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Batman: Brave and the Bold: Fan casting the Bat Family and more

Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson

Bam Smack Pow

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - DECEMBER 05: A Batman cosplayer poses for a photo during CCXP 2019 Sao Paulo at Sao Paulo Expo on December 05, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 10: Crew dress the set of the new Batgirl movie on January 10, 2022 in Glasgow,Scotland. Roads in Glasgow city centre are being closed as film crews descend on the city for the upcoming Batgirl movie which will see Leslie Grace play the title role and a return of Michael Keaton in his role as Batman. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

As the DCU gears up to introduce Damian Wayne in the Brave and the Bold, the big question on everyone’s mind is who will be cast as the other members of the Bat Family, especially with a new actor set to play the Dark Knight himself

The Flash will give us a couple of Batmans that won’t matter in the DCU. However, the new DC Universe’s upcoming Batman movie The Brave and the Bold is giving us a new Batman and introducing Damian Wayne. Produced by James Gunn and Peter Safran, the film promises to take a deeper dive into Batman’s lore, centered around the father-son relationship between Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian Wayne.

This film is significant for a few reasons. Firstly, it takes place a decade or more after Bruce Wayne became Batman, meaning that if it follows the comics, the five Robins in the source material – Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Damian Wayne – may already exist in this timeline. Secondly, Batman’s marriage to Talia Al Ghul probably happened over a decade prior, so she and Ra’s Al Ghul could at least play a minor role in the film.

Unfortunately for fans of Matt Reeves’ The Batman saga, this means that Robert Pattinson’s Batman and Zoe Kravitz’s Selina Kyle won’t appear, as they exist in a separate universe. With that said, fans are eagerly anticipating the casting choices for the Bat Family members.

What is clear is that James Gunn and Peter Safran’s desire to stay true to the comics means that there will be a wealth of lore and backstory embedded in this film. It promises to be an exciting and action-packed journey through the world of Batman and his allies, as the Dark Knight teams up with his son to solve mysteries and fight crime. With that said, as fans, the first thing we want to know is who will play the roles of our Bat Family. Well, I have a few options.

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 04: Ana de Armas wears a black shiny leather shoulder and black embossed LV monogram print pattern fabric buttoned bomber coat, a black tank-top, black satin shorts, a black shiny leather embossed LV monogram pattern shoulder bag from Louis Vuitton, outside Louis Vuitton, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023, on October 04, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 04: Ana de Armas wears a black shiny leather shoulder and black embossed LV monogram print pattern fabric buttoned bomber coat, a black tank-top, black satin shorts, a black shiny leather embossed LV monogram pattern shoulder bag from Louis Vuitton, outside Louis Vuitton, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023, on October 04, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Why Ana De Armas should play Catwoman in Batman: Brave and the Bold

No, Ana De Armas isn’t the most original pick, but it is the most purrrfect. Couldn’t help myself. Catwoman is one of the most iconic characters in the Batman universe and has been portrayed by several talented actresses in the past. However, Ana De Armas has the potential to bring a fresh and unique perspective to the character. Her versatility and ability to bring depth to her performances make her a standout choice for the role.

Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman, is a complicated character who walks the line between hero and villain. She is a burglar and a thief, but she also has a strong moral code and a desire to do good. Her complex nature is what makes her such a fascinating character, and Ana De Armas has the ability to bring this to life on screen.

In the comics, Catwoman is often depicted as a love interest for Batman and a key player in the world of Gotham City. With Ana De Armas playing the role, we could see a new side to Catwoman and explore her motivations in a way that hasn’t been done before. Plus, the possibility of a Catwoman solo film or even Gotham City Sirens is an exciting prospect that fans have been hoping for.

Ana De Armas has the talent and the potential to bring Catwoman to life in a new and exciting way, and we can’t wait to see her take on the iconic role. Whether she will be a love interest, a villain, or somewhere in between, one thing is for sure – Ana De Armas as Catwoman is a casting choice that fans will be eager to see on the big screen. Adria Arjona and Eiza González are two other amazing options.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 11: Actor David Mazouz attends the world premiere of feature film “The Birthday Cake” at The Mob Museum on June 11, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for The Mob Museum)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 11: Actor David Mazouz attends the world premiere of feature film “The Birthday Cake” at The Mob Museum on June 11, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for The Mob Museum)

Why David Mazouz should play Time Drake in Batman: Brave and the Bold

Don’t lie, this makes total sense. David Mazouz is a name that’s become synonymous with the Batman franchise in recent years. He played a young Bruce Wayne in the hit TV series Gotham, which chronicled the early years of the Dark Knight. But what if he were to return to the DC Universe as another iconic character: Tim Drake, the third Robin?

Fans of the Batman comics will know that Tim Drake is an important figure in the Caped Crusader’s world. He was originally introduced in the late 1980s as a fan of Batman who figured out his secret identity and became the Dark Knight’s ally. He later took on the role of Robin after the second Robin, Jason Todd, was killed off. Tim’s intelligence and computer skills made him a valuable asset to the Batman Family, and he eventually became the leader of the Teen Titans.

David Mazouz’s performance as a young Bruce Wayne in Gotham was widely praised, and for good reason. He brought a maturity and depth to the character that belied his young age, and he proved he was more than capable of holding his own against the show’s more seasoned actors. He also had great chemistry with his on-screen mentor, Alfred Pennyworth, played by Sean Pertwee.

Now, imagine that same level of acting talent applied to the role of Tim Drake. Mazouz is no longer a child actor, and he has the experience and skill to play a character who is more complex and nuanced than the young Bruce Wayne he portrayed in Gotham. He could bring depth to the role of Tim that has never been seen before, making the character even more compelling and interesting to audiences.

Not only that, but the fact that Mazouz has already been a part of the Batman universe could add an extra layer of depth to his portrayal of Tim. The character of Bruce Wayne is obviously a huge influence on Tim’s life, so having an actor who has already played a young Bruce could make for an interesting connection between the two characters.

There’s no denying that Tim Drake is a beloved character in the Batman mythos, and fans are eager to see him brought to life in the DCU. And who better to do it than David Mazouz, an actor who has already proven his worth in the Batman universe? He has the acting chops and the experience to make Tim Drake a character we’ll all fall in love with, and he could bring a new level of depth to the role that we’ve never seen before.

So, what do you say, DC? Let’s bring David Mazouz back to the world of Batman and let him show us what he can do as Tim Drake. It’s a casting decision that could pay off big time, and it’s one that fans of the character would be thrilled to see.

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ROBERT PATTINSON as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “THE BATMAN,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/ ™ & © DC Comics. Pictures release. © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Why Emeraude Touching should play Talia Al Ghul in Batman: Brave and the Bold

There’s no Damian Wayne without Talia Al Ghul, literally and she’s the daughter of the infamous Ra’s al Ghul.  Talia has been an integral part of the Batman universe for decades. No matter what, Talia is a character that must appear in Batman Brave and the Bold. 

Talia Al Ghul is a complex and fascinating character, and fans of the comics know her to be the daughter of the infamous Ra’s al Ghul, the former lover of Batman, and the mother of his son, Damian. Her story is filled with tragedy and danger, and Toubia has proven time and time again that she has the range to take on such a complex character.

Emeraude Touching is known for her role as Isabelle Lightwood in the popular TV show Shadowhunters. Her portrayal of the fierce and independent demon hunter was praised by fans and critics alike, and she proved that she has the acting chops to take on a strong female lead. It’s easy to imagine her bringing a similar energy and intensity to the role of Talia.

But it’s not just her acting skills that make Toubia the perfect choice for the role. Her stunning beauty and captivating presence are reminiscent of Talia’s deadly charm, making her a natural fit for the character. With her dark hair, piercing eyes, and striking features, Toubia has the looks to play the part of the dangerous and seductive Talia Al Ghul.

And while Toubia may not be a household name just yet, that could work in her favor. Casting a lesser-known actress in the role of Talia would allow audiences to see the character with fresh eyes, unburdened by preconceived notions of what the character should be. This would give Toubia the opportunity to truly make the role her own, and to bring a new level of depth and complexity to the character.

So, while there are surely many actresses who could do justice to the role of Talia Al Ghul, fans of DC Comics would be hard-pressed to find a better choice than Emeraude Toubia. Actresses like Razane Jammal, Jaime Gray Hayder, and Simone Ashley, would kill it as well.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: Haaz Sleiman attends Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” premiere on October 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/WireImage)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: Haaz Sleiman attends Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” premiere on October 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/WireImage)

Why Haaz Sleiman should play Ras Al Ghul in Batman: Brave and the Bold

There’s no Damian the assassin without the leader of the League of Assassins. So, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, is more than just the Dark Knight and his son. One character we must see is Ras Al Ghul.

DC fans know Ras Al Ghul, the leader of the League of Assassins, has been a staple of the Batman comics for decades. He’s been portrayed as a cunning, ruthless mastermind, and a thorn in the side of the Caped Crusader. In the comics, Ras Al Ghul has played a central role in Damian’s development as a character. He’s the man who raised Damian after his birth and taught him the ways of the League of Assassins. He’s also the reason Damian is so skilled in the art of combat and so deadly with a sword.

Haaz Sleiman is best known for his work on the hit series Nurse Jackie and  The Visitor. He’s a talented actor with a magnetic screen presence and a wide range of skills. He’s also no stranger to comic book adaptations, having appeared in the hit series Legends of Tomorrow. With his dramatic intensity and undeniable charisma, Haaz Sleiman would be the perfect choice to bring Ras Al Ghul to life in the Brave and Bold film.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 29: Ty Simpkins attends “The Whale” New York Screening at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on November 29, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 29: Ty Simpkins attends “The Whale” New York Screening at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on November 29, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Why Ty Simpkins should play Jason Todd in Batman: Brave and the Bold

There is no way The Brave and the Bold will happen without Batman’s most notorious ally turned enemy – Jason Todd. And who better to bring this complex character to life than Ty Simpkins? Though young,  Simpkins has proven time and time again that he has the range to bring depth and nuance to any role he takes on.

For those unfamiliar with the character, Jason Todd was the second Robin after Dick Grayson. He was a street-wise kid who was taken under the wing of the Dark Knight, but his hotheaded and reckless nature often put him at odds with his mentor. His time as Robin was cut short when he was murdered by the Joker. But that’s not the end of the story.

Years later, Jason was resurrected by Ra’s Al Ghul and returned to Gotham as the vigilante known as the Red Hood. With a chip on his shoulder and a thirst for justice, the Red Hood becomes a thorn in Batman’s side, as he uses extreme methods to take down the city’s criminal underworld.

Jason Todd’s duality is why fans love him. On one hand, he’s a determined hero who will stop at nothing to rid Gotham of crime. On the other hand, his methods are brutal and morally ambiguous, making him a complex antihero. It’s a challenging role, but Simpkins has the acting chops to pull it off.

Simpkins has proven that he can handle dark, intense material, with standout performances in films like “Insidious” and “Jurassic World.” At nearly six feet, Simpkins has a strong physical presence, which is important for a character like the Red Hood who needs to be both intimidating and agile.

The Red Hood is a character that deserves to be explored in the DC Universe, and Simpkins is the perfect actor to bring him to life.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 13: Abigail Cowen attends the Los Angeles special screening of Universal’s “Redeeming Love” at Directors Guild of America on January 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 13: Abigail Cowen attends the Los Angeles special screening of Universal’s “Redeeming Love” at Directors Guild of America on January 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Why Abigail Cowen should play Barbara Gordon in Batman: Brave and the Bold

In another world, Leslie Grace would be Barbara Gordon, but with the DCU hitting the reset button, she’ll likely get recast. In this case, it’s easy to imagine a natural red-head playing the role of our second favorite red-haired DC Comics hero (Wally West is No.1).

Abigail Cowen, the talented red-haired actress, has been making waves in the entertainment industry, and now it’s time to consider her for a role in the DC Universe’s upcoming movie, Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Specifically, the role of Batgirl, one of the most iconic members of the Bat Family.

In the comics, Batgirl has been portrayed by several characters, including Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain, and Stephanie Brown. Barbara Gordon is the most well-known, having been Batgirl for many years before she was brutally attacked by the Joker in The Killing Joke, which left her paralyzed and eventually led to her taking on the mantle of Oracle. Cassandra Cain was the second Batgirl and is known for being one of the best fighters in the DC Universe. Stephanie Brown, who later became Spoiler, also took on the mantle of Batgirl for a time.

Abigail Cowen would be perfect for the role of Batgirl, with her striking red hair and impressive acting skills. In the comics, Batgirl is often depicted as intelligent, tough, and fiercely independent, all qualities that Cowen has displayed in her previous roles.

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Leo Howard attends the ‘Andron – The Black Labyrinth’ Photocall at La Casa Del Cinema on September 13, 2014 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Leo Howard attends the ‘Andron – The Black Labyrinth’ Photocall at La Casa Del Cinema on September 13, 2014 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images)

Why Leo Howard should play Dick Grayson in Batman: Brave and the Bold

Depending on who you ask, the DCU is in for a real treat with James Gunn and Peter Safran’s Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and it’s the perfect opportunity for Leo Howard to shine as Dick Grayson, aka Nightwing. With a decade or more passing since Bruce Wayne first donned the cape and cowl, we can expect to see a fully-fledged Nightwing, ready to show the world what he’s made of.

Dick Grayson is a character with a rich history and background. Originally, he was the young acrobat who joined the Wayne family after his parents were murdered. Bruce took him in and raised him, training him to become the first Robin. However, as he grew older, Dick realized that he wanted to forge his own path and become his own hero. Thus, he took on the mantle of Nightwing and became one of the most prominent members of the Bat Family.

Leo Howard is an absolute beast. With his athleticism and charm, is the perfect fit for this iconic character. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a fantastic martial artist so he helps create realistic fight scenes. As a young actor, he has the potential to grow into the role and portray Nightwing over the course of several films.

Additionally, Howard has already proven his acting chops, making him a solid choice for the part. Why Women Kill shows off his acting prowess and gives a glint of what he’ll be like at Dick Grayson.

Imagine the dynamic between Dick and Bruce in this film. We already know that Bruce wasn’t the best father figure, but with Damian entering the picture, we can expect to see a more mature and introspective Bruce, who must come to terms with his past mistakes and make amends with his adopted son. This will likely lead to some hilarious moments, with both Dick and Alfred getting a kick out of Bruce’s new role as a father. Leo Howard is the perfect choice to bring Nightwing to life. Honorable mention is Tanner Buchanan.

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SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 12: Batmobile used in “Batman Forever” on display outside of the Bayfront Hilton during Comic-Con International 2012 held at San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

Why Bodhi Sabongui should play Damian Wayne in Batman: Brave and the Bold

Call me lazy, but Bodhi Sabongui is the perfect person to play Damian Wayne. He was almost miscast as a one-off side character in Black Adam. It doesn’t look like he’ll be the guy in the chair, and when or if Black Adam does return, hopefully, James Gunn convinces the Rock that he’s a big bad. With that said, Sabongui should be recast as the son of the Dark Knight in Brave and the Bold.

When it comes to the relationship between Damian and Batman, it’s a bit rocky at first. Damian, being the son of Talia al Ghul and the grandson of Ra’s al Ghul, was trained to be an assassin from birth. He has a rebellious streak and often clashes with his father figure, Batman, over their differing methods of dealing with criminals. But over time, Damian begins to learn the value of compassion and teamwork and eventually becomes a trusted member of the Bat Family.

Sabongui’s striking looks and acting chops make him a great fit for the complex and multifaceted character of Damian. He has the potential to bring the right balance of intensity, vulnerability, and humor to the role. Fans of the comics would no doubt love to see this compelling character brought to life on the screen, and Sabongui is just the actor to do it. There’s likely a lesser-known actor who will get this role, but for the sake of fan casting here’s an idea.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 10: Alexander Ludwig is seen as STARZ celebrates the premiere of its new series “Heels” on August 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 10: Alexander Ludwig is seen as STARZ celebrates the premiere of its new series “Heels” on August 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

Why Alexander Ludwig  should play Batman in Batman: Brave and the Bold

If it were up to me, Robert Pattinson would reprise his role as the Dark Knight, setting the tone for the DCU to be in his universe, but I digress. We know James Gunn and Peter Safran want someone new to play the role. We know that actor will likely be in his early to mid-30s. Given how far into the Batman lore Brave and the Bold takes place, we’ll need a nuanced actor who can pull off a guy that knows loss. A guy who has mentored his fair share of heroes, and knows what it’s like to lose a Robin (Jason Todd). There are a ton of options for guys who would kill it as Bruce.

Ladies and gentlemen, please don’t roll your eyes, but Alexander Ludwig is the Batman we deserve. The former Vikings star has proven that he’s a versatile actor who can handle anything thrown his way, whether it’s playing a Viking warrior or a nerdy cop in Bad Boys for Life. But let’s be real, Batman is on a whole other level of beast mode, and Ludwig is more than up for the challenge. He’s got the physical presence and the chiseled jawline that’s required for the role, and he’s got the acting chops to bring Bruce Wayne to life, from the charming playboy billionaire to the tormented vigilante that is the Dark Knight.

Just take some time, see him in Vikings, then go check him out in Heels where he plays a hungry wrestler. It’s time for Ludwig to step into the iconic cape and cowl, die his hair dark brown or black, and show the world that he’s the hero that Gotham needs right now.

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson

Michael M. Johnson is a proud contributor to the greatness that is Fan Sided’s Bam Smack Pow and NFL Spin Zone, where he covers everything from the NFL draft to the latest comic book movie buzz. With over a decade of experience—though he jokes it feels like a lifetime—Michael has found his true calling at Fan Sided. Armed with an associate degree in marketing and business, he’s dabbled in various fields but has always returned to his passion for writing. His work has gone viral more than once, which, according to him, felt pretty amazing. A true media junkie, Michael has watched more TV shows than he cares to admit, including favorites like Breaking Bad, Smallville, and Game of Thrones. When he’s not deep in the world of sports or superheroes, Michael enjoys spending time with his kids, reading, and, of course, watching even more TV. Oh yeah, and he writes too. Look out for his upcoming debut novel "Dance In Time: A Gods of Time Novel"