The Next Batman: A Top Ten

Amanda Doughty ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Editor

At San Diego Comic-Con this year, it was revealed that a Batman vs. Superman movie is in the works. With the success of Man of Steel, The Dark Knight Rises, and superhero combo movies like The Avengers, it’s clear this movie is destined to be a hit. However, there is one key piece missing: a Batman. Former Batman Christian Bale vowed that The Dark Knight Rises would be the last time he’d play Batman, so that leaves the iconic role vacant. Therefore, people have been buzzing about who the next Batman should be. Here’s a list of some worthy contenders who could best step in to the Dark Knight’s mask and cape.

10. Jay Baruchel

I might be in the minority, but I love the idea of a gawky, awkward Batman. Yes, I’m aware that’s more Spiderman’s thing, but imagine a nerdy Bruce Wayne playing with the Batman weaponry for the first time. It would bring back some of the comedy that was missing from the more recent Batman films (remember Jack Nicholson as the Joker? It was hilarious. I miss that). Plus, Baruchel has experience in action movies thanks to Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. It certainly wouldn’t be perfect, hence why he’s number ten and not number one, but it would be interesting and different.

9. Dave Franco

The younger, less famous Franco brother has come out of the shadow of his brother in recent years through hits like 21 Jump Street. And though he’d probably be the youngest Batman to date, he could probably pull it off. Plus, it could give him an opportunity to fully make a career for himself, and be more than just “James Franco’s cute younger brother.” I know you’re probably wondering, though, why not James himself? Why pick the younger brother? Well, I have this rule that if you’re in one superhero franchise, you shouldn’t be in another. And Franco was a crucial part of the Spider-man films back when Tobey Maguire was Spider-man. However, Franco did an excellent job. So the apple shouldn’t fall too far, right?

8. James Marsden

Batman, or at least Bruce Wayne, is known for being the most dapper of the super heroes. And something about dapper just screams James Marsden (maybe it was his suave performance as Corny Collins in Hairspray, or the fact that he’s played a Disney prince?). That might be entirely basing this upon appearance, but it just fits. However, Marsden probably has the least experience in action films, so I’m not sure how well he’d do in the actual Batman scenes. He’d sure be nice to look at, though.

7. Matt Bomer

Much like Marsden, Matt Bomer has that dapper nature that fits Bruce Wayne perfectly, as displayed on his hit TV show White Collar. What puts Bomer above Marsden, though, is experience. White Collar is much more action packed than anything Marsden has ever done (sorry 27 Dresses, you just don’t cut it). So he’d probably do a better job in the action scenes than Marsden. And Bomer is already pretty high on the consideration list, so this is a more realistic idea than Marsden.

6. Sam Worthington

Worthington has become a bit of an action film junkie through films like Avatar and Man on a Ledge, so he clearly has experience in that field. Plus, Jake from Avatar had that serious, rugged nature that almost matches Christian Bale’s Batman. And, from Clash of the Titans, he clearly has experience squeezing himself into tight little outfits; so wearing the Batman suit shouldn’t be too much of a problem. He might be a little busy filming the numerous upcoming Avatar sequels, but if he could squeeze it into his schedule, he could certainly pull the role off.

5. Zachary Levi

If Levi is anything like his Disney alter ego, Flynn Rider, then he’d be able to pull off this role with few issues. Flynn Rider was a daredevil with a smolder, quite similar to one Bruce Wayne. And Levi himself, like Bomer and Marsden, just looks the part. He’s fit, he’s handsome, and he looks great in a suit. And he’s a decent actor if you forget that Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 ever happened. Overall, I think he would be a pretty great choice. Batman could use a little smolder.

4. Benedict Cumberbatch

Maybe I’m biased because I’m in love with him, but I think this would be a terrific casting. From his hit show Sherlock, we can already see that he could handle a majority of the action sequences. In addition, he’d be able to pull off the snobby, arrogant nature of Bruce Wayne, as well as the sharp, quick-witted nature of Batman. He may not fit the typical Batman stereotype physically, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing. He’s extremely talented, and could bring a whole new aspect to this iconic role. Plus, imagine that magnificent accent of his doing the Batman voice. Yeah, now you see where I’m coming from.

3. Joseph Gordon-Levitt

By choosing Gordon-Levitt, writers could easily connect the Christian Bale Batman films to the new one. After all, The Dark Knight Rises did end with him being exposed to the bat cave, and revealed that he is Robin, more famously known as Batman’s sidekick. Plus, in Rises, he clearly proved he could keep up with the non-stop chases, battles, and peril that occur in Batman movies. It’s too bad Gordon-Levitt as already shot down rumors that he’ll be the next Batman. Hopefully someone could change his mind!

2. Tom Hiddleston

I know I’m breaking my “he’s in one Superhero movie so he shouldn’t be in another” rule; but for Tom Hiddleston, I’m willing to make an exception. Hiddleston won over the hearts of super hero fans as Loki in The Avengers. In fact, there were quite a few people who liked him more than the superheroes themselves. So why not let him be the hero? Hiddleston, much like Cumberbatch, has proved his ability to conquer a verbal battle of wits, master the action sequences, and provide the contrast between Batman and Bruce Wayne. He has a massive following, which would only further guarantee a blockbuster success. And just look at him. In terms of perfection for this role, he’s about as close as Hollywood could get.

1. Nicolas Cage

Let’s be real, when Hollywood needs a big name, they pick Nicolas Cage. His soft, whispery voice would totally fit both Batman and Bruce Wayne. I would list his action experience that would qualify him to play Batman, but that would take too long. Plus, it could be his payback after his Superman reboot didn’t even get filmed back in the 90s. And when you think about it, it’s one of the very few roles he hasn’t played yet. He’s dashing, he’s qualified, and he’s all around perfect for the role if he can fit it into his busy schedule.
I’m completely kidding, by the way.

1. (For real) Michael Keaton

My real top choice for the next Batman would be for Michael Keaton to return. Because, let’s be honest, in the eyes of most fans, he will always be Batman.