Former Superman Actor Tyler Hoechlin Wants to Play Batman in James Gunn’s DCU

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Could Tyler Hoechlin go from Superman to Batman in the DCU?

In the evolving DC Universe headed by James Gunn, there’s still uncertainty about who will assume the role of Batman. While Robert Pattinson continues to be part of Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” series in a distinct continuity, the revamped DCU will introduce a fresh Dark Knight character in “The Brave and the Bold.” There’s been plenty of discussion about who might fill the cape and cowl, but this weekend saw an unexpected candidate entering the race.

During a discussion at a Fan Expo Canada event, actor Tyler Hoechlin (known for portraying Superman in both ‘Supergirl’ and ‘Superman & Lois’) expressed his desire for an opportunity to play Batman in future roles.

To be honest, I’d rather not have Pattinson join Gunn’s universe, as I still aspire to play Batman. However, I think Pattinson did an exceptional job, so I’m content to let them continue their work. Perhaps we could keep the possibility of working together open in the future,” Hoechlin explained.

The remarks held a balanced mix of admiration for Robert Pattinson’s acting skills and a subtle hint at ambition, also known as self-promotion. Tyler Hoechlin has openly expressed his interest in being taken into account when James Gunn and Peter Safran begin their search for the next Batman.

The Most Important DCU Casting

From a movie enthusiast’s perspective, James Gunn’s take on Batman in his DCU won’t simply retell the story of Gotham’s protector. Instead, it’s being marketed as “The Brave and the Bold,” with a family-oriented narrative that delves into Bruce Wayne’s bond with his son, Damian – our well-known Robin from comic lore. Gunn assures us that this movie will expand our horizons by introducing us to Batman’s extended “Bat-Family,” and it aims to solidify the Dark Knight as a cornerstone of the revamped cinematic universe.

As a die-hard DC Universe fan, I’m thrilled to share that unlike Robert Pattinson’s Elseworlds interpretations, this upcoming Batman will be firmly rooted within the larger DCU canon. This implies that whichever actor lands the role won’t just star in The Brave and the Bold, but they’re likely to feature prominently across a variety of films and projects over the coming years. For us enthusiasts, this casting choice promises to carry as much significance as Superman himself!

Could a Former Superman Become Batman?

Initially, the thought of a previous Superman actor portraying Batman might appear unusual. However, Hollywood has witnessed some unexpected role switches before. For instance, actors like Ryan Reynolds, who transitioned from Green Lantern to Deadpool, and Chris Evans, moving on from playing the Human Torch in Fantastic Four to Captain America, have proven that such role changes can yield success, even spanning different franchises.

Tyler Hoechlin’s portrayal of Clark Kent on “Superman & Lois” could potentially make him a strong contender for the role of Batman, given his ability to convincingly embody both a hero and a family-oriented father. This fatherly demeanor might prove particularly suitable for “The Brave and the Bold,” as it may emphasize Batman’s relationship with Damian Wayne, which is a key aspect of the storyline.

Concurrently, Hoechlin has demonstrated his ability to delve into more complex, intense roles; fans of Teen Wolf are aware that he can portray brooding with exceptional skill, and he even assumed the enigmatic, dark role of Sephiroth in the Final Fantasy VII Remake series. This blend of warmth and darkness perfectly matches what Bruce Wayne necessitates.

Where the Casting Stands

As of now, it’s yet to be revealed who will play Batman within the DC Universe by James Gunn. In his interviews, he mentioned that the script for The Brave and the Bold needs to be finalized first before casting calls can be made. Therefore, this situation is creating lots of discussions among fans regarding potential candidates for Batman.

Fans have also proposed Brandon Sklenar, known for his work on 1923, as a promising new talent for the role. However, Gunns has clarified that Chris Pratt will not be playing this character, but there’s a possibility he might show up in other parts of the DCU instead.

That leaves plenty of room for surprises—and Hoechlin’s candid pitch adds another wrinkle.

A Brave and Bold Swing That Could Work

As a fan, I’d say it’s quite unusual to envision a past Superman stepping into the role of Batman. However, given that the DC Universe is currently navigating uncharted territories, it seems like an intriguing possibility. James Gunn is clearly working towards revitalizing the brand, aiming to blend cherished characters with unexpected creative decisions to breathe fresh life into the universe.

Tyler Hoechlin has entered discussions about playing Batman, and although he might not currently lead the race, his obvious excitement and solid background have made him a contender that both fans and executives find hard to overlook.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, particularly fond of the Dark Knight himself – Batman, I can’t help but feel the thrill as the competition heats up for who will don the cowl in James Gunn’s DCU. This race to fill the iconic role is not just about finding an actor, it’s a crucial decision that could set the tone for the entire reboot and shape the future of this beloved universe.

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2025-08-30 20:00