Could Tyler Hoechlin go from Superman to Batman in the DCU?
The new DC Universe under James Gunn is still taking shape, and one of the biggest unanswered questions is who will don the cape and cowl as Batman. While Robert Pattinson continues to star in Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise in its own separate continuity, Gunn’s rebooted DCU will feature a brand-new Dark Knight in The Brave and the Bold. Casting speculation has been rampant—but this weekend, a surprising contender threw his name into the ring.
A screenshot from Batman: Arkham City – Game of the Year Edition (2012), Rocksteady Studios
Tyler Hoechlin, who played Superman on Supergirl and Superman & Lois, admitted during a Fan Expo Canada panel that he would love the chance to take on Batman next.
“Well, selfishly, I’m going to say no [to Pattinson joining Gunn’s universe], because I still want to play Batman,” Hoechlin said. “I think … Rob did a fantastic, fantastic job … so I’m happy to let them keep doing their thing, and maybe leave the door open…”
The comments were equal parts respect for Pattinson’s performance and a little cheeky self-promotion. Tyler Hoechlin has made it clear that he’d like to be considered when Gunn and Peter Safran start looking for their Batman.
The Most Important DCU Casting
The Batman of James Gunn’s DCU won’t just be another retelling of Gotham’s protector. The Brave and the Bold is being billed as a family-centric story, focusing on Bruce Wayne’s relationship with his son Damian—better known to comic fans as the current Robin. Gunn has promised this film will introduce audiences to the wider “Bat-Family” of characters and firmly establish Batman as one of the central pillars of the rebooted cinematic universe.
Unlike Robert Pattinson’s Elseworlds films, this Batman will be canon to the wider DCU. That means whoever is cast will not only headline The Brave and the Bold but likely appear across multiple films and projects in the years to come. For fans, this casting decision will be as important as Superman himself.
Could a Former Superman Become Batman?
At first glance, the idea of casting a former Superman actor as Batman might seem strange. But Hollywood has seen stranger transitions. Actors like Ryan Reynolds (from Green Lantern to Deadpool) and Chris Evans (from Fantastic Four’s Human Torch to Captain America) have made successful jumps across roles and even franchises.
Chris Evans as Captain America in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Marvel Studios
Tyler Hoechlin might have a unique advantage in playing Batman. His performance on Superman & Lois won over a lot of skeptical fans, especially for the grounded way he portrayed Clark Kent as both a hero and a wholesome family man and father. That fatherly quality could translate perfectly into The Brave and the Bold, where Batman’s relationship with Damian Wayne will be central to the story.
At the same time, Hoechlin has proven he can tap into darker, grittier roles—fans of Teen Wolf know he can brood with the best of them and he even took on the dark mysterious role of Sephiroth in the Final Fantasy VII Remake series. That balance of warmth and shadow is exactly what Bruce Wayne requires.
Where the Casting Stands
So far, James Gunn has not announced any casting for Batman in the DCU. He has said in interviews that the script for The Brave and the Bold must be completed before auditions begin. This has left the field wide open for speculation.
James Gunn sits for an interview – YouTube, GQ
Other names floated by fans include Brandon Sklenar of 1923 fame, who has been drawing attention as a rising star. Meanwhile, Gunn himself ruled out Chris Pratt for the role, though he hinted Pratt may still appear elsewhere in the DCU.
That leaves plenty of room for surprises—and Hoechlin’s candid pitch adds another wrinkle.
A Brave and Bold Swing That Could Work
Casting a former Superman as Batman would certainly be unconventional, but the DCU is already in uncharted waters. James Gunn is aiming to rebuild the brand from the ground up, combining beloved characters with unexpected creative choices.
Tyler Hoechlin now joins the Batman conversation, and while he may not be the frontrunner, his open enthusiasm and proven track record make him a candidate fans and executives alike can’t ignore.
Tyler Hoechlin as Superman in Superman & Lois (2023), The CW
Whether or not he ever wears the cowl, one thing is clear: the race for Batman in James Gunn’s DCU is heating up, and the final decision could define the success of the entire reboot.
Would you want to see Tyler Heochlin as Batman in the DCU? Let us know in the comments!
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I like this guy, but Batman is a far cry from Superman. I am not sure I can look at him as Batman without always seeing him first as one of the best Superman since Christopher Reeve. Others who have jumped franchises and universes have not has as prominent a role.
Johnny Storm (Chris Evans) was a background character in the FF movies. Reynold’s had to blackmail the studios into signing Deadpool by releasing his red band Deadpool test footage which took the internet by storm and proved he knew the character.
Also, speaking of Deadpool, remember he also played a character in the X-men franchise. I won’t dignify the character by calling him Deadpool.
This one may work better than I expect, but it sure will be a tough adjustment for many folks.