There is no script, there are no formal offers or meetings taking place, and obviously, it’s still the very early opening stages of development for “Superman Vs. Batman.” And yet, casting the role of Bruce Wayne is going to be key for the next film, because it’s likely whoever lands the gig will be wearing the cape and cowl for the inevitable “Justice League” and define the next iteration the character. And apparently, some possibilities are already being tossed around.
As we heard at the end of last week, rumors suggest that Warner Bros. is looking for an older Batman, a grizzled version of the character in their 40s and for the most part (something we suggested would be a good idea too), the names put forth by THR as early contenders mostly bear that out. Ryan Gosling and Matthew Goode are the two youngest at 32 and 35, respectively, but they are both folks the studio has been keen on previously. Gosling was previously attached to WB’s long brewing “Logan’s Run” reboot (his buddy Nicolas Winding Refn is still on board), and his directorial debut “How To Catch A Monster” will be distributed by the studio. Meanwhile Goode has already done the superhero thing as Ozymandias in Zack Snyder‘s “Watchmen.”
There’s another Snyder connection in Joe Manganiello, who the director has said was the runner up to play Clark Kent in “Man Of Steel.” And while he’s 36, passing for someone older shouldn’t be a problem.
Josh Brolin is said in some quarters to be the “frontrunner” for the role, though WB sources downplay that talk, saying that casting hasn’t even begun. Other names being tossed around include Richard Armitage (Thorin in “The Hobbit” films) and Max Martini (the Aussie father in “Pacific Rim“). All these names are part of recent projects on the WB lot (Manganiello was in “Magic Mike” and is a regular on HBO‘s “True Blood“) so it seems the studio wants to keep it in the family, and with actors they seem comfortable with (note: we suggested Manganiello and Armitage in a recent Batman casting piece).
Again, it’s all early talk, though the trade notes that casting could be coming in “weeks” as an early 2014 shoot is being eyed. But again, a script still needs to be written and that start date likely depends on everything falling immediately into place. Thoughts? Leave ’em below. Any of these folks you like? Anyone they should consider instead?