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Gary Oldman Reveals Who He Wants To See Play The Next Batman

With the role of Batman in the DC Extended Universe seemingly up for grabs, here's who Gary Oldman would like to see take it.

For all of the uncertainty that has threatened to engulf The Batman, writer-director Matt Reeves is still toiling away at the pic’s screenplay.

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Indeed, the War For the Planet of the Apes filmmaker has seemingly gained Nolan-era control over the Caped Crusader’s next solo outing, leading many to believe that recasting Ben Affleck will become the director’s first port of call. Still no sign of that alleged switcheroo just yet, and that’s despite Jake Gyllenhaal and Mad Men alum Jon Hamm coming into contention for the coveted superhero gig.

But those aren’t the only two actors who’ve been tossed around as potential replacements. Far from it, in fact, and today, we’ve got one more to add into the mix: Joaquin Phoenix. You can thank Gary Oldman for the nomination, as the actor, who played Commissioner Gordon in The Dark Knight Trilogy, was asked who he wants to see replace Affleck and said the following:

“I would like to see someone like Joaquin Phoenix play it,” Oldman told Too Fab during the 7th Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts International Awards. “This is no disrespect to Ben Affleck,” he added. “I think it really depends on who is at the wheel that lifts it.”

As Batman fans will know, this is an interesting pick as at one point, Phoenix almost did suit up as the iconic hero. Back when Darren Aronofsky was attached to direct an adaptation of Batman: Year One, he had his eye on the Gladiator star and though that project never came to fruition, we do know that Phoenix isn’t opposed to roles in the genre.

After all, we’ve also seen him be considered to play Bruce Banner AKA Hulk in The Avengers and later the title role in Marvel’s Doctor Strange. Not to mention that he was in with a shot of portraying Lex Luthor in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, too. As such, it’s not that crazy to think about him signing on as the next Dark Knight.

Chalk that up as speculation for now, but given that The Batman is said to be targeting a production start this summer, we should have a definitive answer to this whole Batfleck saga soon enough. Until then, however, tell us, would you like to see Joaquin Phoenix as the Caped Crusader? Have your say in the comments section down below.