The Punisher star Ben Barnes spoke to Collider about a possible role he wants in his career:
I was actually watching some— my parents just visited me, and they bought some like little kid videos, and we were watching some old family videos. And in every single one, I was dressed like Batman or Robin Hood. I think there may have been a Spider-Man one, but it was mainly Batman. So obviously, I was, from age 4 and up, I obviously requested that.
Speaking on a panel at FanX Salt Lake Comic Con, Barnes revealed his fascination for the Caped Crusader, with Collider’s Lovitt urging him to manifest his dream. Barnes replied:
Hey, I accept. […] Just call me, I’ve got Bruce Wayne ready to go.
Batman, according to Barnes, has been the one constant dream role growing up. Ben Barnes did star in an MCU show, but as an antagonist. If he does get to suit up as Batman, James Gunn would have to cast him in the upcoming Batman film he has planned.
Ben Barnes Can Be Bruce Wayne In DCU’s The Brave and the Bold
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s first DC Phase, titled Gods & Monsters, includes a new film called The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce Batman and Damian Wayne to the DCU.
Speculation about who Batman would be and his character’s appearance has been circulating online, to the annoyance of James Gunn. Speaking with comedian Tom Segura on his podcast, Gunn said (via Collider):
Should Batman have white eyes? That’s a big subject of conversation. It’s like, ‘Guys, that’s really what matters?’ But those are the things they care about. Should his utility belt be yellow? Should he have the yellow crest around the bat? All of that sort of stuff. None of those things are what’s most important to me.
What matters is the character, the story and I think we have a really really good story now for what’s happening with Batman.
While many details about the film are still kept under wraps, we know that the film will be helmed by The Flash director Andy Muschietti, while Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II will be part of the Elseworlds, and not the DCU.
Ben Barnes, now 43 years old, has the capabilities to bring an interesting Batman to the big screen.
Why Ben Barnes Would Be a Good Fit For the Role of the Dark Knight
Ben Barnes is really good at playing charming and brooding personalities, like he did in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, where he was featured as the titular character. Put him in a modern suit, and we have our Bruce Wayne, Playboy billionaire. This would be crucial to add the charisma needed to pull off Bruce Wayne’s characteristics.
Ben Barnes played the titular role of Dorian Grey, a movie about a beautiful man. His performance was layered, portraying a character who embodied a sophisticated personality outside that hid a darker interior. Sound familiar?
To add to the intensity needed to pull off the Dark Knight, we needn’t look further than Shadow & Bone, where he played a manipulative leader who can charm anybody. At many moments during the show, Barnes’ character was so intimidating, that it brought his adversaries to their knees.
Here are some of the roles Ben Barnes has played, along with reasons why he would be a suitable fit for Batman and Bruce Wayne.
Finally, being a veteran actor in the industry, his age would be perfect to portray a Batman who mentors a young Robin.
The Brave and the Bold does not have a release date as of yet.
