Jensen Ackles Is Not Playing Batman: James Gunn Shuts Down DCU Casting Rumors

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has officially quashed circulating rumors that Supernatural star Jensen Ackles had been cast as the DC Universe’s Batman, doing so publicly on social media earlier this week after fans speculated about a potential casting following an Instagram follow.

The speculation ignited over the weekend when comic book enthusiasts noticed that The Boys alum recently followed Gunn on Instagram. Ackles, who has long been a self-proclaimed Batman fanatic and a fan-favorite pick to play Bruce Wayne in the budding cinematic universe, confirmed his interest through actions rather than words—though nothing official has transpired regarding an actual casting.

Gunn Addresses Rumors Directly

Gnn poured cold water on the recently reignited rumors over on his preferred social media platform, Threads, when replying to a post covering the subject earlier today. He said he had no idea Ackles had dropped him a follow and that he was “going to follow him back.” Sadly, that’s about the extent of their interactions over the years.

“Thanks for letting me know. I’m going to follow him back. I met him once 20 years ago when he was dating a friend of mine. Nice guy. We haven’t cast him as anything yet.”

James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO

A Long-Standing Fan Favorite

While the “yet” in that sentence might give some hope, any dreams that the actor might play Batman have been put to rest, at least for now. Fans have long named Ackles as their pick to play the Caped Crusader in some form for a few reasons, including the fact that he already doesn’t look half bad wearing the Batsuit.

The Dean Winchester actor has famously suited up in full Batman gear before and even made IGN’s list for best celebrity Halloween outfits in 2019. He wears the cowl well, but he’s proven to have the gruff vocals required for the part, too.

An Animated Batman Veteran

Ackles is a DC regular who has played Batman in animated projects like Batman: The Long Halloween, Legion of Super-Heroes, Justice League: Warworld, and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths. He also showed up in Batman: Under the Red Hood as former Robin Jason Todd. In other words, even if Ackles isn’t the DCU’s Batman, he’s certainly laid the groundwork for the jump to live-action crimefighting to make enough sense.

Looking Ahead

In the meantime, Robert Pattinson is still set to reprise his role as an Elseworlds Bruce Wayne when The Batman Part 2 premieres next year. Additionally, Gunn and fellow co-CEO Peter Safran will reportedly remain in charge of the DCU for the foreseeable future despite the big changes going on at Warner Bros. and Paramount. Lanterns will put a cap on its explosive first season in just a few hours, with Superman follow-up, Man of Tomorrow, still expected to premiere in July 2027.