Why Jim Caviezel Should Be DC’s Next Batman
11.04.2024 - 14:43
/ fortressofsolitude.co.za
/ Bruce Wayne
/ James Gunn
/ Jonathan Nolan
/ David Corenswet
/ Alan Ritchson
If James Gunn is looking for an older actor to play Batman in the DCU, there’s really only one really good choice: Jim Caviezel.
We’re still over a year away from James Gunn’s DCU revival, but expectations are already soaring high. With Superman heralding a new era for DC’s live-action cinematic universe, the Man of Steel finally gets the solo entry he deserves after more than a decade since Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel.
As excited as we are for David Corenswet to don the iconic red and blue suit, there’s been a deafening silence regarding the remaining Gunn’s Justice League members. With Ben Affleck and the rest of the Snyderverse out of DC’s future plans, the quest for a new Justice League is on – and no iteration of the legendary superhero team would be complete without its own (extremely cool and brooding) Dark Knight.
A hefty chunk of online fans has already cast their votes for the next Batman. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Reacher‘s towering Alan Ritchson is the favourite actor to play the Caped Crusader in future instalments. With his impressive physique, DC pedigree, and stoic approach to action, Ritchson would undoubtedly deliver one of the best on-screen interpretations of Batman we’ve witnessed in years. However, we shouldn’t forget the man under the cowl.
One of the most compelling aspects of Batman’s character is Bruce Wayne. Though usually overshadowed by his larger-than-life alter-ego, Gotham’s most powerful billionaire is a completely different character with a unique set of fears and hopes that give him a human edge over the Dark Knight. As the comics have shown, Bruce Wayne is Batman’s disguise and not the other way around.
Live-action (and sometimes even animated or comic book) takes on Batman usually gloss over Bruce Wayne, focusing more on the cool gadgets and the broody nature of the Dark Knight. However, if James Gunn has taught us anything with his approach to the DCU so far – and with Guardians of the Galaxy to a certain extent – it is that the man loves classic comic book tropes.
For that reason, whoever plays Batman next should also deliver a legendary Bruce Wayne if the DCU wants to have any lasting power – and that’s precisely why Jim Caviezel would be an amazing pick for the character.
After portraying Jesus Christ in The Passion of the Christ, Caviezel has proved that he’s more than ready to tackle dramatic roles that demand the actor to show himself as vulnerable. Add to that his outstanding performance in Sound of Freedom, and you’ve got yourself an actor with a versatility most of Hollywood would die for.
For those who don’t know, Person of Interest was basically a Batman story (with a few minor differences).
Created by Jonathan Nolan, the brother of the man who revolutionised the