Batman Beyond is quite possibly the best DC animated show ever made (and for sure my favorite), and ever since it ended way too early, fans have wanted a live-action adaption of this show. While we may or may not see this in the DCEU, chances are we could possibly see it in the future, so I would like to list some actors who are worthy of playing a retired Bruce Wayne.
1. Harrison Ford
While Bruce is in his 70s (as is Harrison Ford), he can still kick a regular punk’s ass, and that’s the main attraction that comes with Ford. This man is a real life badass, and even though he’s got a few decades of mileage on him, he can still do things like walk right into Star Wars to start filming, land planes on golf courses, and be more of a man than I’ll ever be. He’s one of the greatest actors in history, and it would be an honor to welcome him among the other greats that have played Batman.
2. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood has lately been reduced to a crazy old bastard who talks to chairs, but he’s still a tough crazy old bastard who talks to chairs. At 85, Eastwood is a little older than Bruce Wayne was in the show, but that wouldn’t matter much. He’s still one of the ultimate tough guys, and everyone could believe that he was Batman. He almost was Batman instead of Adam West! He’s another one of the greatest actors of all time, and it would truly be an honor to add him to the list of actors who have played Batman.
3. Chuck Norris
Yeah, that’s right, Chuck Norris. He’s the ultimate badass! There’s no one better to play the most badass superhero, than the most badass actor! He’s 75, and even though he looks like he’s still in his 50s, they could show him off as older and decrepit. I don’t know about you, but I would have no problem believing Chuck Norris as Batman.
4. Robert Redford
Unlike the rest of the actors on this list, Redford wasn’t the biggest action star back in the day, but he still has an appeal to him. He was one of the biggest pretty boys, however, and has the look of an older billionaire playboy. He’s 79, and could pull off being Terry’s voice of reason in the movie. I’m not sure how grizzled he could make himself appear, but if he could go darker for this role, he could pull it off perfectly.
5. Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall is great at playing grumpy old men, because he’s a grumpy old man! He could pull off the paranoid and smarter aspects of Bruce Wayne, and would be believed more to have health issues because he’s older than most of the others on this list. Yet again, he’s one of the greatest actors in history, and the role of Bruce Wayne would be safe in his hands.
6. William Shatner
Look, before you freak out and decide to troll me in the comments, just hear me out. William Shatner was considered the biggest over-actor in the world in his Star Treck days, but it seems that as he gets older, he turns into a better actor. He’s gotten more serious and better with age, and I’m confident he could handle a high-profile role like this one. He’s already expressed interest in playing Alfred (which is a bad idea), so of course he would go for an old Bruce Wayne. He’s 84, a former pretty boy action star, and in my opinion, could truly do good by this role.
7. Kevin Conroy
Not so fast, Internet! Kevin Conroy isn’t down for the count yet! Yes, he is only 59 right now, but there’s no telling when this movie will happen. It could come about when Conroy is well into his 60s, and then we would have the perfect Bruce Wayne. This is his one chance to actually play the character, and he’s had more experience than anyone who has actually done the role before.He looks like Batman, he sure as hell sound like Batman, so let’s make him an older Batman! Who’s with me?
8. James Caan
James Caan is one of the acting greats, who has faded into the background in recent years. He could play the retired hard-ass Bruce Wayne that we know to be in Batman Beyond perfectly, and is not too old to be believed as being able to still kick ass. A role like this could bring him back into the spotlight, and I know I would love to see that happen.
9. Ed Harris
Come on, Ed Harris IS old Bruce Wayne. Even at 64, this man has such a strong screen presence and intimidation skills, that I would believe him as regular Batman. I think that there’s no question he was made for this role, and I don’t think anyone would be unhappy with this casting choice!
10. Adam West
You had to have seen this one coming. Adam West is the oldest living Batman, and the most iconic, so it’s only fitting that he reprise the role when it fits most. I’m serious when I say that I’ll get into a fist fight with whoever thinks Adam West wouldn’t make a good old Batman, because he is old Batman! But I think I’ve made my point here, you either love him or you don’t. And if you don’t I’ll fight you. ‘Nough said.
