Ahead of a new trailer reveal for The Flash at the Super Bowl 2023, a rumor has started to circulate about Christian Bale returning as Batman at the end of the movie. The potential leak comes from YouTube creator Grace Randolph, who said that Warner Bros. are trying to secure a deal with a former Batman actor, to cameo at the conclusion of The Flash film. Here’s what we know about the new DCU from James Gunn and Peter Safran, including who could be back as the DC Universe’s Batman.
Is Christian Bale back as Batman?
Christian Bale might be coming back as Batman in the new DCU, but no deal has yet been inked. Randolph confirmed in a response to somebody on Twitter that talks were being had, but that “the deal is not done.” She also didn’t confirm that it was Bale who was being looked at to make a comeback, instead saying that it was “one of those three” in the picture she posted. That also included George Clooney, and Val Kilmer.
Kilmer is currently 63, with Clooney at 61. As Bale is the youngest of the trio at 49 years old, he does seem the most likely option for James Gunn’s DC Universe, with fellow DC CEO and chairman, Peter Safran.
If these alleged discussions prove to be true, and a deal is done to bring back a former Batman, it will be interesting to see if they stick around in the DCU, or if it will be a one-and-done cameo. The former would seem to dismiss Dave Bautista’s previous comments, about Gunn’s want to “completely reboot” the DCU.
With Batman: The Brave and the Bold being adapted for the new DCU, however, it may be the perfect direction to go in, so that an older Bruce Wayne can be introduced alongside his son, and future Robin, Damian Wayne.
