What we want to see from Bane in his new DC Universe movie

Bane is coming back and it looks like he is ready to break more than just the Bat. Yes, James Gunn and Peter Safran are reportedly taking another iconic Batman villain to the big screen, and this time, Bane is getting the spotlight he deserves. We’ve seen Bane in live action projects before — first in film with a forgettable appearance in Batman & Robin and then with Tom Hardy’s unforgettable portrayal in The Dark Knight Rises. We also can't forget Shane West's imposing performance in Gotham. But now, we’re on the brink of something bigger, something bolder: a Bane-led movie in the DC Universe, which he will reportedly be co-leading with Deathstroke.

For those who need a refresher, Bane is more than just the guy who broke Batman’s back. He’s an intellectual powerhouse — a villain with the brain and brawn combo that makes him one of the most formidable foes in the DC Universe. Raised in a brutal prison environment, Bane’s mind was as sharp as his muscles were strong, and he wasn’t just some chaotic force of destruction. He was a strategist, a mastermind who nearly brought Gotham to its knees.

Fan-casting Bane in the DC Universe

For years, fans had their eyes on Dave Bautista to take on Bane’s massive form. But recently, the former WWE star expressed his desire to take on more dramatic roles. While Bane does have some intriguing depth as a character, Bautista’s new slimmed-down look and acting aspirations make him better suited for roles like Victor Strange or Mr. Freeze. So, where does that leave us for a Bane casting?

Javier Bardem would absolutely kill it as Bane. Sure he has the typical commanding presence but it's his intensity that could allow him to nail the role. Or how about Edgar Ramirez? The Venezuelan actor has the physicality and versatility to deliver a fresh take on Bane. And if we’re thinking outside the box, imagine Tyler Posey playing a young Bane in a dark coming-of-age story. With the right director and a storyline rooted in Bane’s gritty backstory, Posey could deliver an unexpected, but compelling, performance as a young Bane finding his way in the world before eventually becoming Gotham’s biggest threat. The same can be said for Julio Macias from Netflix’s Selena: The Series — he'd understand the assignment with the dark coming-of-age role.

Bane’s comic book history is bursting with potential. The Knightfall saga is the most iconic, but there’s plenty more to explore. We could dive into his origin story, focusing on his upbringing in the brutal Peña Duro prison.  The story could introduce Venom (the drug that enhances his strength), and his eventual escape to take on Gotham.

A storyline where we see Bane rise from a tortured youth to a calculating mastermind would feel like Batman Begins, but darker — with Bane methodically tearing apart Gotham’s underworld and ultimately setting his sights on Batman. That could eventually lead to this potential alliance with Deathstroke if the two villains do end up headlining a movie together.

What a Bane movie could be about? 

Batman: Vengeance of Bane would be the perfect blueprint for Bane's beginnings in the DC Universe. It’s got everything: his tragic backstory, his rise to power, and his obsession with breaking the Bat. But here’s the kicker—add in a little sprinkle of Forever Evil. Imagine Bane not just taking on Batman, but stepping up to defend Gotham from an even greater threat, just because he wants to be the one who rules it. The guy’s got his own twisted code, and honestly, it makes him all the more interesting. Could that greater threat be Deathstroke, perhaps providing fans with a movie where the two villains take each other on instead of teaming up?

But maybe this film won't take place in the DC Universe. Perhaps it could be a part of Matt Reeves' The Batman universe. If that's the case, the timing would be perfect. Gotham’s been absolutely wrecked post-The Batman, so why not throw Bane into the mix? The city’s crumbling, villains are on the rise, and who better to capitalize on the chaos than Bane? It’s the ultimate playground for someone like him to swoop in, take control, and give Batman one heck of a fight.

Whether it’s his mind, his brute strength, or his deep backstory, Bane is a character that can carry a film on his own. Fans of the villain and newcomers alike should be excited about what’s to come. It’s time to finally give Bane the spotlight he’s always deserved.