Ever since the DCEU came to an end, fans have been going wild with speculation about who could be playing the new versions of the DC superheroes appearing in James Gunn’s DCU. While we already know about some, thanks to Superman currently being in production, some of the key characters are yet to be cast. One of them is the other half of The World’s Finest – the Caped Crusader, Batman.
Fans have been putting forth their choices for Bruce Wayne in DCU, since it was confirmed that Ben Affleck will be hanging up the bat-cowl for good. Some of the most favored actors that social media has been repeatedly campaigning for range from the huge and muscly Reacher lead Alan Ritchson, to the devilishly handsome Supernatural star Jensen Ackles. And looking at several parameters, the latter looks like the best choice to portray The Dark Knight on-screen.
However, we have singled out the main reason that explains what makes The Boys star the perfect Batman/Bruce Wayne for the DCU.
Why is Jensen Ackles the Best Choice to Play Batman in DCU?
Just a single look at the 46-year-old is enough to tell you why he is one of the most popular choices to play Gotham’s protector in DCU. Being one of the most good-looking actors in the industry helps him make a great case for playing the playboy/billionaire Bruce Wayne, and he stands at 6 ft, which is close to the character’s height in comics (6 ft 2 in). Moreover, he is not as old as Affleck or as young as Robert Pattinson‘s Batman, putting him in the right range for DCU.
But his most striking feature is what makes him stand out amongst his competitors, i.e. playing roles that are somewhat similar to the Caped Crusader.
In comics, films, and other media, despite being a force for good, Batman is not usually portrayed as a good guy. He has underlying psychological issues from his traumatic childhood, which manifest in how he deals with his foes. In Batman: Hush, Vol. 2, he himself accepts the fact when comparing himself with his friend, Superman aka Clark Kent:
“If Clark wanted to, he could use his superspeed and squish me into the cement. But I know how he thinks. Even more than the Kryptonite, he’s got one big weakness. Deep down, Clark’s essentially a good person… and deep down, I’m not.”
Jensen Ackles excels in playing characters who have a similar trait. From playing the egoistic super soldier Soldier Boy in The Boys, to the mentally conflicted Dean Winchester in Supernatural, Ackles’ characters aren’t goody two shoes. Especially Dean Winchester, who is quite like Batman – a child abandoned by his parents (one dies while the other hunts her killer), forced to grow up fast while learning to defend himself. Just like Bruce, Dean is resourceful, smart, quick-witted, good with ladies, and makes sure to get the job done via any means necessary.
Jensen Ackles’ Batman Can Be Similar to Ben Affleck’s
Zack Snyder‘s Batman wasn’t one that fans immediately fell in love with. His popularity grew over time, as Batman V Superman and Zack Snyder’s Justice League turned into cult classics. The two movies showed Ben Affleck‘s Bruce Wayne’s transformation from a violent vigilante who wouldn’t hesitate to kill wrongdoers to a more considerate one after seeing Superman’s sacrifice. That unhinged phase sounds quite similar to Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy, who had no qualms about killing.
The killing part is what fans hated the most. Hence DCU can do well with that part being left out, but still portraying Batman’s violent tendencies, where he beats criminals to a pulp, something which is also common with Ackles’ Dean Winchester. Playing questionable heroes is undeniably Ackles’ forte, which makes him a suitable option for the role.
Moreover, Ackles just loves DC. He has been in Smallville as Jason Teague, and has voiced Jason Todd/Red Hood in Batman: Under the Red Hood and Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman: The Long Halloween. He even dressed up as the Red Hood for Halloween, which was teased in a Supernatural episode, which you can see in the pic above. He will also be voicing The Dark Knight in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part Two which will premiere on April 23, 2024. No wonder DC fans are crazy about him and want to see him as Batman!
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part One can be streamed on Max.
