Gary Oldman would like to see Joaquin Phoenix play Batman

January 9th 2018, 11:51am

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

The DC cinematic universe is still in its early stages, but already the franchise has experienced its share of difficulty. Most notable among those difficulties have been bad reviews for the films (sans WONDER WOMAN), and JUSTICE LEAGUE’s disappointing box office. Another highly discussed matter is whether or not Ben Affleck will continue to play Bruce Wayne/Batman, as countless reports have created a tug-of-war of “will he, won’t he?” It’s now at the point where people are already thinking about which Hollywood stars could replace Batfleck – and DARK KNIGHT star Gary Oldman has an idea.

While speaking to TooFab, the recent Golden Globe winner (Best Actor for DARKEST HOUR), briefly shared a potential casting idea should Ben Affleck leave the role, and his choice may surprise you:

I would like to see someone like Joaquin Phoenix play it. This is no disrespect to Ben Affleck. I think it really depends on who is at the wheel that lifts it.

Gary Oldman delivered one of his most iconic performances as Commissioner Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s DARK KNIGHT trilogy, working alongside Christian Bale’s Batman. Phoenix and Bale are actors of a similar kind, both having a bit of a method style, digging deep into flawed characters to deliver complex performances. Phoenix is also not completely averse to playing a superhero, at one point in negotiations to play Doctor Strange for Marvel’s solo film.

Phoenix is just another name added to the potential Batman casting list, with names like Jon Hamm and Jake Gyllenhaal making the list. An extremely rumor-y rumor has spread that Matt Reeves doesn’t want to have Affleck’s Batman in his film, with Gyllenhaal being a name he’s interested in casting. There’s no truth that we know of to that story, but it’s still gotten people thinking about a potential new Batman.

Ben Affleck has said he won't play Batman forever, so even if he’s not recast soon he will be down the road, which is just inevitable. As for Oldman’s recommendation, I think Phoenix would be more at home in a DARK KNIGHT kind of movie, and one that’s grounded and doesn’t force him to fight a massive CG army. He would be an interesting choice and can be charming when the role calls for it. Seeing him the that Batsuit would be a complete 180-degree image for those of us who see him as the more reserved type, which makes the idea of him being Batman all the more fascinating.

Catch Oldman in DARKEST HOUR in theaters now!