With James Gunn at the helm of DC’s cinematic universe, currently working on the iconic character of Superman, fans appear to be begging for a new take on Batman. After Zack Snyder’s tenure with Ben Affleck, which leaned heavily into a grounded portrayal of the superhero, DC fans are now pleading with Gunn to redefine the Dark Knight.
Willing to see a more comic-accurate depiction of Batman, where he is portrayed as a peak athlete and a superhuman in terms of his physical abilities, fans are clamoring for James Gunn to put his spin on the Caped Crusader.
Netizens Want Batman to Function Beyond Zack Snyder’s Grounded Approach
After Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy satisfied fans with the near-accurate depiction of the character as mentioned in the comics, no one else to match his feat. Although Zack Snyder replaced the Oscar-winning director and Christian Bale with Ben Affleck, the Rebel Moon helmer failed to tap into the Caped Crusader’s superhuman physicality and unparalleled combat skills.
Ben Affleck‘s version of the superhero had an interpretation focused on realism and the human limitations of Batman. Although he faced Henry Cavill‘s Superman in a brutal fight, Zack Snyder’s Batman had his physical feats constrained by a realistic framework. Unlike the comic book Dark Knight, who can tackle 100 enemies with his fist and shatter reinforced glass with ease, Snyder’s Batman demonstrated physical capabilities that were within the bounds of human possibility.
Emphasizing Batman’s grit and vulnerability, Zack Snyder portrayed the character as a seasoned and weary vigilante, dealing with the physical and emotional toll of his fight against crime. But now fans seem to be tired of relating with the Caped Crusader, for they want the character to have more fantastical depictions as mentioned in the comics, than his grounded approach.
DC Fans Want James Gunn to Redefine Batman’s Superhuman Abilities
Therefore, with James Gunn in power, currently helming the Superman reboot starring David Corenswet, fans have urged the filmmaker to take over the unique opportunity to align Batman’s live-action portrayal with his comic book prowess. Clamoring for a Caped Crusader who truly mirrors the physical abilities showcased in the comics and animations, fans have begun seeking for Gunn to move away from the overly grounded approach that has dominated recent adaptations.
Taking to X, one die-hard DC fan thus handed a list of things needed for James Gunn to focus on, in order to make a more satisfactory version of Batman, that will also be comic-accurate. Beginning with a desire for James Gunn to work on Batman’s combat prowess, the netizen urged the filmmaker to live up to the character’s reputation as one of DC’s greatest fighters. Considering how he seamlessly tackles gods and aliens in the comics, fans begged Gunn to explore Batman’s training and the origins of his incredible abilities.
Further, envisioning a Batman whose physicality is comparable to, if not surpassing, that of Captain America in the MCU, the netizen expressed eagerness in watching him perform extraordinary feats–such as kicking through thick trees, shattering bazooka-proof glass, or dodging bullets and energy blasts. This version of Batman would not only be able to compete with superhuman foes like Deathstroke but also perform jaw-dropping physical feats reflecting his intense training and near-superhuman conditioning.
To achieve this particular vision, James Gunn will have to draw inspiration from Batman’s comics, like he has been doing for his upcoming Superman project. In doing so, this approach will not only honor the character’s rich history but also promise a fresh and exciting take on one of DC’s most iconic heroes. In conclusion, the Dark Knight that truly embodies the superhuman elements will not only impress long-time fans but also newcomers.
The Batman movies are available on Max as of 2023.
