Summary
The new DC Universe by James Gunn already has fans excited to see it expand. Batman is confirmed to be getting his own movie with the DCU, currently titledBrave And The Bold, with Andy Muschietti set to direct it. Given the unconfirmed release date forBrave And The Bold, however, there is always the chance of plans changing.
ShouldBrave And The Boldrequire a new director or a sequel be announced, other directors could bring the Caped Crusader to life. They range from extensive careers within the action genre to modern-day horror icons to directors who have already shown their talent with Marvel and DC projects.
10James Gunn
An Ideal Next Step After Superman Starts The DCU
James Gunnhas demonstrated his passion for comic books throughhis work with both DC and Marvel. He embraces the fantastical aspects of comics in his films, featuring everything from a talking raccoon to a giant kaiju starfish. However, he always keeps the focus on the characters and their journeys.
James Gunn’s talents that he used to create things like theGuardians Of The Galaxytrilogy,Peacemaker,The Suicide Squad, and nowSupermancould be used to create a different kind of Batman. James Gunn could bring in more outlandish villains such as Mr. Freeze and Doctor Death to create a more comic-accurate version of Gotham City.
9Sam Hargrave
He Has A Knack For Brutal And Stylish Fight Sequences
Fresh in the world of directing, Sam Hargrave got his start as a stunt performer in various action movies. He worked onPirates Of The Caribbeanmovies and nearly everyAvengersmovie, and made his directorial debut with theExtractionmovies on Netflix, with a third movie on the way.
Sam Hargrave has an eye for hard-hitting and gritty action sequences that put the camera right into the heart of the action. TheExtractionmovies feature long sequences meant to resemble one-take shots filled with deadly martial arts and other forms of combat, something that could be used to make for effective Batman fight scenes.
8James Wan
Made A Name For Himself With Horror Movies & Aquaman
James Wanpreviouslyworked with the DC Extended Universeto create theAquamanmovies. He showed love for the zany side of the DC universe, but he also expressed his interest in wanting to make a Batman project. Given his roots in horror movies such asSaw,Insidious, andThe Conjuring, it makes sense that he wants to make a more horrifying Batman movie.
Much of Batman’s world can be considered within the realm of horror. Sadistic serial killers such as Victor Zsasz or literal monsters like Man-Bat are perfect for a more horror-centric angle. However, Aquaman proved that he can also create massively epic fight sequences, whether it’s real stunt performers or CGI-driven scenes.
7Jensen Ackles
A Chance For A Batman Actor To Direct His Own Movie
While most people think of him as an actor,Jensen Ackleshas also shown his talent as a director on television. He directed multiple episodes ofSupernaturaland an episode ofWalker, both showing that he is skilled both on and off camera.
Jensen Ackles is also a common choice among fans to portray Batman in the DCU, as he’s already provedhe can portray the character in animationin the short-lived DC Tomorrow-Verse. He’s also a big fan of comic books, so he could bring the character to life from a fan’s perspective as an actor and director, which could be the first time in a superhero movie.
6Bryce Dallas Howard
Rising Director In The World Of Pop Culture
Following in her father’s footsteps,Bryce Dallas Howardis already a great actress who has starred in several blockbusters, but she is also a director. She quickly won the affection of many when she directed beloved episodes ofThe Mandalorian,The Book Of Boba Fett, and nowStar Wars: Skeleton Crew.
Bryce Dallas Howards finds the perfect balance of action, comedy, character development, and fan service. As a result, she would be ideal for directing a live-action Batman movie focusing on the Bat-Family, including Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood,and the various other Robinsout there.
5Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
They Deserve Compensation For Batgirl’s Cancellation
Previously,Adil El ArbiandBilall Fallahworked under DC, but theirBatgirlmovie was infamously canceled because of a tax write-off. Considering their beautiful use of camera movements and action sequences in the last twoBad Boysmovies and episodes ofMs. Marvel, fans hoped that somehow Batgirl would see the light of day.
A way DC Studios could remedy the situation would be to let Adil and Bilall have free rein to create a Batman movie for the DCU. Their use of dynamic camera angles, like audiences witnessed inBad Boys For LifeandBad Boys: Ride Of Die,could lead to the most unique Batman sequences ever created. It could also be a way to bring back Leslie Grace to the role of Batgirl.
4Robert Eggers
Could Turn Batman Into The Next Big Horror Movie
AfterThe VVitch,The Lighthouse, and now his remake ofNosferatu,Robert Eggershas quickly become an icon of horror. A common trend for superhero directors is that they begin with horror and manage to transition to making strong comic book movies: James Wan, Scott Derrickson, Zack Snyder, and Jon Watts to name a few.
Similar to James Wan, Robert Eggers has the potential tobring dark and terrifying villains to life, whether it’s a grounded character like Professor Pyg or a mystical threat like The Court Of Owls with their zombie-like Talons. Even Scarecrow’s illusions would be perfect for Robert Eggers' style, as most of his horror movies feature twisted and nightmarish hallucinations.
3Antoine Fuqua
Gave Audiences Great Vigilante Action With The Equalizer
Antoine Fuquahas been at the helm of several quality films, includingOlympus Has Fallen,Shooter,Southpaw, andBrooklyn’s Finest. However, Antoine Fuqua has also delivered epic vigilante action withThe Equalizertrilogy, which featured grounded yet epic fight scenes that would not be unfitting for a Batman movie.
A director like Antoine Fuqua could explore the assassin aspect of Gotham City, showing the seedy underbelly whereall kinds of Batman villains exist, even the metahuman kind. Villains such as Deathstroke, Deadshot, Killer Moth, Lady Shiva, and a more comic-accurate Bane would be right up his alley.
2Guillermo Del Toro
A Master Of Dark Fantasy & Sci-Fi
Most fans think of the dark fantasy ofThe Shape Of WaterorPan’s Labyrinthwhen it comes toGuillermo Del Toro. However, Del Toro has already shown what he can do with comic book adaptations as the director of the belovedHellboyduology for Dark Horse Comics andBlade 2for Marvel. EvenPacific Rimis arguably in the same vein as a superhero movie.
Thegothic style of Gotham Citywould be most fitting for Guillermo Del Toro, which he has done in multiple movies. Del Toro is also a diverse director who can deliver many genres and stories, so his Batman story can be darkly whimsical in the same vein asHellboyorRise Of The Guardiansor macabre and twisted likeCrimson Peak.
1Sam Raimi
A Previous Contender For A Batman Director
Sam Raimi directed Spider-Man and Doctor Strange at Marvel, but his journey in the superhero genre began with the dark film,Darkman.Darkmanwas created after Raimi was initially considered to direct the 1989 film,Batman. Drawing inspiration from his work onThe Evil Deadmovies, Raimi createda superhero influenced by Batmanand several classic Universal monsters.
After over thirty years, DC Studios could grant Sam Raimi’s wish, as he still expressed his excitement for that character when promotingDoctor Strange and The Multiverse Of Madness. It could be as grounded as Matt Reeves’ movie and its sequel or as comic-book-like as Raimi’s Marvel movies, and fans would likely support his efforts.
