Jensen Ackles gets imagined as James Gunn’s new DC Universe Batman in a carefully crafted piece of fan art. The DCU’s currently going through major changes, as The Suicide Squad director was brought in alongside producer Peter Safran to restructure DC’s film and television output. As part of the rebuilding process, the duo rebranded the DCEU to DCU and is expected to part ways with several existing actors in the franchise, which started with the news that Henry Cavill was getting replaced as Superman. Ackles could be one of the first to join the new DCU, given current universe Batman actor, Ben Affleck, may be looking to move to a behind-the-scenes role.
Artist Horrific.Heroics shared on Instagram a concept art of Ackles as the DCU’s new Batman. The art piece has Ackles don a full cowl, while giving a stern look towards the camera. The Batman costume Ackles sports has a sleek design and pairs off nicely with the dark backdrop of the artist’s take on the iconic home of The Dark Knight, Gotham City. The idea to go for a headshot-style art gives a clean look of how Ackles could emote while in the suit. Check out the full art below:
Why Jensen Ackles Is The Perfect Choice For DCU Batman
The rumors keep circulating on the news and social media about which characters, actors and projects could make the jump from the old Zack Snyder DCEU to Gunn’s rebooted take on the DC franchise. Currently, the only outright recasting that’s been confirmed by the new DC management was Cavill’s exit as Superman in favor of a younger take on the character, which Gunn is writing the script for. If there’s a new Superman, logic would beg that a new Batman would rise up to meet him in the new DCU reboot. There are three live-action Batmen currently scattered throughout DC’s slate of movies. Robert Pattinson will remain locked away for the time being on his The Batman corner, while Affleck and the veteran Michael Keaton are not expected to make the jump as the character to the new DCU.
Ackles would be a great choice to co-lead the DCU alongside Superman as a new take on Batman. The actor’s performance in Supernatural and recent Soldier Boy role in The Boys have shown he’s got the physicality for Batman and the ability to portray both of Bruce Wayne’s personas, the gruff vigilante and the easygoing playboy. Ackles also has a history with the character, providing the voice for Jason Todd/Red Hood in the animated Batman: Under The Red Hood movie, which is highly regarded by Batman fans. Recently, Ackles got to voice the role himself, playing The Dark Knight in the animated two-part Batman: The Long Halloween. Ackles continues as the current DC Animation voice of Batman, with a role in 2023’s Legion of Super-Heroes, which could bode well for his live-action chances.
Could Batman Appear In James Gunn’s Superman Reboot?
The current details available for the recast DCU Superman reboot being written by Gunn point to the character being early on in his life, but the movie is not an origin story. Gunn’s script allegedly features Clark Kent joining the Daily Planet as a reporter and learning his way around with the help of a young Lois Lane. Gunn has also made it clear that Superman will have already met other iconic DC superheroes when the movie starts, which could mean there’s a chance one of those heroes might be featured in the movie, and no one’s a better pick than Superman’s best friend, Batman. The Superman reboot would be a great spot to introduce audiences to Ackles as Batman and having him bond with Superman from the get-go, starting off the new DCU with two thirds of DC’s iconic trinity on the big screen.
Source: Horrific.Heroics/Instagram