The DC Universe is abuzz with excitement as James Gunn's vision is taking shape. With the Superman: Legacy kicking off the new era and the casting for Creature Commandos next season generating chatter, fans cannot help but speculate about one key role — Batman. With The Brave and the Bold promising a seasoned Batman mentoring his son Robin, the role demands an actor with depth, grit, and heart. It is one of those casting choices that will define the new DCU.

So, who could balance that charming mystery and heroism to perfection? Well, here is a look at some of the top contenders who might might just be the perfect Batman for James Gunn's DC Universe. 

Jake Gyllenhaal, known for his performances in films such as Nightcrawler and Brokeback Mountain, has long been a popular choice for Batman. His dark and intense portrayals make him an excellent choice for the character of the Dark Knight. You would be interested to know that Gyllenhaal was once considered to play the role of Batman in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins (2005). He went through the auditions but the role went to Christian Bale instead. 

With experience in the superhero genre from when Gyllenhaal played Mysterio in MCU's Spider-Man: Far From Home, his depth and range may help him give Batman a new fresh take.

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Luke Evans, known for his role in Fast & Furious 6 and Dracula Untold, has been quite the fan-favorite choice to play Batman in James Gunn's DC Universe. Evans' charming character of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast showed how he could play a rich larger-than-life character. His action movie experience also gives him the scope to handle the physical demands of the role. 

Ben Barnes is a seasoned actor who has been active in the film industry for over two decades, with a great ability to move across different genres. His performances as Prince Caspian in The Chronicles of Narnia and the mysterious Darkling in Shadow and Bone show how he can charmingly capture the complexity of characters. Fans have long speculated about Barnes stepping into the role of Batman. His commanding presence and depth of experience would make him a great guy to play Batman.

Aldis Hodge, the man who portrayed tech genius Alec Hardison in the TV series Leverage, has won hearts with his versatility. He played Hardison as a charming hacker with a heart, where he could go from humor to intensity in a single scene. Hodge's latest role as Hawkman in Black Adam further pointed to his superhero acting skills. With James Gunn's openness for the actors playing more than one role within the DC Universe, Aldis Hodge could be an exciting new contender for the Batman cape. 

Trevante Rhodes, who has been widely known for his performances in films such as Moonlight and Bird Box, has shown a versatility that could finely translate into the role of Batman. Rhodes' athletic background and versatility in roles including the action-packed The Predator positions him as a strong candidate to bring in a fresh and dynamic interpretation to the Dark Knight.

Action hero, Alan Ritchson celebrated for his commanding on-screen presence and action-packed roles in the popular television series Reacher, as Aquaman in Smallville and later as Hawk in Titans knows the DC Universe quite well. His great physique and screen presence combined with his familiarity make him a very appealing candidate for the role of the Dark Knight. 

Jon Hamm, best known for his portrayal of the debonair Don Draper in Mad Men, has been a favorite choice for the role of Batman. He has a commanding presence and a deep voice, which would be perfect for the Dark Knight. Hamm's mature presence and experience would add depth to the character and his version could be a nuanced and compelling one for Batman.

Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who has impressed audiences with his performances in The Invisible Man and The Haunting series, has become a favorite among fans to play Batman in James Gunn's DC Universe. His portrayal of Adrian Griffin showed that he could play complex, intense characters and his tall and well-built physique adds to the intense brooding needed for the character while still having that charm. 

Jensen Ackles is best known for his role in The Boys as Soldier Boy, making him a hot favorite for playing Batman in the DC Universe from James Gunn. Soldier Boy showcased how he can play a complicated, morally gray character, an aspect that comes with the Dark Knight. With his deep voice and commanding presence, fans have gone as far as making fan art out of him, depicting him as Batman.

Tom Bateman, known for his roles in Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, is quite a beloved actor. His portrayal of Bouc in these films showed that he is well-suited to combine the charming with mystery. Further aged at 35, Bateman is at the perfect age to play a veteran Batman who mentors a young Robin while still carrying the physical strength needed for the role.

From intense performances to undeniable screen presence, each of these actors have the potential to deliver a version of the Dark Knight that will redefine the character in the DCU. Whether it is with their brooding intensity or their commanding charisma, these actors bring qualities that could elevate Batman in ways that you have never experienced!

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Now, it’s your turn! Who do you think should don the Batman cape and cowl next? Let us know in the comments below!