DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has addressed and denied recent rumors suggesting Jensen Ackles has been cast as the DC Universe's Batman. The speculation gained traction on social media after fans noticed Ackles, a vocal Batman enthusiast, had begun following Gunn on Instagram.
Gunn responded to the renewed rumors on his Threads account, stating he was unaware of Ackles' follow and would follow him back. He recounted meeting Ackles once about 20 years ago, describing him as a "nice guy" but confirming that "We haven't cast him as anything yet."
While Ackles has long been a fan-favorite choice for the role of Bruce Wayne, the "yet" in Gunn's statement leaves the door open for future possibilities, though any immediate casting as Batman has been definitively ruled out for now. Ackles has previously donned Batman's cowl for animated projects, including Batman: The Long Halloween, Legion of Super-Heroes, Justice League: Warworld, and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths. He also voiced Jason Todd in Batman: Under the Red Hood. His prior appearances and clear affinity for the character have fueled fan desires for a live-action portrayal.
The DCU currently does not have a confirmed Batman, with projects like Superman and Lanterns laying groundwork for future introductions. Clayface is set to explore a new Gotham City villain soon, but a definitive live-action Batman introduction is expected to occur in the planned film The Brave and the Bold.
Meanwhile, Robert Pattinson is slated to return as Batman in The Batman Part 2 as part of the 'Elseworlds' continuity. Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran are expected to continue leading the DCU amid significant changes at Warner Bros. Discovery. The first season of Lanterns is nearing its finale, with the animated film Man of Tomorrow scheduled for release in July 2027.