- Primary Subject: Rumors surrounding actor Tom Brittney being cast as Batman/Bruce Wayne in James Gunn's upcoming DC Universe (DCU).
- Key Update: Online rumors are swirling that Grantchester star Tom Brittney has already been cast as the DCU's Dark Knight, fueled by scooper leaks and past praise from James Gunn.
- Status: Denied
- Last Verified: July 9, 2026
- Quick Answer: Despite viral rumors claiming Tom Brittney has been cast as the DCU's Batman, DC Studios has not officially announced an actor for the role.
The search for the DC Universe's definitive Dark Knight continues to set the internet ablaze, and the latest name under the microscope is a familiar face to DC Studios' audition rooms: in comes Tom Brittney, as he clarifies the rumored Dark Knight casting in James Gunn's DC Universe.
Tom Brittney Breaks Silence Amid Rumored DCU Batman Casting
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Rumors initially ignited when insider John Campea teased on his podcast that "multiple sources" had informed him the DCU's Batman had secretly been cast, teasing that it was an unexpected name. Not long after, a prominent online scooper pointed directly to 35-year-old British actor Tom Brittney (Grantchester, Greyhound).
Brittney was famously one of the final three actors who screen-tested for the titular role in James Gunn's Superman before the role ultimately went to David Corenswet.
The Back in Action star recently spoke to Fox5 (via DC Film News), where, when asked if there were any truths to those reports, Brittney told the outlet: "I know nothing about this, [it is] a crazy rumor! [laughs] No comment. I know nothing. Just lovely, wonderful rumors."
While DC Studios has not responded to the latest DC rumors surrounding Brittney as Batman yet, the co-CEO's previously spoken praises about the actor's work are one of the many reasons why fans were convinced the runner-up Man of Steel actor would land DCU in Gotham.
What Convinced DCU Fans James Gunn Already Has His Dark Knight
Beyond the insider chatter, DC fans have actively pieced together several compelling reasons why Brittney fits Gunn's vision for The Brave and the Bold.
Beyond his striking physical profile, standing at 6"2 with a heavily chiseled jawline, which makes him look remarkably close to the Dark Knight, the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy director stressed in a 2025 interview that he had hoped to see Brittney in the DCU someday.
"He's tested for me a couple of times. He's one of my favorite actors in the world," Gunn told the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast in July 2025. "I normally don't say when an actor tests, because that's up to the actor to say if they want to test. But I'm gonna say in this case that Tom Brittney tested, and he's an amazing actor, and I hope to use him someday. I hope other people are turned on to this guy because he keeps being near misses."
Coincidentally, Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne are frequently drawn as looking similar enough to pull off identity-swapping tricks, a dynamic that fans would love to see brought to life. Who else better to do this than a Superman runner-up?
At 35 years old, Brittney also hits the exact age bracket required for a Batman who is seasoned enough to already have an established Bat-Family and a pre-teen son, Damian Wayne, as his Robin. While DC Studios has yet to drop an official announcement, the pieces fit perfectly into Gunn's blueprint.
For now, it's crucial to remember that The Brave and the Bold movie is still in the writing process, and the reboot has not landed an official release date from DC Studios.
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