I’m not even sure I need to give background on the controversy. I’ll just say people are not happy that Ben Affleck was cast as Batman. It’s not that he can’t act, he has had good performances, though he’s by far a better director (admittedly, I wonder if we like him better as a director so we don’t have to see his hatable face?).
So, who would have been a better choice? Here are my suggestions:
Karl Urban
I love this man. He has a way of transforming into a character that few big name actors can achieve, and he seems to finally be getting his due. The man can play Bones (Star Trek) and Dredd pitch-perfectly, he’s dashingly handsome, and has the chops to play the complicated character.
Anson Mount
Not a household name, but easily identifiable as ‘that seriously rough dude from Hell on Wheels‘, Anson has the depth, reserve, and devastating cheekbones and jaw line Batman requires.
Iian Glen
The Games of Thrones fan favorite and Downton Abbey villain has the talent and the charm to pull off the complex character. Get him in the gym with Gym Jones and we’ve got ourselves a winner.
Scott Adkins
His fans even campaigned for him to play the role, but alas. He’s got the athletic build, the physicality is clearly there, he might be too pretty…but hey, I’d give him a shot. He cleans up well, and dirties down just fine.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan
A different take with this pick, but I think it could work considering we already know he looks good in a mask. He’s a little older, a little wiser, is a big dude who can certainly pull off everything from adorable, to sexy, to dangerous. And at 6’2″, he’d be a real presence on-screen.
Joe Manganiello
He certainly looks like he could beat up some bad guys. Yeah…look at him….yyyeeeaaahhhhh...look. at. that.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. This man makes appearances in a number of huge action movies in bit parts, and finally got his due with Game of Thrones. His ridiculous good looks, stature, and depth should have made him a frontrunner.
Jason Clarke
If you want to go dark, go Clarke. He’s got just enough crazy to pull off the older, jaded, Batman. Frankly, he may look better with the mask on than off. J/K baby, you are beautiful just the way you are.
Michael Fassbender
Multifaceted, huge range, depth, a willingness to get naked. He’s already a perfect young Magneto, who knows? He could be a perfect Batman, too.
