Anghus Houvouras shares his pick for the next Batman…
Ben Affleck is out as Batman, something no one should be surprised by. Warner Bros. is looking at hosing themselves off after Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League showered audiences with wet, hot stinky garbage that was about as well received a white hot poker to the unprepared rectum.
Since the internet loves to speculate about the nebulous ether of an unformed future, everyone has been sharing their two cents about who should next don the cap and cowl. However, as the internet’s number one casting tastemaker, I felt it was my duty to chime in with my expert opinion on who should be the next Dark Knight. Will it be a direct hit like it was when I accurately declared that Benedict Cumberbatch should be cast as Doctor Strange? Or will it be a controversial, internet shattering thud like when I said Henry Golding should be the next James Bond (make it happen Broccoli family)? I suppose there isn’t much drama or tension given that my selection is in the headline:
Jamie Dornan should be the next Batman.
Take a moment. Let it sink in. When you’re ready, keep reading for some supporting arguments for this selection.
1. Intensity + Classically Handsome = A Good Batman
Batman has been played by a variety of handsome men. Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, George Clooney and Val Kilmer are all easy on the eyes. Michael Keaton (My favorite Batman) was more ‘intense’ and ‘interesting’ than classic Hollywood heartthrob. Dornan feels like a good blend of Keaton’s intensity and the polished good looks of a Clooney and Kilmer. Dornan is a great blend of the kind of steely, dark intensity needed to play Batman and the charm & great looks for Bruce Wayne. In him you can see the visage of that spoiled trust fund pretty boy that no one would ever think could be Gotham’s greatest protector, especially while doing interviews while promoting his projects. There’s a level of cold, calculating indifference that feels perfect for both Bruce Wayne and Batman.
2. A good actor looking for a real breakout role
Let’s face it; Dornan’s career has featured more misfires than an unloaded Gatling gun that suffers from erectile dysfunction. Dornan has the acting chops but sad, successful franchises like the 50 Shades films have done more harm than help to his career. Appearing in last year’s biggest dumpster fire, Robin Hood, doesn’t help either. He’s an acting commodity in need of the kind of role that can right his previous cinematic wrongs. A stint as the Caped Crusader could be the thing to give his career some legitimacy.
3. A Batman the ladies can get into
One thing the 50 Shades movies have done for Dornan is get him a lot of female fans. If there’s anything we’ve learned from Aquaman, and extremely hunky leading man does not hurt your superhero movie. Dornan isn’t exactly carved from granite like Jason Mamoa, but he has amassed a strong female following that could help put asses in seats.
Jamie Dornan is right for the Dark Knight. He has the look, the vibe and the casual indifference to give us a unique take on Batman.
SEE ALSO: 8 Actors Who Could Replace Ben Affleck in The Batman
What do you make of Jamie Dornan as a pick for the next Batman? Would he be a good choice? If not, who are you hoping to see cast in the role? Let us know in the comments below…
Anghus Houvouras
Originally published May 2, 2019. Updated November 21, 2019.
