Winston Duke Eyes the Role of Batman in James Gunn's Revamped DC Universe

  • 06-05-2024 |
  • Jack Knight

The lead from "Black Panther" is eager to portray Batman in James Gunn's renovated DC universe, advocating for a movement to secure the role. Winston Duke noted for his role as M'Baku in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of transforming Bruce Wayne for the big screen. During a jovial exchange with Slash Film, Duke encouraged the initiation of a drive on social media to support his bid for the iconic role.

"Please could you initiate this movement?" he jokingly implored Slash Film upon being queried about his interest. "I urge you to mobilize your online communities in favor of me. It would be a dream come true to embody Batman. Embracing this role would allow me to delve into new realms of character exploration and contribute to reshaping entrenched perceptions regarding the appearance, voice, and actions of traditional characters. I’m wholly committed to this venture."

Batman Unburied, a gripping audio drama produced by DC under David S. Goyer’s vision, offers a fresh narrative within the Batman universe. In this series, Gotham faces a new nemesis, The Harvester, who preys on the city in Batman's absence, as Bruce Wayne has lost all recollection of his alternate identity.

Although Duke is widely recognized for his portrayal of M'Baku in the MCU, several other actors have also expressed their desire to don the cowl of the Dark Knight. Among them are "Reacher" leading man Alan Ritchson, who has shown open interest, and Jake Gyllenhaal, who contemplated the honor after once missing out on the part to Christian Bale.

While specifics remain scarce regarding "The Brave and the Bold," which marks the reintroduction of Batman within the DCU, Gunn, alongside Peter Safran, is currently preoccupied with shaping the inaugural ventures in DCU: Chapter One, which includes projects like Superman, Supergirl, and Creature Commandos.

For enthusiasts seeking more information on the DC universe, comprehensive guides to the forthcoming DC films and series are available, alongside a detailed approach to navigating the viewing sequence of the DC cinematic offerings.