While Marvel is giving flop sweat interviews about how Fantastic Four: First Steps is going to be the one to turn things around, for real this time, DC Studios is basking in the sun thanks to the much-needed success of Superman. The film was a home run for James Gunn’s burgeoning universe, so naturally, everyone’s attention has quickly turned to what’s next.
While Gunn has been talking up the script for Wonder Woman, which we now know is being tackled by Supergirl writer Ana Nogueira, there’s no escaping the Batman of it all. Gunn can’t sit down for an interview without being asked what’s happening with the DCU’s version of the Dark Knight. That Batman will not be Robert Pattinson, who as of this writing, will continue to exist in his own separate film world. Without putting on my tin foil hat, let’s just say I expect to see some interesting movement on that front sooner than later now that Superman secured its bag.
Anyway, Reacher star Alan Ritchson has been a name that’s been bandied about to the point that Gunn recently gave an interesting answer to Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast (via Comic Book). “I am a big Alan Ritchson fan, both as an actor and as a guy. I, let’s just wait and see what happens.”
However, I had no idea that Pajiba favorite Lee Pace was in the mix, and he also gave an interesting answer when asked about the rumors that he could be the new DCU Batman. Via The Playlist:
Given his knack for playing emotionally restrained characters with immense presence, it’s not hard to see why the idea has stuck. But Pace wasn’t confirming any talks have taken place.
“I can’t answer that in this context,” he laughed. “I mean, Batman is one of the great, fun cinematic characters. It’s so cool. I mean, how fun. And what a great privilege for anyone to get to play a role like that.”
When told it’s not hard to picture him in the cape and cowl, Pace responded with a grin: “Talk about the canon of fun actors who have made that character their own. So wicked.”
Is the world ready for a Batman who’s as tall as a tree and everyone wants to f*ck? I honestly don’t know, but I’m willing to find out if James Gunn deems this journey so. The Pajiba team just has one request: Adam West-style Spandex. Think about it.
