4. Joel Edgerton
Returning to reality, the Australian Joel Edgerton comes next on the list. The scrappy Aussie, although born in the same year as Bale, could definitely bring something new and fresh to the role. Edgertons is perhaps most widely known for his great performance (complete with flawless American accent) opposite Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte in 2010s Warrior. Though unlike fellow countrymen Sam Worthington (Avatar) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor, The Avengers), is yet to make that big step, despite arguably being the one thats displayed the greater talent. Perhaps that step could be Batman. Edgertons turn in the wonderful Australian crime drama Animal Kingdom is terrifying yet understated. Similar to Michal Fassbender, Edgerton is able to achieve great intensity but in very subtle ways, perfect for the intense though not usually so flamboyant job that comes with the territory if you so happen to be Bruce Wayne. The next time many will see Edgerton is in Baz Luhrmanns adaptation of The Great Gatsby with a rumoured turn in Kathryn Bigelows Osama Bin Laden movie to follow that. Edgerton wont be that guy that was in The Fighter for long. Hes already proven hes more than capable of kicking a few posteriors, doing so whilst wearing the nipple-less Batsuit and handy utility belt is unlikely to be a problem. With Edgerton gradually stepping out of others shadow, it may be time to step back into them if Warner Bros. come-a-calling.