The search for DC Studios’ next Batman might still be in the early stages, but fans are already drawing lines in the sand — and Brandon Sklenar’s name is surfacing with increasing frequency.
While Superman is gearing up to be the official summer blockbuster that kicks off James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU), it’s The Brave and The Bold that’s quietly generating one of the loudest conversations online.
A Fresh Caped Crusader in the Works
DC fans are used to multiverse-level confusion. One Batman here, another there, and maybe a third somewhere in between. But now, the studio is looking to lock in a singular Bruce Wayne — one tied directly into the continuity of this rebooted DCU. The Brave and The Bold is expected to do just that.
The film will reportedly center on Bruce Wayne’s relationship with his biological son Damian, who will take up the mantle of Robin. That alone is a major twist. Most casual moviegoers still associate Robin with Dick Grayson. Introducing Damian — the son raised by the League of Assassins — means this Batman will need to balance batarangs and parenting.
Andy Muschietti, best known for It and The Flash, is directing. So expect something visually bold. Maybe even a little weird. Weird could be good.
Brandon Sklenar’s Tease Is Lighting Up the Rumor Mill
So who’s stepping into the Bat boots? That’s still a mystery. But Brandon Sklenar just tossed gasoline on the fire.
In an interview with ScreenRant, the 1923 and It Ends With Us actor gave a pretty casual yet intriguing response when asked if DC had reached out to him.
His words?
“Yeah. I think there’s some awareness of me on some level, probably. But yeah, I know they’re a ways away from doing that. But yeah, obviously, the little kid in me, and the adult me is, like, ‘This is cool!’ And I have a bunch of ideas. Anyway, it’d be cool.”
That’s not a confirmation, obviously. But in Hollywood-speak, it’s the kind of answer that usually means there’s some conversation happening behind the scenes. Even if it’s just his agent sending feelers.
Who Is Brandon Sklenar, Anyway?
If you’re not already familiar with him, here’s a quick cheat sheet on Sklenar.
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He starred opposite Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren in 1923, the Yellowstone prequel.
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He’s also made appearances in It Ends With Us, Midway, and The Big Ugly.
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Upcoming? He’s leading The Housemaid, a psychological thriller with some buzz building around it.
He’s got the square jaw. He’s got the brooding. He’s even got that slightly mysterious off-screen vibe that fans seem to eat up when casting a superhero. Physically, he could pull off Bruce Wayne. But whether he can channel the gravitas that the role demands is a whole other thing.
Where Does This Fit in the DCU Timeline?
James Gunn has made one thing clear: Superman is the starting line. That drops July 11, 2025, with David Corenswet stepping into the red cape and blue tights. But technically, the DCU already opened its doors with Creature Commandos, the animated series that began airing in December 2024.
From there, the roadmap is long:
| Project | Release Date | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Superman | July 11, 2025 | Film |
| Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow | June 26, 2026 | Film |
| Clayface | September 11, 2026 | Film |
| The Brave and The Bold | TBA (Possibly 2027) | Film |
| Swamp Thing | TBA | Film |
| The Authority | TBA | Film |
| Peacemaker S2 | TBA | Series |
| Lanterns | TBA | Series |
| Booster Gold | TBA | Series |
| Paradise Lost | TBA | Series |
| Waller | TBA | Series |
It’s ambitious. And yes, it’s a bit of a gamble. But with a clear “Chapter One” approach, it’s less chaotic than what fans saw during the tail-end of the DCEU.
Batman’s Biggest Test Yet — Sharing the Spotlight
One of the most surprising aspects of The Brave and The Bold is its focus on fatherhood.
This isn’t just Bruce Wayne cleaning up Gotham. It’s Bruce Wayne trying to mentor a son who was literally trained by assassins. And Damian Wayne isn’t your happy-go-lucky sidekick. He’s a weapon. A dangerous one.
So the Batman we meet in this movie? He’ll need emotional depth. Anger, restraint, guilt, affection — all swirling around. Not an easy role to pull off.
That’s part of why this casting is being so closely watched. Whoever steps in won’t just be Batman. He’ll be a dad. One dealing with generational trauma and a kid who could probably take out half of the Justice League before breakfast. Big yikes.
The Waiting Game Begins… But Speculation Isn’t Slowing Down
Casting for iconic superheroes is always a circus. But this one’s especially tricky. They need someone who can potentially carry not just one movie, but an entire arc across multiple films — possibly even team-ups with Superman, Wonder Woman, and others down the line.
Right now, Brandon Sklenar is one of several names being floated. Others have been thrown into the rumor blender too — from Jake Gyllenhaal (again) to Jamie Dornan, and even some surprise indie stars.
DC hasn’t confirmed anything yet. Nor should they. With The Brave and The Bold still years away, they’re not in a rush. And if The Flash taught them anything, it’s that rushing doesn’t always pay off. But fans? Fans never wait quietly.
