10 Actors Who Could Be The Batman We Deserve
Who will replace Batfleck in the belfrey?
Ben Affleck's position as the DC Extended Universe's Caped Crusader has always been shrouded by uncertainty, and that's never been more true in the wake of Justice League's critical and commercial underperformance.
Couple this with intense rumours that The Batman director Matt Reeves is keen to recast the role and Batfleck's days in the Batcave could very well be numbered.
The part of Batman would be among the most sought-after in Hollywood should it become available. Not only is DC Comics' Dark Knight one of the most high-profile roles there is, actors will be clamouring to work with Reeves after his acclaimed work on the recent Planet of the Apes prequel trilogy.
But who has the right credentials to inherit the cape and cowl? It's a challenging role rooted in duality, with both Batman and Bruce Wayne requiring different qualities. An actor with the right physique and an action-packed CV won't necessarily possess the dark gravitas required to play the character in civilian mode.
Reports suggest Reeves already has his top pick in mind, but there are other candidates who possess all of the right qualities to be the DCEU's next Batman.
10. Wes Bentley
Word has it that Wes Bentley was Christopher Nolan's top pick for the role of Batman in the DC Extended Universe, and nobody can claim the Dark Knight director doesn't know a thing or two about getting the character right.
Ultimately the studio went in a different direction and hired Ben Affleck, but if Warner Bros needs to recast the part soon, they could do far worse than Bentley.
The 39-year-old, who got his big break in 1999's American Beauty, impressed Nolan while working with the filmmaker on Interstellar and has built up a broad resume over the years. He's tackled everything from obscure art house projects to comic book adaptations, having appeared in the likes of Ghost Rider and Jonah Hex.
Bentley's career trajectory was disrupted by problems with drugs and alcohol after American Beauty, but going to dark places and overcoming this adversity might just make him the perfect fit for a tortured hero like Batman.
What's more, he has the perfect look for Bruce Wayne and isn't far off the right physique.