A talented artist and Batman fan has imagined what Supernatural's Jensen Ackles would look like as James Gunn's Caped Crusader.
The fan art was shared on Instagram by artist @horrific.heroics, who captioned the piece, "While I feel like I couldn’t exactly capture the likeness of Ackles, this is as close as I could get it! I hope y’all enjoy." Ackles has been a popular pick among fans for the role of Gotham's Dark Knight since DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn revealed that he would be recasting several beloved DC Universe characters, beginning with Henry Cavill's Superman.
Ackles, who is best known for his lead role as Dean Winchester in The CW drama series Supernatural, has already voiced Bruce Wayne/Batman in two DC Universe Animated Original Movies -- Batman: The Long Halloween (2021) and the upcoming Legion of Super-Heroes (2023). Both films are part of the Tomorrowverse, a collection of animated DC films sharing a cohesive animation style and continuity.
Ackles Is Open to Playing Batman in Live-Action
While it is currently unknown who Gunn is considering for the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in his revamped DCU, Ackles has previously made it known that he would be open to playing the character in live-action. With his former Supernatural co-star, Misha Collins, set to play Harvey Dent in The CW/DC series Gotham Knights, Ackles suggested that he should play that universe's Caped Crusader. "Let's be clear about that. I have gotten to do the voice, why not get to play the Bat?" Ackles said. "Maybe someone at Gotham Knights can put in a good word for me if that role ever comes up."
At this time, Michael Keaton, Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson are all set to return as their respective Dark Knights in upcoming DC projects, with Keaton and Affleck appearing in 2023's The Flash and Pattinson signed on for more The Batman movies. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has hinted that the number of live-action Batman performers will shrink under the new DC leadership, remarking in November 2022 that "There's not going to be four Batmans."
Gunn is expected to announce the first wave of DCU projects that will be developed under his leadership in early 2023. However, he has already revealed that he will write a new Superman film that explores "an earlier part of Superman's life." The film will not be an origin story but will instead begin with Clark Kent already established as Superman and working at the Daily Planet.
Ackles can be heard as the voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman in Legion of Super-Heroes, which hits Blu-Ray and digital on Feb. 7.
Source: Instagram