Robert Pattinson and Ben Affleck have both played Batman in recent years, with the former appearing in Matt Reeves' 2022 superhero film The Batman.

Affleck has appeared as Bruce Wayne/Batman in five different projects over seven years, but has now hung up the iconic suit after playing the character in 2023's The Flash. We know Pattinson will play the Dark Knight once again in The Batman Part II, but there is also another Batman movie on the horizon. In January 2023, DC Universe boss James Gunn told of a new movie, The Brave and the Bold, which will see Batman team up with his son Damian Wayne, who will be his sidekick Robin.

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The Brave and the Bold will be the DCU's first Batman movie, and not much else is known about the forthcoming film. We do know The Flash director Andy Muschetti will helm the project, but he won't re-team with Affleck, who has been ruled out of reprising his Batman role this time.

The Batman Part II is scheduled to be released in October 2026, while The Brave and the Bold is expected to drop at a later date, potentially 2027, giving the DCU some time to find their man. But who will it be?

Gyllenhaal Would Be 'Honoured' To Play Batman

Jake Gyllenhaal is the early 11/8 favourite to take on the iconic superhero role in The Brave and the Bold, and the star has made no secret of the fact he wants the part.

When asked in March if he would be up for playing the Caped Crusader, he told Screen Rant, "Oh, man. That’s a classic. It’s an honour.

"Speaking of playing roles that other incredible actors have played in the past, to me actually roles that other incredible actors have played in the past, which, to me, actually, when I think about it, I’m going to play Iago in Othello with Denzel Washington, and I think about like the history of actors that have played that role throughout time, and I’m intimidated by that.

"So that’s the first level. That’s what I’m working on right now. But of course. It would be an honour always. Those types of things and those roles are classics."

Gyllenhaal was said to be among the stars considered for Batman in Christopher Nolan's 2005 motion picture Batman Begins, the first of the Dark Knight trilogy. However, Christian Bale landed the part.

If DC are looking for a particularly physical star to play the next Batman, then Gyllenhaal or Jack Reacher actor Alan Ritchson could be their man. Ritchson is 13/8, just ahead of former Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page (2/1) and Twisters actor Glen Powell (5/2) in the market. Like Gyllenhaal, Ritchson hasn't ruled out the opportunity of playing "one of the most iconic characters of all time."

When asked in an interview with ComicBook.com if he could say "I am Batman," Ritchson chuckled and then joked: "As huge as this rumour mill is, I feel like this part should be offered on a silver platter at this point." He then said, "I would love to play Batman. But, I'm not yet Batman.

"I don't know what; I don't know what Gunn's approach is going to be. But, yeah, that'd be great. He's one of the most iconic characters of all time."

Pattinson's Batman Hat Trick?

One actor who knows exactly what it's like to play Batman and have success in the role is Pattinson. The star's incarnation has reaped rewards for Warner Bros. after 2022's The Batman grossed $771 million worldwide and earned three Academy Award nominations.

Pattinson is 3/1 to return as Batman in The Brave and the Bold, continuing his journey in the iconic Batsuit. (Image: FlixPix / Alamy Stock Photo)

While it's more than likely a different star ends up playing Batman in The Brave and the Bold, it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that DC invite Pattinson to continue his journey in the Batsuit. The actor is 3/1 to reprise his role in The Brave and the Bold, and if this was to happen after The Batman Part II, then it could even result in Reeves' The Batman franchise retroactively becoming a DCU series.

Black Panther star Winston Duke (4/1) is also expected to be in the conversation, as are Game of Thrones actors and 5/1 shots Kit Harington and Richard Madden. Duke has already put his hat in the ring, encouraging fans to start a campaign to see him suit up as Batman.

While promoting his film Fall Guy, he was asked about the possibility of playing the Caped Crusader, and he told the website Slash Film, "Listen, man, can you start that [campaign]?

"[Laughs] I would say I challenge you to get on all these socials and push for me. Get your community. I would love to. I would love to do that as Batman. I'd love any opportunity to explore new characters and to change narratives around some of these entrenched ideas of how these characters are supposed to look, sound, and perform. I'm all for it."

Bond or Batman?

Another star with previous links to the Dark Knight role is Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The actor was one of the back-ups for Reeves' The Batman before Pattinson landed the role, but could he get another shot at the character soon?

Ben Affleck has retired from the role of Batman after seven years, with no plans to reprise the character in the upcoming The Brave and the Bold. (Image: Collection Christophel / Alamy)

While Taylor-Johnson looks more likely to be the next James Bond if recent speculation is to be believed, if he misses out on the suave spy role, then playing the Caped Crusader would be a brilliant backup plan. Taylor-Johnson is 6/1 to lead the cast of The Brave and the Bold, while Bradley Cooper isn't far behind at 7/1.

But 15/2 shot Jensen Ackles already has a connection to the character. He has already voiced Batman multiple times in DC's Tomorrowverse animated movies and has admitted, like many others, he would be well up for portraying the Gotham City protector in a live-action film—but joked he fears Pedro Pascal (11/1) might land the coveted part instead.

Speaking at a fan convention last year, he said, "I mean, could I do it? Sure. Would I want to do it? Yes. Will I be mad when Pedro Pascal gets it? Yeah. God bless you, Pedro. You just keep killing it, buddy. Let me know when you pass on something.

"Would I entertain the idea of playing my favourite superhero of all time? Nah, I'm good (laughs). I would love it. Sign me up.”

Several others have also been linked to the part, including Henry Golding (8/1) and Scott Eastwood (12/1), but with so many actors keen to take on the iconic role, DC have a tough job on their hands to decide.