Casting Younger Batman
It turns out Matt Reeves has a script for his Batman movie that features a younger Batman.
Looks like Ben Affleck is getting the boot? Who knows. But, It sure was fun casting the Green Lantern Corps, Batwoman, and Batgirl so let's do it for Batman!
In case you're wondering, Ben Affleck is currently 46 and I have no idea how old his Bruce is supposed to be in Batman v. Superman, Suicide Squad, and Justice League. But 46 is the baseline for too old. If you're tired of casting options that deviate from the source material, then you are in luck! Since I will be casting Bruce Wayne's Batman, I feel like the amount of wealth for that character in America would have to come from a white family. You can fight me on that, if you'd like, but this is my site so I'm going with that for now.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Matthew Rhys (2 Years Younger)
Why Though:
Starting off with the oldest option for Younger Batman, it's Matthew Rhys! I don't know why I like Matthew so much in the The Americans so much, I just do. But, I'm basing this pick solely on The Americans, especially since he's not not that much younger. His performance show's he can be a deep character you sympathize with while also going into cold blooded mode. He's got the American accent down (something I can't guarantee with the other choices I have) and he can throw hands! Matthew could be good! Change my mind!
How Good Will the Accent Be:
It'd be pretty good, I think.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Andrew Scott (4 Years Younger)
Why Though:
These actors may all be white men, but nothing says they all have to be straight white men. I promise this is the last time I'll attempt to pat myself on the back for scratching the surface on casting this role as diversely as possible. My fear is that Andrew Scott is too small. But he could put on some muscle and they can do Tom Cruise/Kevin Hart like camera work to make it not as obvious. Andrew is ever engaging on screen though. I don't count Spectre, I just think he does great work on Sherlock. Something else that will be important will be the ability for the actor to inhabit two distinct roles and make it feel natural. I think that's Andrew's bread and butter.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
It could be a disaster. I really don't know if Andrew could do an American accent. But if he could, I really feel like he'd be a dope Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Logan Marshall-Green (4 Years Younger)
Why Though:
America's response to Tom Hardy. Looks wise anyway. I didn't like Prometheus, but I remember him in that and you already know I loved Spider-Man: Homecoming and enjoyed Logan's brief appearance in that. What I'm saying is, I'd be cool with this role being the one that puts Mr. Marshall-Green over the top and makes him a household name!
How Good Will the Accent Be:
I don't foresee any problems here.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Zachary Quinto (5 years Younger)
Why Though:
Zachary Quinto is that dude if you need a burning intensity without words. To say nothing of how intimidating he can come off when he is using his words. He is known for getting mad with a snarl and that could be more pallatable for audiences than the Christian Bale voice that I thought was dope!
How Good Will the Accent Be:
A lot of what I think would be great about Zachary is the vocal performance.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Lee Pace (7 Years Younger)
Why Though:
I'd like take some time to ask how is this guy NOT British. I'll be honest, the most amount of time I've spent with Lee is in Guardians of the Galaxy and I forgot to mention him on this MCU villain list. But I'm going to get more into Halt and Catch Fire soon. I just feel like he has the look of a rich guy and I'd buy him as a Batman with the right stunt coordination. What I'm saying is I'd buy him mas the oft overlooked aspect of this role which is Bruce Wayne. Since we can't watch a full movie with Batman in the suit for some reason, I'd be interested in following Lee.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
I seriously have never heard this guy speak with an American accent, but if IMDb is to be believed, he's American, so I guess it would be good.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Rupert Friend (9 Years Younger)
Why Though:
Aidan and I have a strong appreciation for Rupert Friend's Quinn on Homeland. Rupert does action very well. I'm sure there would need to be a couple more trips to the gym to fill out his frame but that's not a big deal. I stayed away from his Hitman: Agent 47 movie, but I saw Rupert in The Death of Stalin. It was great to see him put it down in a very funny role. There's layers to this actor which is important for Bruce Wayne/Batman.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
He pulls it off on Homeland so I think he can do it again!
Actor/How Much Younger:
Dan Stevens (10 Years Younger)
Why Though:
Even though he's doing great work on Legion, I always think of Dan Stevens from Downton Abbey. Something about that makes me feel like he'd be a lock for the Bruce Wayne aspect. Coming from money and all that. What Legion and his film roles have proven is that he can also be a pretty intense guy. Something you'll need, at the very least, as Batman.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
I'm sure it'll be fine if Legion is anything to go by.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Finn Wittrock (12 Years Younger)
Why Though:
This guy just has a look! I can't shake it. I look at him and think, YUP that's a year one Bruce Wayne/Batman if I've ever seen one. I have only noticed him in The Big Short, but that's all I needed. Finn Wittrock proved that he was more than just someone who looked the part. In a movie with that many stars, I was still enthralled with his scenes.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
It'll be all good.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Garrett Hedlund (12 Years Younger)
Why Though:
My appreciation of Garrett Hedlund started when he appeared in Troy. Extended to his involvement in Friday Night Lights (the movie), Four Brothers, and definitely Mudbound! If I'm being honest I thought, based on the trailer alone, that his Captain Hook role in that musical Hugh Jackman Peter Pan would be an amazing Han Solo-esque role I could root for. However, when I had a chance to watch it on a plane I turned off the movie before I got to him so I'll never know for sure. Garrett really seems like a nice guy. That's not a completely bad quality to have in a Bruce Wayne/Batman. He doesn't have to be a cold closed off billionaire who dresses like a bat around the clock.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
Off the top of my head I don't know that he can do a WASP-y enough accent, but I'm sure he could get there.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Johnathan Groff (13 Years Younger)
Why Though:
Continuing down the road of maybe Batman doesn't have to be a jerk I submit Johnathan Groff as an option. I didn't finish Mindhunter but I feel like having someone with Johnathan's energy in the middle of a dark crime filled role could work if you wanted to see how Bruce Wayne starts his Batman crusade with hope and slowly has his optimism chipped away. If you think it's laughable that Johnathan has a musical background; remember that if you've got the Hamilton soundtrack, he's King George... so don't sleep on how dope that is. You should also remember that Christian Bale has multiple roles on his IMDb that involved singing and dancing and he was a great Bruce Wayne/Batman.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
It'll be good.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Armie Hammer (14 Years Younger)
Why Though:
I know that Armie Hammer was supposed to be Batman in a George Miller Justice League movie. I thought that was a horrible idea, then I saw The Social Network. I've never not liked an Armie Hammer performance. For anyone who wants Jon Hamm (who is disqualified for age reasons) as Batman, they should be on board with this choice. They have the same vocal tone, and they both seem like they're in control before they even open their mouths. Armie was great in A24's Free Fire, he's amazing in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and I can't wait to see what he's like in Sorry to Bother you. Plus I said I wanted him to be Batman when Ben and I recast the DCEU so I'm doubling down here too.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
It'll be perfect.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Richard Madden (14 Years Younger)
Why Though:
As you may or may not know, Aidan and I recap Game of Thrones episodes. The appeal is that I refuse to read the books, and Aidan has read them all so you're getting two distinct points of view when we review the episodes. With that comes Aidan's distaste fro Robb Stark and my complete backing of Robb Stark as one of the best to ever do it in the Game of Thrones. As such, I'd love to see Richard get another great role, because whatever Ibiza was... wasn't it. And I haven't seen him in anything else I've liked... sorry Cinderella fans.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
Yeah it might suck. But I still would love for him to try.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Glen Powell (16 Years Younger)
Why Though:
I was just as charmed by Glen Powell in Hidden Figures as Janelle Monet's character was. I can't help that some of my suggestions are 100% based on the actor's ability to make me believe they're a winner. Like previous enteries, this can't just be based off of looks. I have to have liked one or two of their performances. So I'm glad he has Hidden Figures and he's been in a Batman movie in the form being killed by Bane in The Dark Knight Rises during the Wall Street scene. And while I have no recollection of Expendables 3 other than Wesley Snipes was good in it, I can only assume he's got action chops since he is in that.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
It'll be great.
Actor/How Much Younger:
Robbie Amell (16 Years Younger)
Why Though:
Some Canadian content! I have to give it up to my fellow Torontonian, Robbie Amell. Yeah he did his thing as Firestorm, but this is Bruce Wayne/Batman! The big leagues! Robbie certainly has the look super hero experience. But what else does he have? Well I found myself truly interested in how he portrayed Bo Burnham's romantic rival in the seriously slept on Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous and he was pretty good in the DUFF. I didn't go with his cousin, because he's already playing TV Batman on Arrow.
How Good Will the Accent Be:
Won't be a problem for him at all.
-YG