- Primary Subject: The Brave and the Bold fan casting
- Key Update: Rising actor Paul Anthony Kelly has broken his silence on viral fan-casting buzz, calling the prospect of playing the DCU’s Batman a “dream come true” while James Gunn maintains that official casting is still a long way off.
- Status: In development, no confirmed DCU Batman for James Gunn yet.
- Last Verified: February 25, 2026
- Quick Answer: Paul Anthony Kelly is a top fan pick for Batman, but James Gunn confirms casting won’t happen until a script is finished, likely after 2027.
DCU fans have been quite vocal when it comes to James Gunn rebuilding the comic book franchise, and one of those requests is casting the rising star, Paul Anthony Kelly, as Batman, Bruce Wayne.
Who is Paul Anthony Kelly & What Has He Said About Playing Batman in the DCU?
Of the many listed fan-favorites from DC fans, from Reacher star Alan Ritchson and The Housemaid’s Brandon Sklenar, the model-turned-actor Paul Anthony Kelly gained the most attention following his performance as John F. Kennedy Jr. in Ryan Murphy’s Love Story.
Kelly first worked as a model for brands like Rhone Apparel, Vivienne Westwood, Bonobos, etc., before being cast as JFK in the FX limited series, thanks to his successful chemistry read and screen test with co-star Sarah Pidgeon.
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When asked about the fan campaign during an interview with GQ, Kelly had only one thing in mind:
“If that’s what they say, then who am I to say no? I mean, that would be a dream come true,” Kelly told the outlet.
While we’re still miles away from an official DCU Batman casting announcement, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn previously revealed the most crucial factor in picking the right actor for the role.
Gunn said that most fans requested to change the Dark Knight’s lenses to white (when wearing the cowl), similar to how Deadpool wore his mask, and then don the blue and grey costume. But to Gunn, “All of those things I find less important than the character himself, the writing, and the person who plays him.”
The Latest News on James Gunn’s DCU Journey with The Brave and the Bold
A lot has changed since DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran announced The Brave and the Bold as part of their initial Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate.
For one, there had been conflicting reports about whether The Flash director Andy Muschietti is still attached to helm the Gotham vigilante’s film, and how they would have to distinguish their Dark Knight from Matt Reeves’ Robert Pattinson one.
Upon the announcement of The Brave and the Bold, Gunn envisions it telling the story of Damian Wayne, who is Batman’s estranged son for 8-10 years of his life.
The film would be based on Grant Morrison’s comic book run, where Robin was raised as a “little murderer and assassin”, which Gunn said is one of his favorite Batman runs.
Safran also believes that The Brave and the Bold would be a feature film that would allow them to extend the ‘Bat-family’, considering how long they’ve been left in the dark.
The Brave and the Bold may likely land a 2028 window, with Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow premiering on June 26, 2026.
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