I love Batman. Specifically I love Bruce Wayne as Batman. He's the OG as the kids like to say. However, over the character's 77 year history there have been quite a few other men (and some women) to proclaim themselves as Batman. I had a post before about who I felt were the best alternate versions of Batman (and we're gonna get a little into it here) but it occurs to me that there is always the possibility that we could see these guys on the big screen! The best part about it is that WB and Zack Snyder have done some of the work for me! They've already cast two of these alternate Batmen. I just had to put the pieces together and let my imagination run wild as to what their films could look like! Now granted this is pure speculation on my part, but I love sitting and thinking about what could be, and probably should happen with these films.
JK SIMMONS AS JIM GORDON
Whatever direction they decide to go with for Jim Gordon in the new Batman/Justice League films I think we can all agree that Simmons was brilliant casting! In just about everything he's done he has proven to be an exceptional actor. I have no doubt in my mind that he will be a great Jim Gordon. I can just see him now staring up at the Justice League members in total awe and saying some funny line about how much the world has changed. It's definitely going to be a memorable performance.
But is that all? Simmons will be a great Jim Gordon and that's it?
So what's this all about, huh? What are you doing there, JK? You planning on taking Affleck's place in a future Bat-film? Well . . . probably not because he confirmed that this picture was taken in preparation for another movie. BUT . . . Let's have some fun with this idea!
In the comics, Batman was presumed dead after a long battle with the Joker. Gotham was trying to move on without Batman but his absence was noticeable as crime was on the rise. Powers Industries recruits former police commissioner Jim Gordon to be the new Batman to protect the streets of Gotham. It isn't long before Gordon is facing a crazy and dangerous new threat in the form of Mr. Bloom! It's definitely one of the craziest but best Batman stories that's been done in recent years. I would love to see a Batman film that adapts this in some way, now the story does feature Bruce Wayne having lost all his memories as Batman and trying to rebuild his life in a community center helping people the way he thinks his parents would have. I highly recommend this one to Bat-fans.
I think it could be a really different take on a Batman film. We've had so many films featuring Bruce Wayne as Batman and so few of them have featured Jim Gordon as an important character. In the 90s films, Gordon was sort of the way he was in the 60s TV series meaning he sort of just relied on Batman to do all the crime fighting in Gotham. In the Nolan films, Gordon was a much more interesting character and helped Batman in his crime fighting as opposed to just letting Batman do all the dirty work. I'm hoping that trend will continue with Simmons and Affleck's new the Batman film. But also, seeing Jim have to BECOME Batman would be really exciting too. It's a chance for Hollywood to do something different with the films but still have Bruce Wayne an important figure in the film. Also, it will give Affleck some time out of the Batsuit and that can't be a bad thing ;) Plus Simmons could totally be Batman! Albeit, a very different Batman then we are used to but that would be the point! It would be hilarious to see him try to be how Bruce was as Batman but also try to do his own thing. Simmons would nail it for sure and it would be fantastic.
JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN AS THOMAS WAYNE
Now this . . . This is the guy! When Morgan was announced as Thomas Wayne for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice fans went crazy! It seemed like maybe they were setting something up for a Flashpoint film or maybe he'll guest star on The Flash as Thomas Wayne's Batman. While either of those situations would be absolutely incredible, it's probably just fans' imaginations running wild. However . . . let's not shoot it down just yet! Let's play around with this thought.
Now there are two options here. The first is an adaptation of Flashpoint where Bruce Wayne was murdered and it drove Thomas and Martha Wayne crazy. Thomas became a ruthless vigilante and Martha became a psychotic murderer. In case you never read it - Thomas is Batman and Martha is the Joker. It was a twist in the story that not only made a lot of sense but was captivating on every level. I'd love to see that adapted in some way.
The other option is Thomas Wayne as the Earth 2 Batman. He's a much more ruthless, unforgiving Batman and he's addicted to Miraclo, a drug that gives you super strength for one hour at a time. He took up the mantle of Batman after Bruce died saving the world. He helped rally the other superheroes together during the second attack from Apokalips. That was one of my all time favorite comics. So if you're looking for a different take on Batman but it's not too terribly far off from your classic Batman then look no further than Flashpoint or Earth 2.
Some have called it a waste that Morgan was just a cameo in BvS. Ok . . . I said that. I did. Because I love the Earth 2 stuff so much and he would be amazing as a darker, harder, meaner Batman. Given his body of work, especially Watchmen, it's not hard for me to imagine him donning the red and black Batsuit. Morgan is a brilliant actor with a lot of range. Thomas Wayne is a character we haven't gotten to see much of in the films or any TV series. Essentially, this character would be a brand new concept for movie audiences. While it's not likely that WB/DC will want to have a new Batman so soon after Ben Affleck's wonderful performance there is this idea out there. And like I said, it's pretty much on every fan's wish list to see Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the Thomas Wayne Batman. It's definitely on mine!
SAM CLAFLIN AS DICK GRAYSON
Ok so this is just fan casting. But you cannot deny . . . It would be awesome to see. All we know, as of right now, is that at some point during Batman's career there was at least one Robin that was killed. There were rumors of it being Dick Grayson but it was confirmed to be Jason Todd. I think it's safe to say that Dick Grayson does exist in the DCEU (it would be a mistake for the filmmakers not to use him) and at this point in his life is probably Nightwing. But what if during the Justice League films or even in The Batman Bruce is killed off? Who would stand up and become Batman then? In the comics Bruce was presumed dead at the hands of Darkseid during Final Crisis and Dick Grayson took up the mantle of Batman in his place.
He even had a flying Batmobile!
Dick's career as Batman actually lasted a few years in the comics. After Bruce came back, he started up Batman, Inc and began recruiting Batmen from all over the world to protect their various cities while Dick remained in Gotham protecting it as Batman. This led to some wonderful Batman stories including Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin run and Scott Snyder's The Black Mirror. When the New 52 was launched, Dick took up the role of Nightwing again but remained a member of Batman, Inc. However, I think his career as Batman was a highlight for the character. He was a much different Batman than Bruce. He was wittier, lighter on his feet, and showed more compassion than Bruce ever did. It was one of my favorite Batman runs in recent years. I sometimes wish that they would go back to it because I love Dick as Batman so much. But then again . . . Nightwing is cool too (I guess).
Not long ago, just based on promotional material for The Hunger Games, I would have thought of Claflin as a good choice for Aquaman. I mean gosh darn it! Look at that picture! He looks just like Arthur Curry from the comics. However, after seeing the films I started thinking he would actually be a lot better as Dick Grayson. He pulled off the confident, bordering on arrogant personality but when it came down to it, he could kick major ass. That's who Grayson needs to be. There's a reason that everyone in the superhero community felt that he should take up the mantle of the Bat while Bruce was gone. I think that Claflin would make a great Dick Grayson even if he never gets the chance to be Batman. However, I do think that would make an amazing film story to see Bruce gone and Dick have to take his place. Like I said with the previous suggestions it would make for a different type of Batman film and I think that's what audiences are craving these days. I mean after Affleck kills it with his film first of course ;)
I hope it doesn't sound like I'm trying to run Ben Affleck out of the picture. I loved his performance in Batman v Superman and I can't wait to see the Batman and Justice League. I've just given it a lot of thought and it seems crazy that these two wonderful actors were cast, Simmons and Morgan, and they would make great Batmen on screen! Then of course there's my own suggestion of Claflin as Dick Grayson because, as of this writing, Dick has not been cast yet. Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing a new wave of Bat-films. Here's hoping that Geoff Johns will be able to convince WB to take a chance and maybe some day give us a totally different Batman to root for on film.
Hey a man can dream right? :)
Till Next Time!
JJ - the Comic Junkie!
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