Legendary comic artist Todd McFarlane offers his own contender for the DCU’s Batman in The Brave and the Bold. Currently, one of the biggest mysteries surrounding James Gunn’s DC Universe is the cast behind the rest of the Justice League. David Corenswet will likely become the face of the whole DCU as soon as James Gunn’s Superman hits theaters in July 2025. However, key DCU characters like Wonder Woman, the Flash, and Aquaman are yet to be cast. Batman’s DCU actor, in particular, is the subject of wild speculation.
In an interview with ScreenRant at WonderCon, Todd McFarlane confesses his top choice for the role of Batman in James Gunn’s DCU is Star Trek star Zachary Quinto. McFarlane highlights Quinto’s ability to play “somber,” “focused,” and serious characters. McFarlane also stresses that a big part of Batman’s appeal is his ability to turn his own fear against his enemies. Check out Todd McFarlane’s full comments below:
I’m not great at Hollywood names, but there’s an actor I like. He might be too old, but he was Spock in the Star Trek movies, and he was in Margin Call. [Zachary Quinto], that’s the name. I’ve seen him in shows where he can be somber – and I’m not talking Spock somber, I’m talking about how there’s a seriousness to a lot of characters he’s done. I think Batman needs that personality because Batman, to me, is a guy that’s so focused.
Here’s who Batman is to me, which why I like him and think he’s the coolest: he comes home to all his money, but he doesn’t give a s–t about the money. It’s like, “What do you care about?” He just goes home, sits there, and then at 2 o’clock in the morning, he gets out the black costume.
I oddly get that guy. He just doesn’t like bullies, and I have no patience in my life for bullies. And he’s just going, “I’m not going to be afraid. I’m going to get them to be afraid of me.” I like that. Superman and Spider-Man just want to win the day, but I get a sense that on his best day, Batman goes, “I want to win, and I want them to be afraid.”
And I’ll be Old Man Batman!
What Todd McFarlane’s DCU Batman Casting Choice Means
Zachary Quinto Would Be An Inspired Casting Choice For Batman
As Todd McFarlane states, Zacgary Quinto has a natural talent for playing serious characters. Quinto famously played the ever-stoic Spock in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek movies. Besides Spock, Quinto possesses plenty of experience in the sci-fi genre, with standout performances in shows such as NOS4A2, where he played the soul-eating supernatural villain Charlie Manx; and in American Horror Story: Asylum, where he played the charismatic yet bloodthirsty serial killer Bloody Face. Zachary Quinto also knows the superhero genre firsthand, as he played the ruthless supervillain Sylar in Heroes and currently voices DC’s own Lex Luthor in the Harley Quinn animated show.
At 47 years old, Zachary Quinto is five years older than Ben Affleck was when he was cast as the DCEU’s Dark Knight in Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The DCU’s Batman certainly won’t be a novice version of the hero considering he’ll mentor his son Damian Wayne. However, this new Batman likely won’t be portrayed as a seasoned Caped Crusader either. While Zachary Quinto could be an excellent choice for Batman, DC Studios might be looking for a Batman actor the same age as David Corenswet.
Our Take On Todd McFarlane’s DCU Batman Casting Choice
There Are Many Factors At Play When Casting The DCU’s Batman
As of early 2025, there are many popular candidates for the DCU’s Batman, and all of them bring their own qualities and weaknesses to the table. Just like Zachary Quinto’s talent for dark and serious roles makes him an inspired choice, other stars such as Alan Ritchson, Jensen Ackles, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Brandon Sklenar stand out due to their physicality, intensity, and sheer acting skills. Historically, however, official Batman castings haven’t lined up with fan speculation, and The Brave and the Bold may not be the exception.
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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