9 Actors You Probably Didn’t Know Almost Played Batman

We might have seen a few different versions of the likes of Spider-Man and Superman on the big screen, but Batman still holds the record for being the most portrayed superhero in cinema. From when Lewis Wilson donned a high-waisted pair of underpants in 1943’s Batman serial to Ben Affleck wearing a high-tech metal suit in this year’s Batman V Superman, ten different actors have played the Dark Knight on the silver screen to date.

But things could have been very different at each of these junctures if another actor took on the role. For instance, The Joker himself, Heath Ledger, originally auditioned for Batman in Batman Begins (he was also offered Spider-Man). Imagine if he got the part – would Christian Bale have then played the Clown Prince of Crime in The Dark Knight?

Ledger is far from the only one who missed out on donning the Caped Crusader’s tights, however, and in honor of the recent Ultimate Cut release of Batman V Superman, we take a look back at 9 other actors who almost played the iconic role.