Jon Hamm is ready and willing to step in for Ben Affleck as The Dark Knight

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

With Henry Cavill seemingly stepping away from his role as Superman for DC's cinematic universe, I feel as if it's only a matter of time before on-again-off-again Batman actor Ben Affleck hands up his cape and cowl as well. For the past several years, Affleck has made his frustrations with playing the character quite clear, and if I'm being honest, I'm rather shocked that Cavill beat him to the punch of announcing an exit. Of course, now that we can all see the crest of a sea change on the horizon for the DCEU, it begs the question of who should replace Affleck, should he finally decide to give up the ghost?

Funnily enough, anytime someone has asked me about casting another Batman actor, I've always placed MAD MEN and BABY DRIVER alum Jon Hamm's name into the ring. I personally think he would make for a great Caped Crusader, and perhaps an even better Bruce Wayne. Furthermore, I don't appear to be the only one who thinks so, as both countless internet voices as well as Hamm himself seem to think it's a good idea. In fact, Hamm recently appeared on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, where the BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE star said that if the story was right, he'd be willing to suit up as DC's Dark Knight.

"It depends on the script, what the story is," Hamm explained to Bensinger, during the interview. "I am a huge comic book fan, always have been. I have read comic books since I was nine or younger. And I am pretty knowledgeable about a lot of them. And I like the genre, and I like when they are done well."

During their talk, Hamm also made a point to mention that he's a big fan of the superhero entertainment, with both BLACK PANTHER and LEGION being among his recent favorites in the genre. He also mentioned that he's had talks with Warner Bros., but that nothing official was ever cast his way.

"I'd probably fit the suit. I'd have to work out a lot, which I don't love. But, I am sure there is an interesting version of that being out there. And if they wanted to tap me on the shoulder and ask me to do it: why not?" Hamm then added, "I have had rumors about that since probably season one of Mad Men," he revealed. "I have never had a conversation with anyone about it, literally. And I've sat in the room with all these guys. I have never been offered anything. I think the Internet wants what it wants. But, I mean, a lot of people have to sign off on that, obviously not just the Internet."

Hey, Warner Bros., this is what's called a golden opportunity. What you need to do is get on the horn with Hamm's agents and book another meeting to discuss what it will take to make this offer a reality. I think lots of fans would be into him taking over the role. I also think that giving Affleck an out is a good idea. That dude seems to have a lot on his plate, right now, and I'm not entirely certain that the future of Batman is one of his top priorities. I don't know that for a fact, I'm just sayin'.

You can watch Graham Bensinger's full interview with Jon Hamm below:

Be sure to let us know what you think about Hamm taking on the role in the comments section below, and don't forget to check BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE when it arrives in theaters come October 5th.

Source: In Depth with Graham Bensinger

About the Author

Born and raised in New York, then immigrated to Canada, Steve Seigh has been a JoBlo.com editor, columnist, and critic since 2012. He started with Ink & Pixel, a column celebrating the magic and evolution of animation, before launching the companion YouTube series Animation Movies Revisited. He's also the host of the Talking Comics Podcast, a personality-driven audio show focusing on comic books, film, music, and more. You'll rarely catch him without headphones on his head and pancakes on his breath.