The DCU is currently swirling with different Batman interpretations, but one fan artist has imagined a world where this fan-favorite DC alum was the next to don the Dark Knight's cowl.
One of the biggest successes of the past couple of years was a new Batman franchise penned by Matt Reeves. Starring Robert Pattinson as a younger version of the world's greatest detective, The Batman was a gritty noir-inspired film that harkened back to crime films like Zodiac. For a time, it seemed that Pattinson was the obvious choice to lead a new era of DC when Ben Affleck's Batman plans fell by the wayside. However, it became a slightly murkier situation after James Gunn took over leadership of the film universe.
With DC's future in fluctuation, one fan artist couldn’t let a popular name go unrepresented. In a piece of fan art on Instagram, the artist created an image featuring Jensen Ackles as Batman. In the social media post, @youssef_defenshi featured their fan cast for three Justice League players. The art features David Corenswet and Adria Arjona as Superman and Wonder Woman, respectively. And in the role of Batman, the artists pictured Ackles, who has been connected to DC for years.
Ackles may live in pop culture fame for Dean Winchester in Supernatural and a recent tenure on The Boys, but the prolific actor has been the voice of Bruce Wayne in one of the best Batman stories: The Long Halloween. Based on the landmark Jeph Loeb comic, Ackles voiced Batman as he tracked down the Holiday Killer, who terrorized Gotham for a year. Featuring twists, including Catwoman's paternity and a Two-Face origin, it made Ackles a contender for an upcoming Batman venture. Ackles' response to Batman casting rumors may have thrown his future into doubt, but that hasn’t stopped fans from dreaming.
Though The Boys actor has endeared himself to fans by appearing in other Batverse ventures like Under the Red Hood, dreaming may be the only way fans will see him as Batman. Gunn's disappointing Batman update clarified that a casting shakeup won’t happen for some time. He is focusing on the new Superman canon, and Reeves' Batman interpretation has been greenlit for a sequel.
There is only room for one Batman in the dark and seedy interpretation of Gotham, and that honor is going to Pattinson. The Batman 2 has potential, especially if it further develops a beloved character. Let’s not reinvent the wheel too soon when a fascinating version of Batman as an actual detective has just hit the ground running.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold is in development at DC Studios.
Source: youssef_defenshi/Instagram