5 actors who can replace Ben Affleck as Batman after Justice League

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 11: Actor Ben Affleck from ‘Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice’ attends the Warner Bros. presentation during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

If Ben Affleck leaves the Batman role after Justice League, who should take over?

Once again the rumor mill is running ramped after Ben Affleck fueled the fire that suggests he would no longer be Batman after Justice League. The rumor isn’t exactly breaking news since it was first reported that WB was phasing Ben Affleck’s Batman out. There may have been a number of problems with the convoluted DCEU, but Affleck’s performance as Batman was not one them. Still, the reality is that Justice League may be the last time we get to see Ben Affleck as Batman.

With that said, the DCEU will continue to roll, and there’s no DC without Bruce Wayne. In fact, the DCEU has major plans for building a Batman universe which includes Matt Reeve’s Batman, Chris McKay’s Nightwing, and a Joker and Harley Quinn film. So, it appears that WB has is to find themselves a new Batman. There are a number of great, popular choices like Karl Urban, Jake Gyllenhaal, Armie Hammer, and John Hamm. However, there are a number of other actors who are capable of playing Bruce Wayne as effectively as Batman —here are 5 names that can replace Ben Affleck in the DCEU.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – MAY 08: Actor Eric Bana attends the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword’ at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 8, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

5. Eric Bana (49)

Since playing the Hulk way back in 2003, Bana looked like he posied to star in a superhero flick someday. However, that day hasn’t come, but it can and the DCEU can afford him the opportunity as Bruce Wayne. Bana will be 50-years old soon, but that’s the perfect age to play a Batman who’s well on his way into retirement. Inserting Bana into a role that allows him to play a hero that’s battle tested and worn down, but rejuvenated after the death of Superman.

Bana is a seasoned actor who’s played in a number of roles and he’s proven that he’s capable of delivering some good performances. For example in Finest Hours as commander Daniel Cluff a hard-nosed commander who dispatched a guard to rescue a crew whose ship was damaged in a treacherous storm. Bana really nailed the role of a guy who was kind of a d!ck. He was one of many bright spots with a cast that consisted of Chris Pine and Casey Affleck. The leadership his character displayed and the tough guy persona is perfectly suited for Batman, and there are a number roles, like in Deliver Us From Evil that proves he can play Bruce Wayne. If DC continues to go towards the direction of an aging Bruce Wayne then Bana could be the guy.