Actors considered for Batman role

Many actors have been considered for the role of Batman throughout the years, with some of the most notable names having nearly landed the part. The casting process for the Batman franchise is often intense, especially when Warner Bros. is rebooting the character, as seen during the development of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Josh Brolin's near-miss

Josh Brolin was seriously considered for the role of Batman at one point, despite the lukewarm reception of his previous DC film, Jonah Hex. However, he ultimately passed on the opportunity, and the studio chose Ben Affleck instead. Brolin has since focused on Marvel roles, including Cable and Thanos.

Pierce Brosnan's interest

Pierce Brosnan, who later became a James Bond actor, was considered for the role of Batman in the late 1980s. He admitted in hindsight that he had difficulty taking the character seriously at the time, a decision he now regrets.

Willem Dafoe's alternate path

Willem Dafoe was rumored to be in the running for the role of the Joker in Batman (1989), but in reality, he was being considered for Batman himself. He eventually took a different path, playing Norman Osborn in Spider-Man (2002).

Michael Keaton's departure

Michael Keaton did not reprise the role of Batman in Batman Forever (1995), leaving the studio to search for a replacement. Tim Burton suggested Johnny Depp, but it's unclear how seriously the idea was pursued.

Colin Farrell's near-casting

Colin Farrell was considered for the role of Batman during the development of Batman vs. Superman, a film that never materialized. The project was abandoned when director Wolfgang Petersen shifted focus to Troy (2004), and Warner Bros. turned to J.J. Abrams' Superman: Flyby instead.

Armie Hammer's interruption

Armie Hammer was set to star as Batman in Justice League: Mortal, directed by George Miller. However, the project was canceled, in part due to the 2007 WGA strike. Hammer later played a different kind of hero in The Lone Ranger (2013).

Ethan Hawke's rejection

Ethan Hawke was considered to replace Michael Keaton in Batman Forever (1995), but he declined the role, fearing it might affect his career as a serious actor. He later expressed regret over this decision.

Heath Ledger's switch

Before his iconic portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008), Heath Ledger was offered the role of Batman in Batman Begins (2005). He turned it down initially but later signed on for the sequel after being impressed by Christopher Nolan's vision.

Cillian Murphy's tryout

Cillian Murphy was considered for Batman Begins before switching to the role of Dr. Jonathan Crane. He performed a screen test in an old Batman Forever costume, but the role ultimately went to Christian Bale.

Bill Murray's Batman

Before Tim Burton took over the Batman project, Ivan Reitman was set to direct a comedic version of the film. He reportedly considered Bill Murray for the role of Batman, with David Bowie rumored to play the Joker. The project was eventually scrapped, leaving the roles uncast.