Production is set to start next year on the planned Batman/Superman movie, which Warner Bros is bringing to cinemas in the summer of 2015. Zack Snyder is to direct the movie, and he's sharing story duties with David S Goyer. Goyer is then writing the script.
Given that the movie follows on from Man Of Steel, we already know the Superman side of the movie's casting (save, perhaps, for Lex Luthor). But it's inevitably who's going to be the new Batman that's the current big question.
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed who it thinks is currently on the shortlist for the Batman role, and the names it's come up with are certainly interesting. Ryan Gosling and Josh Brolin are the two highest profile, although Richard Armitage and Matthew Goode aren't too far behind. Pacific Rim stars Joe Manganiello (of True Blood fame) and Max Martini are also believed to be on the list.
Intriguingly, the plan appears to be to assume that Batman is already established in the world that Man Of Steel set up. The new Batman will be "established and rugged", and the Batman/Superman movie "will not seek to recount an origin story or the rise of the Dark Knight".
It's still early days, as the script hasn't been put together yet, but The Hollywood Reporter suggests that Josh Brolin is the current leading candidate. There's a long way to go yet though.
More on Batman/Superman as we get it...
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Brolin would be an interesting pick, but my question would be what kind of physical look would this Batman have? Is he muscular like Bale, or would he be more like Keaton's Batman, protected by armor but average in physical form. Even the Jack Nicholson's Joker's physique was thicker than Keaton's and that just doesn't look right for a guy whose supposed to have trained his whole life to being this gritty crimefighter.
If so, would Brolin be able to endure grueling workouts to give his Batman the "superhero" look from the comics? After all, the dude is 45 years old.
Mathew Goode and Richard Armitage would be cool. I've not seen enough stuff with Gosling to say one way or another. As much as I like Brolin I think he'd make a good batman but a poor Bruce Wayne.
I think just the opposite..Brolin could nail the Bruce Wayne but not Batman. Gosling is a hell no for me though. I'm gonna throw out the suggestion I have my buddy..Liam Hemsworth as Batman..who cares is Chris is Thor. If Evans can play two characters in the same universe, then why the hell not! side note: not to be taken seriously!
I like Brolin and Gosling, but both don't fit the menacing dual personality of the BATMAN. The Caped Crusader is extremely intelligent, cunning, and just a mental snap away from being a homicidal maniac. Whoever gets the role should be able to personify dark brooding and skepticism, capable of being physically menacing and ruthless at the drop of a hat... --GBJ
I have some major worries as far as tying in the two world's goes. Without bringing in kryptonite, I just don't see how Batman vs Superman can play out. This isn't the DCAU, where Batman is portrayed as being essentially "superhuman" in everything but name. Sure they could play up the gadgets and gear, but keeping a real of realism might prove a tall order.
Brolin is a terrible idea. You don't take a guy who is 45 looking towards the future.
Hugh Jackman is able to achieve the superhero look at a similar age, although it could be argued that he's stayed in the necessary "condition" for a long enough duration (what's it been, 13 yrs). Still and all, i'd have to decline on Brolin (should the film makers need my input). He's got the looks and acting chops, I just think someone closer to Cavill's age would play out longer franchise-wise.
As for Gosling, his movie "Drive" (and others) showed me that he can handle the brooding/brutality needed for Batman but for some strange reason, he looks a tad too young, especially standing next to Cavill --ditto for Gordon-Levitt..
One word: Keaton