The fledgling DC Universe is starting to take shape under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran with Superman in production, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow's development picking up, and Creature Commandos still slated to hit Max in 2024. One question that lingers, though, is who will be Batman in his debut DCU film The Brave and The Bold, and the latest name to throw his name into the pot is none other than Black Panther star Winston Duke.
Duke got to shoot his proverbial shot during an appearance on the Batman Unburied podcast, via SlashFilm, where the actor made his desire to portray the caped crusader in the new DCU clear.
“Listen, man, can you start that [campaign]? I would say I challenge you to get on all these socials and push for me,” Duke said. “Get your community. I would love to. I would love to do that as Batman. I'd love any opportunity to explore new characters, to change narratives around some of these entrenched ideas of how these characters are supposed to look, sound, and perform. I'm all for it.”
This makes the Black Panther veteran the latest name to throw his name into the hat to portray Batman in the DCU, with Reacher star Alan Ritchson previously voicing his desire to wear the cape and cowl. He previously spoke about the possibility after some fans voiced their hope to see the actor as Batman in DC's new cinematic universe.
“With all the rumors flying that I’m supposed to be playing Batman, how can I knock Batman,” Ritchson said in December 2023. “I would love to play Batman.”
Actors like Duke and Ritchson putting their desire to portray Batman in the DCU hints that the casting process will be a competitive one when it begins. The list of actors who played the hero reads like a who's who of Hollywood talent with names like Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, and most recently Robert Pattinson.
One advantage working in Duke's favor is his history within comic book movies thanks to his time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Strength of the Jabari
Duke made his MCU debut in 2018's Black Panther as M'Baku, the proud leader of Wakanda's mountain-based Jabari tribe. While he initially appears as somewhat of a rival to T'Challa for Wakanda's throne, M'Baku proves to be a key ally in helping the young price defeat Erik Killmonger and prevent him from sending Wakanda's weapons all over the world.
He would appear again in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, both times aiding the titular team in their battle against Thanos' armies.
M'Baku would play a larger role in Wakanda's politics in 2022's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as the nation reeled from the sudden passing of T'Challa, which itself was done to write-off the character after the tragic death of actor Chadwick Boseman from cancer in 2020. As with the battles against Killmonger and Thanos, M'Baku would help lead Wakanda's forces in their defense of the nation from Namor and the underwater kingdom of Talokan.
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