Does Karl Urban Want to Replace Ben Affleck as Batman?

IsKarl Urbanthe man for the job if Ben Affleck retires as Batman? Director Matt Reeves is still attached to write and directThe Batmanfor Warner Bros., butJustice League’s ultimate disappointment left a great many things uncertain in regards to the future of the live-action DC movie universe. For one, it’s still unclear if Affleck will return as the Caped Crusader and how much longer he’ll dawn the cape and cowl. If/when he leaves, some fans have suggested Urban would make a good fit and now he’s addressed that possibility.

As is often the case with things like this,Star TrekandDreddstar Karl Urban hasn’t heard anything about this. In any case, in a recent interview, he was asked about his feelings towards playing Batman and, though he seemed a little blindsided by the question, he makes it clear that he’s open to anything, if the script and creative team feels right. Here’s what he had to say about it.

“Oh, really? Wow. I don’t know. I haven’t really contemplated that. Usually the way the process works for me is I get sent projects, sent scripts and I read them, meet with the filmmakers and really on that basis choose to get involved. As far as Batman goes, I guess my favorite Batman movie was The Dark Knight. Chris Nolan is just an extraordinary director and I thoughtChristian Bale was a fantastic Batmanand obviously with such talent like Heath Ledger that was the perfect comic book movie right there. So, I don’t know, I’m open to any and all opportunities.”

Karl Urban is no stranger to franchises, having starred in the recentStar Trekmovies andLord of the Rings, so he’s not afraid to commit to a part if it’s right. And Batman is one of thebiggest roles around. That said, there’s no indication that Warner Bros. orThe Batmandirector Matt Reeves have Urban on their list. And at 45-years-old, he may be a bit too old to just now be taking on the role, assuming the studio wants someone who can commit to it long term this time around. But it’s also easy to see why fans would suggest Urban for the part. He’s got the physique and the right set of skills to pull such a thing off.

As of right now,The Batmandoesn’t have arelease dateand it very well may still have Ben Affleck as the titular DC hero. There’s also theFlashpointmovie, which could wind up serving as a big reset button for the DC movie universe. We’ll have to see how that all shakes out. As for who may take over if Affleck splits? Jack Gyllenhaal’s name has been reported, but we’ve also heard that John Hamm is interested. Maybe Urban’s name should be added to Warner Bros.' list? For more with Karl Urban, you may check out the full interview over atJoBlo.