Rumor: New Batman to be “established and rugged” with contenders being Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, and more!

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Probably the most important and controversial casting currently on the horizon is for that of the actor who will wear the cowl in the kinda-sequel to MAN OF STEEL, which is the as-yet-titled SUPERMAN/BATMAN film from Zack Snyder. We’ve already put our feelers out on the topic and while the script is currently being penned by David Goyer, The Hollywood Reporter has a few inside sources that claim to have a peek into just what kind of Batman Goyer and Snyder are looking to bring into the fold, as well as a list of frontrunners that may vie for the role.

Here’s THR’s rundown:

According to numerous sources, this Wayne/Batman will be in the late 30s or around the 40 mark. He will be established and rugged. This new movie will not seek to recount an origin story or the rise of the Dark Knight. Christian Bale, The Dark Knight trilogy Batman, has said he won't return for another film. 

Sources say the new movie is aiming for the tone of the relationship and fight seen in Frank Miller’s 1980s ground-breaking mini-series The Dark Knight Returns.

So, just who are these contenders?  Apparently, the number one choice is Josh Brolin (age 46), who is no stranger to comic adaptations (the unfortunate JONAH HEX and the upcoming SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR). The second-in-line is said to be Ryan Gosling (age 32), who has yet to take on a commercial role, although he seems to be warming up to the idea as he’s been linked as a contender for the new STAR WARS as well.

Rounding out the bunch is True Blood’s Joe Manganiello (age 36), who is one of the more “unproven” actors on the list, but was said to be a potential for the role of Superman in Snyder’s MAN OF STEEL before it went to Henry Cavill. Next on the list is Max Martini (43), formerly of the TV show The Unit and most recently of PACIFIC RIM.  An interesting choice on the list is that of Richard Armitage (age 41), who is currently tearing it up in Peter Jackson’s THE HOBBIT trilogy as Thorin Oakenshield. Last up is Matthew Goode, the lanky British actor who has already played a superhero for Snyder as Ozymandias in WATCHMEN.

An interesting batch of choices, for sure, but for my money Josh Brolin is the clear winner. Brolin is “total package” material for an “established” and “rugged” Batman, with the strongest voice and physical presence of The Dark Knight in that form. The others all have their strengths, but none scream out “perfect” to me.

One thing is for sure, whoever is eventually cast will absolutely have a career-defining role on their hands and become a staple of the geek universe forever, be it in a good or bad light (poor Ryan Reynolds).  A decision is expected to be made within the next few weeks as WB is aiming to start shooting in 2014 for a 2015 release. Stay tuned for the news that will likely “break the Internet.”

What do you think of these choices?