Gary Oldman Knows Who He Wants As the New Batman
Gary Oldman who stared as Police Commissioner Jim Gordon in the critically acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy knows exactly whom he’d like to take up the role as the Caped Crusader. He wants to see none other than Joaquin Phoenix play Batman in the DC Extended Universe if Ben Affleck decides to leave the role. Speaking to Too Fab at the 7th Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts International Awards, the actor shared his pick for who should don the cape next.
“This is no disrespect to Ben Affleck. I think it really depends on who is at the wheel that lifts it. I would like to see someone like Joaquin Phoenix play it.”
Gary Oldman’s pick for Batman to be played by Joaquin Phoenix is understandably justified, as Phoenix remains one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. The Oscar-nominated actor boasts an impressive repertoire of performances, showing exceptional emotional range and acting prowess.
Oldman’s opinion comes with some insight. After all, who knows better than the Batman’s trusted ally what it really takes to inhabit the role? Staring as Commissioner Gordon alongside Christian Bale in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, Gary Oldman is well versed in Batman lore and understands how Batman needs to comfortably portray the opposing sides of charming billionaire playboy and Gotham’s threatening protector and hero.
According to Oldman, Phoenix is just the guy to do the iconic role justice and it is clear that fans think he is as good and as exciting as the online pokies NZ has to offer too. Performances such as the ruthless Commodus in Gladiator and his more charming performances in Her, display Phoenix’s exceptional range to play both sides of the coin. There’s little doubt that this top-drawer actor has enough talent and capability to juggle the many facets of Batman’s psyche. Although playing Batman would require Phoenix to train and bulk up considerably, he is roughly the same age as Affleck which allows for Batman to continue being a bit older- seamlessly continuing the current timeline. Both actors are big names and will attract attention and as the franchise has already branched out in every direction, from mobile games to mugs, apparelled and everything in between, a famous face is no doubt in line to play the role.
Affleck has yet to confirm whether he is reprising his role as Gotham’s protector. Although Oldman has zero sway over who actually will be following in the footsteps of Ben Affleck’s Batman, much remains to be seen. There have been reports that The Batman director, Matt Reeves, has been meeting with a number of actors including Jake Gyllenhaal with regards to potentially taking up the role as Batman. Still very much in its infancy, the future of the DC Extended Universe is very uncertain, and Ben Affleck’s reincarnation as Batman remains largely a mystery.
