Every generation has its Batman. For Ben Barnes, that dream began long before he was Billy Russo in The Punisher or General Kirigan in Shadow and Bone. Speaking with Collider’s Maggie Lovitt on a Panel at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention this weekend, Barnes revealed that the Caped Crusader has been the one role he’s fantasized about since childhood. He told the audience:

“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.”

When Lovitt suggested speaking a role in the DCU into existence, Barnes readily replied, saying, “Hey, I accept. […] Just call me, I’ve got Bruce Wayne ready to go.” Barnes also recalled growing up with Marvel Top Trumps card games, watching superheroes long before he ever auditioned for The Punisher. But when it came to role-playing as a kid, there was only one clear winner. Batman has been the constant.

James Gunn’s New Batman Era

Batman on a comic book cover
Batman on a comic book coverImage via DC Comics

Barnes’ comments arrive at a fascinating moment for The Dark Knight. James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU slate, Gods & Monsters, includes a new film called The Brave and the Bold that will introduce Batman and Damian Wayne to this universe. Gunn recently talked about the obsessive fan debates surrounding the character — from the yellow utility belt to white eyes — but insisted what matters most is the character himself.

“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,” Gunn said in a podcast chat with Tom Segura. “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 details remain under wraps, The Brave and the Bold will be helmed by Andy Muschietti (The Flash), with Matt Reeves’ The Batman: Part II continuing separately as an “Elseworlds” story. That means multiple Batmen will coexist — and the fan casting conversations are already in full swing.

Barnes has never officially been linked to Batman, but his timing couldn’t be more intriguing. The actor, now 43, has the brooding intensity fans often associate with Gotham’s vigilante. And as his comments show, the dream has been alive since before he ever stepped onto a Marvel or DC set. Whether Gunn and Safran would consider him remains to be seen — but if Barnes’ inner four-year-old had his way, the Bat-Signal is already shining.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the future of Batman in the DCU.

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Release Date

October 1, 2027

Director

Matt Reeves

Writers

Matt Reeves, Mattson Tomlin, Bill Finger, Bob Kane

Franchise(s)

Batman