- Two decades earlier, the 43-year-old actor auditioned for the iconic superhero for the 2005 film Batman Begins, a role that ultimately went to Christian Bale
- During a new interview with Screen Rant , Gyllenhaal was asked about the possibility of playing Batman in James Gunn’s new DC Universe
- ‘Oh, man. That’s a classic. It’s an honor,’ he said of the possibility of playing Batman in a future film
Jake Gyllenhaal has been making the press rounds for his new Road House remake, where he opened up about playing the superhero Batman.
Two decades earlier, the 43-year-old actor auditioned for the iconic superhero for the 2005 film Batman Begins, a role that ultimately went to Christian Bale.
During a new interview with Screen Rant, Gyllenhaal was asked about the possibility of playing Batman this time around, in James Gunn’s new reworked DC Universe.
‘Oh, man. That’s a classic. It’s an honor,’ he said of the possibility of playing Batman in a future film, just after revealing he got a staph infection filming Road House.
‘Speaking of playing roles that other incredible actors have played in the past, to me actually roles that other incredible actors have played in the past, which, to me, actually, when I think about it, I’m going to play Iago in Othello with Denzel Washington, and I think about like the history of actors that have played that role throughout time, and I’m intimidated by that,’ he said, referring to the new Broadway revival he signed on for with Washington.
Jake Gyllenhaal has been making the press rounds for his new Road House remake, where he opened up about playing the superhero Batman
Two decades earlier, the 43-year-old actor auditioned for the iconic superhero for the 2005 film Batman Begins, a role that ultimately went to Christian Bale
During a new interview with Screen Rant , Gyllenhaal was asked about the possibility of playing Batman this time around, in James Gunn ‘s new reworked DC Universe
‘So that’s the first level. That’s what I’m working on right now. But of course. It would be an honor always. Those types of things and those roles are classics,’ he added.
Gyllenhaal was also almost cast as another iconic hero – Spider-Man – though that also never came to fruition.
The actor was being discussed to potentially replace Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire in 2004’s Spider-Man 2, due to health concerns about Maguire.
The actor ultimately recovered and went on to star in both Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3.
Years later, Gyllenhaal would join the Spider-Man universe as villainous Quintin Beck, a.k.a. Mysterio, in 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home.
As for the new Batman, it’s unclear when Gunn may be casting for a new Dark Knight, but it may be sooner than later.
The first ‘chapter’ of the DCU is entitled Gods and Monsters, which is kicked off by Superman, in theaters July 11, 2025.
The first chapter also includes The Brave and the Bold, a film that Gunn described as, ‘a strange father and son story’ about both Batman and Robin.
‘So that’s the first level. That’s what I’m working on right now. But of course. It would be an honor always. Those types of things and those roles are classics,’ he added
Gyllenhaal was also almost cast as another iconic hero – Spider-Man – though that also never came to fruition
Years later, Gyllenhaal would join the Spider-Man universe as villainous Quintin Beck, a.k.a. Mysterio, in 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home
Gyllenhaal very well could be within the age range of actors Gunn may be seeking to play Batman in this film, which would be based on Grant Morrison’s run in the comics from 2006 to 2013.
The story will feature Damien Wayne – Bruce Wayne’s biological son – fights crime as Robin alongside his father as Batman.
The Flash director Andy Muschietti was brought on to direct the film, with his sister Barbara Muschietti producing alongside Gunn and Peter Safran.
No screenwriter has been attached and it was confirmed that this will not be connected to Robert Pattinson’s The Batman, which has a new sequel coming too.
