- While he’s been heavily rumored for James Bond, Taylor-Johnson has the intense physicality and range Gunn looks for. If the Bond deal falls through, he’s a top-tier candidate for a grittier, more agile Batman.
10. NICHOLAS ALEXANDER CHAVEZ
- Implied Probability: 3.8%
- Our newest addition to the Top 10. Following his massive success in Monsters, Chavez has become the internet’s favorite "young veteran" choice. He has the intensity and the classic Wayne look that could make him a surprise pick.
Who Will Say "I am Batman"?
Unless you’re James Gunn (or Gotham’s best detective), there’s no way to know with 100% certainty who will be the next Batman. If you're a fan? Patience is the name of the game.
Gunn is expected to wait until after The Batman Part II (now slated for October 2027) is further along to avoid confusing the general public with two active Caped Crusaders.
While you can’t bet on the cowl just yet, prediction markets like Kalshi are currently trading on whether The Batman Part II will face further delays. For the sake of Gotham, let's hope the schedule stays intact.
