A martial artist and action star has recently revealed that they almost portrayedBatmanin Zack Snyder’s universe (dubbed the ‘Snyderverse’) before Ben Affleck took over Batarang duties. InBatman’s live-action portfolio, nine actors have played Bats and his billionaire counterpart Bruce Wayne on the silver screen, beginning with Lewis Wilson in the 40s to the last performance by Robert Pattinson.
The talk in comic-book town recently has been the discourse surroundingThe Batman Part 2’s script, which is a long-anticipated sequel to Matt Reeves' beloved 2022 adaptation. Part of the DC fandom has expressed their anxiousness over the length of time it’s taking Reeves to submit a final version, which previously fueled cancellation rumors in tandem. While the team waits for a finished script to be handed in,DC Studios head James Gunn candidly admitted he was “irritated” by fans' impatience. Still, consideringThe Batman’s success, most comic book fans are happy to wait for an equally impressive sequel.
Scott Adkins Reveals He Almost Played Zack Snyder’s Batman
During an interview with MovieWeb, Scott Adkins was asked about his upcoming Netflix filmThe RIP, due to release in 2026, and he revealed he was one of several actors who auditioned to become the superhero in Zack Snyder’sBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Coincidentally, Adkins will star alongside Affleck inThe RIP,where they will play brothers, and the actor knew the likelihood of them crossing professional paths to act as siblings was likely. “That was gonna happen at some point, I suppose, because we bear a resemblance, apparently,” Adkins noted, and he also shared nothing but praise forThe RIP’s script, authentic world, and “high-level” caliber of actors.The case for Scott Adkins to play the DCU’s Batmanhas been championed for years now, as the actor boasts the versatility to play the Dark Knight’s strength, being a martial artist and stunt actor, not to mention he carries the dark-featured physical traits of Bruce Wayne.
“That was gonna happen at some point, I suppose, because we bear a resemblance, apparently.”
Affleck has gone on record expressing why he hated playing Batman, specifically wearing the iconic Batsuit, despite performing in three feature films as the Caped Crusader: his debut inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,Zack Snyder’s Justice League, andThe Flash(not including his uncredited role in 2016’sSuicide Squadand the 2017 version ofJustice League). Furthermore, Affleck has even confirmed he does not want to return as the character or even fulfill another superhero movie, claiming that he lost interest in the genre as a whole. With rumors speculating that DC Studios is looking for a younger Batman to undertake the main universe role in the future, Adkins may not get a shot at playing Bats either.
Looking for Affleck’s successor in the main DC Universe, sinceThe Batmantakes place in Elseworlds, comic fans and movie buffs alike have been busyfan-casting which actor could don the cowl inThe Brave and the Bold, Andy Muschietti’s confirmed movie centering on Batman and Damian Wayne. One popular pick is Batman voice actor Jensen Ackles, who also found success inSupernaturalandThe Boys. Other recent nods include Alan Ritchson, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Brandon Sklenar, but fans will presumably have a long wait ahead of them sinceThe Brave and the Boldhas no projected release date at the time of writing.
