‘The Punisher’ Star Hopes to Suit Up as Batman in James Gunn’s DC Universe

Ben Barnes, known for his roles in The Punisher and Shadow and Bone, has revealed that playing Batman has been a dream of his since childhood.

Speaking with Collider at the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, Barnes shared stories from his early years. “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,” he said.

When Lovitt suggested that he could try for a role in James Gunn’s DC Universe, Barnes didn’t hesitate. “Hey, I accept. […] Just call me, I’ve got Bruce Wayne ready to go,” he said. Barnes also recalled growing up with superhero card games and comics, but when it came to role-playing, Batman was always the character he wanted to be.

So far in Gunn’s DC Universe, only Superman has been cast, with David Corenswet taking the role. Wonder Woman and Batman have not yet been officially announced.

Gunn has confirmed he has actors in mind, but has not revealed any names. Fans have suggested a few possibilities, including Allan Ritchson and Jensen Ackles, though Ritchson recently confirmed he is not pursuing the role after talking with James Gunn.

DCU’s Batman is set to appear in The Brave and the Bold. The film will focus on members of the “Bat-Family” and introduce Damian Wayne as Robin.

Gunn has described it as a “strange father and son story” centered on Batman and Robin. Ben Affleck will not return as Batman, and Matt Reeves’s version will continue separately under the DC Elseworlds label.

Andy Muschietti, director of The Flash, is set to direct The Brave and the Bold, with his sister Barbara co-producing alongside Gunn and Peter Safran.

Development on the film was delayed in late 2024 to avoid conflicts with The Batman: Part II. By February 2025, a writer had been hired and was working closely with Gunn on the script. Muschietti is not actively involved at this stage but will be shown the script once it’s ready, according to Safran.

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