Batman: Christian Bale is up for playing the Dark Knight again (under one condition)

Christian Bale said he’d play Batman again if Christopher Nolan is involved. Would the return of Dark Knight movies be a good thing?

The news that Hugh Jackman would return as Wolverine in Deadpool 3 shocked fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. No one thought that he’d come back after Logan. It was the perfect ending to Jackman’s time as the X-Men’s most popular character.

As the phrase goes, never say never. That announcement shines the spotlight on other actors who’ve retired their capes and tights, raising the question if we could ever see them suit up again. Among them is Christian Bale.

During an interview with Inverse, Bale discussed the possibility of coming back as Batman when asked about it. He said:

"“If Chris [Nolan] came to me and said, ‘I’ve got a new story,’ I’d be interested. But other than that, I don’t think so.”"

It’s not shocking that Christian Bale has that condition. He played a specific Bruce Wayne and Batman that brought director Christopher Nolan’s vision to life. Becoming the Dark Knight again with a new director could be more difficult than he’d like. Bale has nothing to prove when it comes to being Batman or Bruce Wayne. Why work with someone different if you do have to?

Should Christian Bale ever return as Batman?

Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan helped create a new kind of DC Comics hero – one that’s darker and more realistic. More importantly, The Dark Knight Trilogy marked a new chapter in the popular story of comic book movies. Because of that, bringing Nolan and Bale back might be a bad idea.

For some actors, coming back is a great idea. For example, Michael Keaton returning as Batman in the DCEU’s The Flash movie makes sense. He’s still looked at as one of the best in that role. Plus, it’s been over 30 years since he wore the cape and cowl. It’s only been a decade for Bale (we last saw him in The Dark Knight Rises in 2012). Maybe it’s too soon for Bale to come back. In another ten years, maybe it’ll make more sense.

Secondly, there are currently three live action Batmen. The aforementioned Michael Keaton, Robert Pattinson, and Ben Affleck – who’s expected to make a cameo appearance in at least two upcoming DCEU movies. All three of them are playing different Batmen. Adding a fourth to the mix would be too much. In fact, a debate could be made that three is too many.

In conclusion, there’s no reason for Christian Bale to come back as Batman. There’s no win for him or Christopher Nolan. Both of them have moved on to different projects. However, money makes the world go around. If another Dark Knight movie was released, everyone would run to the theaters to see it. This writer included. That being said, sometimes it’s good to let the legend remain just that.

What do you think, readers? Do you want Christian Bale to return as Batman? Let us know in the comments below.