Who Could Be a Better Batman than Robert Pattinson? Rooting for Jake Gyllenhaal!

The quest for a new caped crusader begins! The ongoing debate of who would be the next Batman after the new co-heads of DC Studios have ousted Robert Pattinson has caused a stir. Pattinson played the young Batman in 2022’s film where he was still a confused superhero and was witnessed juggling the responsibilities of being Gotham’s guardian.  

Who could be a better Batman than Robert Pattinson is all about preferences. The new Batman is not selected yet but fans have already started making guesses. And I have made an attempt too!

Jake Gyllenhaal seems to be a pretty good choice for the next Bryce Wayne/ Batman in James Gunn’s DC Studios cosmos. Gunn and Peter Safran have already clarified that Matt Reeves’ trilogy of Batman, in which Robert Pattinson was the first to portray Batman, would be different from, DC’s Batman.

Hence, everybody has now eyes on the choice of Gunn and Safran’s new Batman. The DC fans cannot wait for the eye-grabbing decision which is not finalized yet. 

Why Jake Gyllenhaal could be a better Batman than Robert Pattinson?

Jake Gyllenhaal was a serious contender to play Bruce Wayne in the Dark Knight trilogy, directed by Christopher Nolan. However, Christian Bale won the role which did not dishearten Gyllenhaal, and still wants to play Batman on the big screen, as per Variety. 

Gyllenhaal said, “Oh man, That’s a classic [role]. It’s an honor”. 

Since Robert Pattinson’s Batman would be a standalone in Matt Reeves’ universe whose sequel “Batman II” is expected to release in 2026, Jake Gyllenhaal could be DC’s very own Batman, being a solid candidate for the role.

Gyllenhaal is familiar with the DC universe as he played Mysterio in 2019’s Spider-Man: Far from Home. He admits that DC verse is an entirely different line of art, saying, 

“It’s hard, man. That acting is hard. All of it. That world is enormous”. [Source] 

This was the only role that Gyllenhaal had been able to secure in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) so far. Spider-Man: Far from Home grossed more than $1 billion at the global box office. 

Acting Range and Experience

Jake Gyllenhaal has all the acting edges that are required for Batman’s character. Why makes me say so? Because he gave some of the mind-blowing performances in Donnie Darko (2001), Prisoners (2013), and Nightcrawler (2014). 

Some fans even consider him a great choice for the role of Joker after watching him go insane in Nightcrawler. Although he has never won an Oscar, there has been a debate on why he has been snubbed whenever it comes to rewarding him as ‘Best Actor’, especially after Nightcrawler. It’s unfortunate though!

The sharp, smart, and intimidating characteristics were reflected in each one of his roles, which are the essence of DC’s Batman. His versatile acting is a big yes for playing the next Batman which is perfectly in alignment with Batman’s internal struggles, portraying a derivation of complexity, much needed for said role.

Although Robert Pattinson’s brooding style fits the character of Batman just right, Gyllenhaal has shown more depth, looking at his acting resume.  

Physicality and Presence

Jake Gyllenhaal’s physical transformation for his roles is nothing unknown to the fans. His recent transformation for Road House (2014) included martial arts training, MMA exertions, and a heavy focus on mobility as well as bilateral posterior work, cited by Man of Many.  

Batman, too, is adept at virtually every form of martial arts, which works perfectly well for the selection of Jake Gyllenhaal for Batman’s role.

It does not mean that Robert Pattinson has not gone through rigorous physical training for his other roles, such as in Twilight Saga and The Batman. However, Gyllenhaal’s build and athleticism from Southpaw and Prince of Persia make it more convincing for him to secure Batman’s role.

Pattinson is more lanky in The Batman, which I understand was the requirement of the storyline of 2022’s Batman film. Yet again, the agility and flexibility required for Batman’s intricate world would be better demonstrated by Gyllenhaal’s presence in the MCU.    

Based on New York Post’s entertainment critic’s review, Robert Pattinson was a “bland and forgettable” Batman. As he is more known to be an electric and upbeat actor, he had to play something completely contrasting in Batman- dark, sullen, and bored- which came as a waste of Pattinson.

On the other hand, Gyllenhaal has played dark characters before that brought high levels of acclaim for him, such as that in Donnie Darko and Nightcrawler– another plus point for his better match for Batman. 

Emotional Depth and Range

Gyllenhaal’s emotional acting depth is best seen in Brokeback Mountain, a 2005 romantic Western drama film for which he won a BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actor. He was even nominated for the Academy Award and Screen Actors Guild Award for the same category. 

The film was controversial, but this is what makes it a success I suppose. The emotional range and torment that Jack Twist (played by Gyllenhaal) exhibited was only possible with a moving performance. 

Batman does need a dark and moody take which would display Batman’s vulnerabilities and knotty psyche, best suited for Gyllenhaal. 

Chemistry with Supporting Characters

If Jack Gyllenhaal has to work as Batman in alliance with Robin, then building a strong chemistry with supporting characters could elevate his presence. One best example of Gyllenhaal’s chemistry is with Hugh Jackman in Prisoners. Both characters were dealing with grief and anger, often seen at odds with each other.

However, it was meant to be! The high-quality acting of two stars, and that too, with emotional depth and strong performances kept the bars of an intense crime thriller high. It is the same narrative required in Batman’s next project.

Building strong dynamics with co-stars is proof positive Gyllenhaal could create a seamless fit for Batman’s role. Even under the pretense, which Batman does, being a playboy billionaire in the day while a dark knight when the sun goes down.

For instance, the same mechanism is quite obvious in Presumed Innocent (2024 series) where Gyllenhaal leads a double life. The woman he likes was found dead and that is where his phenomenally brilliant performance was unveiled. This is the perfect pretense we all need for Batman’s role, right?

Pattinson’s Batman was more solitary, confined, and introverted whereas a more dynamic Bruce Wayne is needed to sustain Batman’s heroic narrative in coming times. 

Proven Success in Action Roles

Whenever we hear the name Robert Pattinson, we are reminded of Twilight, which is a full action-packed Saga and we know for sure that Pattinson performed remarkably well.

In contrast, Gyllenhaal has done more action movies, which makes him a more apt choice for the role. His gleaming performances in Prince of Persia, Source Code, The Guilty, Ambulance, and Road House are a few to name. 

His capability to pull off high-intensity roles is undeniable while staying true to the character’s depth. Gyllenhaal’s Batman would bring more punch to Batman’s physical confrontations which would be distinct from Pattinson’s Batman.  

Imagine Batman’s fluttering bat cape if it is Gyllenhaal and picture Pattinson’s flapping bat cape on some rooftop beside a wolf standing. [scratching my head in confusion] 

Public perception and fanbase

Multifaceted Batman would be a worth watching ‘game changer’ if Gyllenhaal gets the gig. Fans crave something different and this could spark new interest if Gyllenhaal emerges as the new Batman. 

Wrapping up…

There are other potentially amazing options for candidates of the next Batman after Robert Pattinson. However, the above-quoted evidence assures why Jake Gyllenhaal should be given a chance this time. 

He was once THIS close to getting the role and should not be snubbed again. Gyllenhaal certainly needs to be in the conversation when it comes to the selection of the new DC’s Batman who has the tendency of bringing a fresh yet grounded take of the character. 

Do you think Jake Gyllenhaal should be the next Batman? Let us know in the comments!