James Gunn’s DC Universe is moving at full speed ahead, and after the strong response to 2025’s ‘Superman‘, the spotlight has moved straight to Gotham. Now that the franchise is entering into a fresh chapter, fans are asking one major question: Who will become the next Bruce Wayne?
Excitement is high about the DCU’s soft reboot, and speculation about Batman’s casting has intensified. Many fans believe they may have already found the perfect actor to lead James Gunn’s new era as the Dark Knight.
Fans Are Rallying Behind Paul Anthony Kelly As The Ideal Bruce Wayne Alternative
As the DCU builds momentum, ‘The Brave and the Bold‘ buzz continues to grow. The film will introduce a brand-new version of Batman, completely separate from Robert Pattinson’s portrayal in ‘The Batman Part II‘, directed by Matt Reeves. Since two live-action Batmans will exist at the same time, fans understand that Gunn must choose someone who feels clearly fresh and distinct.
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For a while, many supporters pushed Alan Ritchson as their top choice for Batman, especially after his performance in ‘Reacher‘. His physical build and strong presence made him an easy fan pick. However, Gunn has not confirmed any casting decision. That silence opened the door for new suggestions, and now one name keeps coming up: Paul Anthony Kelly.
Now, fans are actively campaigning for him. Across social media, users are sharing edits, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed breakdowns explaining why Kelly fits their vision of Bruce Wayne. More importantly, the message remains consistent: they believe he looks and carries himself exactly like the billionaire Gotham needs.
Why The Actor Could Be Perfect For Batman
Much of this excitement stems from Kelly’s recent breakout role in ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,’ where he plays John F. Kennedy Jr. Before acting, Kelly worked as a model, which gave him a polished and confident on-screen presence.
According to reports, producers conducted an extensive search for the right lead and nearly shut down the project because they couldn’t find their JFK Jr. Eventually, they revisited earlier audition tapes, brought Kelly back in, and cast him almost immediately.
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That backstory alone impressed fans, but his appearance truly fueled the Bruce Wayne conversation. Executive producer Brad Simpson explained that their JFK Jr. needed “that sort of ’80s, old school masculinity, a man with hair on his chest.” Naturally, many fans responded by saying that the description sounds exactly like the traditional comic-book version of Bruce Wayne.
From there, social media amplified the idea. One user confidently called Kelly “the most Bruce Wayne-looking dude ever.” Others created side-by-side comparisons between him and classic comic panels. Scenes from Love Story make it easy for fans to picture him inside Wayne Manor. Even though DC already offered a brief look at its Batman design in the animated Creature Commandos, supporters argue that Kelly visually matches the iconic image better than anyone else suggested so far.
Of course, Kelly isn’t the only name circulating. Actors such as Brandon Sklenar, Jensen Ackles, and Jake Gyllenhaal continue to appear in fan discussions. Each brings experience and star power. However, many fans believe Kelly’s relative newcomer status actually works in his favor.
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