I’m sure Batman: The Brave and the Bold will strike a different tone to The Boys, but Jensen Ackles’ performance in the latter has convinced me he would make the perfect Batman for the DCU. The DCU is soon to kick off in earnest with Superman in July, but despite the movie featuring a cavalcade of newly cast DC characters, Batman is not among them. This has left the door wide open for fan casts as we await the decision on who will be the next actor to portray the iconic character, and Jensen Ackles is among the most popular.

This casting isn’t from nowhere. Ackles is already well versed in portraying Batman as he provides the voice in a litany of acclaimed animated DC movies including Batman: The Long Halloween. His superhero credentials extend to The Boys, the Amazon show based on the comics of the same name that explores the question “What if Superheroes were corrupt?” and delves into some pretty dark themes. Ackles joined the cast of The Boys in 2022’s season 3, and while I feel like the show departs substantially from the DCU’s sense of optimism, I think it proved why Ackles should portray Batman.

Jensen Ackles’ Role In The Boys Is Very, Very Different To Batman

Soldier Boy Is Not A Superhero

Ackles was introduced as the Captain America pastiche, Soldier Boy, in Season 3. Like most of the other “Supes” in the series, he is a dark reflection of the character he’s based on, whose role as an American champion in World War 2 is revealed to have been significantly whitewashed. Instead, his character is no less violent or contemptible than most of his fellow Supes, committing his fair share of atrocities during his era. Despite allying with The Boys out of convenience, he is soon shown to embody a miasma of toxic traits, including racism, Sєxism, hypermasculinity, and narcissism.

Suffice it to say that his characterization is practically the polar opposite of Batman. Whereas Batman goes out of his way to refrain from killing even Gotham’s most heinous criminals, Soldier Boy readily kills civilians. Whereas Batman protects the meek and marginalized, Soldier Boy reviles them. It is later revealed that Soldier Boy is the “father” of the series’ main antagonist, Homelander, whom he swiftly disowns for what he perceives to be weakness, despite Homelander boasting godlike powers. Batman, meanwhile, is famous for adopting all stripes into his Bat-Family. Nevertheless, Ackles conveys some notable parallels.

Jensen Ackles’ Performance As Soldier Boy Shows How He Could Make The DC Universe’s Batman Work

A Cold And Distant Yet Strangely Charming Character

Despite ultimately being just as despicable – and in many cases more – as other Supes in The Boys, Soldier Boy wasn’t devoid of charm. The fact that he aided in the fight against the fight against the show’s most hated character, Homelander, worked in his favor in this regard, but I’m struck by how popular the character became despite his immense flaws and his cold and distant persona. Difficult though it may be, I think that once you set aside Soldier Boy’s most abhorrent traits, this characterization could be useful when portraying an equally cold and distant Batman.

Even more pertinently, The Brave and the Bold is set to feature another frayed dynamic between father and son as Bruce’s violent son-turned-sidekick, Damian Wayne, is due to debut. I’m excited by the prospect of the DCU exploring Bruce’s troubled relationship with Damian and his problematic partnerships with others who held the Robin mantle as it will bring more depth to the superhero. The fact that Jensen Ackles has already portrayed a perversely likable character despite being antisocial and objectively terrifying bodes well for a potential tenure as the DCU’s live-action Batman.

I’m Convinced Jensen Ackles Is The Perfect DCU Batman Casting

Jensen Ackles Boasts The Entire Package For The Character

Jensen Ackles has already proven that he can capably portray Batman thanks to his voice work within DC’s animated offerings. His depiction of Soldier Boy only adds to these credentials, as in both cases he capably embodied the dark and brooding persona synonymous with Gotham’s symbol of fear. Where Corenswet perfectly conveys Superman’s fresh-faced innocence and optimism, Ackles has proven he can do the same for Batman’s ruggedness and intensity – particularly if the DCU is gearing up for an older, wizened rendition.

Jensen Ackles has also shown that he can capably portray both sides of the Batman persona. His effortless charm, even when embodying a character as heinous as Soldier Boy, is ideal for Bruce Wayne. Robert Pattinson, on the other hand, portrays Bruce Wayne as an extension of Batman’s reclusive and cold demeanor. His recent tenure as Soldier Boy also shows how Ackles can capably handle the physicality of the role. I know I’m not alone in hoping Ackles will be cast as The Brave and the Bold‘s Batman, and at this point, I think it’s only a matter of time.

Upcoming DC Movie Releases

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  Superman

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  July 11, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

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  June 26, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Batman Part II

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  October 1, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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