Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Film

FEATURE: Five Actors Who Should Be Considered to Replace Ben Affleck as Batman

For a while, there has been some back-and-forth on whether or not Ben Affleck will play Batman again after Justice League. Originally, he sounded enthusiastic about it, but more recently has cooled down on the idea. The latest report suggests that Affleck will appear in Flashpoint, but director Matt Reeves wants to cast a new actor for The Batman. It’s been speculated that the change in actors will take place in Flashpoint, as it’s been reported that Warner Bros. will explain Affleck’s exit in an upcoming movie (something Affleck himself is  interested in).
Basically, it looks like Affleck’s days as Batman are numbered. It’s unclear if Reeves wants to cast a younger actor (maybe a prequel?) or to continue DC Films’ story of an older Bruce Wayne. Either way, there are plenty of options for actors to wear the cape and cowl. Below, we list five actors that we would love to see as Batman.
#5 – Toby Kebbell

Toby Kebbell previously played Doctor Doom in 2015’s Fantastic Four. While that film and character were massive disappointments, Kebbell has succeeded elsewhere in his career. He is best known for his motion capture role as Koba in the last two Planet of the Apes movies – both of which were directed by Matt Reeves. It’s easy to imagine the two wanting to reunite on another big film. Could that film be The Batman?
Kebbell certainly has the acting skills and facial structure to pull off the role. Also, at 35, the actor is at the right age to play a slightly younger Dark Knight if that’s the direction Reeves wants to go. And after how poorly Doctor Doom went, Kebbell should be given an opportunity to play a truly great comic book character. Enter The Batman.
#4 – Richard Armitage

Richard Armitage was among the alleged contenders to play the Caped Crusader in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before Ben Affleck was cast. In fact, he was originally my top choice for the role. Armitage has the pitch-perfect look for both Bruce Wayne and Batman, while he certainly has the acting chops and the voice. He also has blockbuster experience after Captain America: The First Avengers and The Hobbit trilogy.
At 46, Armitage is currently in the same age range as Affleck. If Reeves wants to continue telling the story of an older Batman, then Armitage would fit right in. However, if the director and studio want to cast a younger actor for longevity’s sake, this may not work out. Also, it’s unclear if Armitage would be committed to playing Batman for multiple films across several years. If he is, great. If not…
#3 – Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm has actually been rumored to be pursuing the lead role in The Batman. While that rumor has not be substantiated, Hamm has also been a fan-favorite for the role for a while. He has the chin, the voice, the acting skills, and everything else he’d need to play Batman.
At 46, Hamm is the same age as Armitage, so the same pros/cons argument applies here. Another thing, though? Hamm said back in 2014 that he wasn’t interested in doing superhero movies. While it’s possible to change an opinion in three years, that’s a potential factor that goes against his playing Batman. But if he really wants to do it, and WB and Reeves still want an older Batman, let him do it.
#2 – Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal has been another rumored contender to replace Ben Affleck. But way before that, the actor came close to landing not one, but two big superhero roles. He came close to landing the title role in Batman Begins, while he nearly replaced Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 2. More recently, he has kept his focus on smaller films, but he has proven himself to be one of the best actors working right now.
If Gyllenhaal does play Batman, he would bring an insane amount of talent and prestige to the role. He can really immerse himself into it, as seen in other roles. And at 36, he’s at a good age for a slightly younger Batman. The only concern would be whether Gyllenhaal would commit to a multi-picture deal. I’m sure WB wants to get an actor who’s in for the long haul. But if Gyllenhaal is down with that, go for it.
#1 – Oscar Isaac

And lastly, we have our top choice to play Batman. Oscar Isaac has proven his worth time and again in countless movies. He’s charismatic, talented, and just a great actor. (Also, just imagine that jawline in a Batman cowl.) He can pull off the look and feel that’s needed for a character such as Batman. And he has shown commitment to franchises before with the current Star Wars trilogy, so there’s no reason why he wouldn’t sign another multi-picture deal. (He also played X-Men‘s Apocalypse, but the less said about that character, the better.)
Additionally, at 38, Isaac is at the perfect age. He can easily pull off either a younger or older Batman, depending on Reeves’ direction. Depending on Isaac’s Star Wars schedule, it would be amazing if they could get him to play DC Films’ new Batman. And just the thought of Isaac and Reeves working together sounds wonderful.
Honorable Mentions: Josh Brolin, Anson Mount, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Ryan Gosling
 
Who do you want to see replace Ben Affleck as Batman?
Paul Romano

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WOBAM! Entertainment.