Winston Duke, known for his role in Black Panther, has expressed his ambition to step into the role of the DC Universe’s Batman/Bruce Wayne.
In a conversation with /Film while promoting his film The Fall Guy, Duke conveyed his aspiration to take on the mantle of the legendary DC character. He quipped, “Can you start that [campaign]? [Laughs] I task you to mobilize your socials and make a case for me. Engage your network.”
He added, “It would be a thrill to embody Batman. I’m eager for the chance to redefine perceptions of familiar characters, to dismantle long-standing conventions about their appearances, voices, and behaviors. I’m all in.”
Duke’s Former Incarnation as Batman
Duke is not new to the world of Gotham; he lent his voice to the character of Bruce Wayne/Batman in Spotify’s audio drama Batman Unburied. Alongside Hasan Minhaj as The Riddler, Gina Rodriguez as Barbara Gordon, and Jason Isaacs as Alfred Pennyworth, he starred in the series’ first season, which depicted Bruce Wayne as a forensic pathologist suffering from amnesia, unaware of his alter ego as Batman, compelling Barbara to ally with The Riddler to defeat The Harvester, a new menace in Gotham City.
While the podcast saw a renewal for a second season in 2022, Duke’s continuation as the voice of Batman hasn’t been confirmed. Notably, Colman Domingo took over the voice for the lead in the 2023 spinoff, The Riddler: Secrets in the Dark, although Rodriguez, Isaacs, and Minhaj returned to their roles.
Batman’s Upcoming Debut in the DCU
Currently, Batman is slated to emerge in the DCU with an appearance in the movie The Brave and the Bold, under the direction of The Flash’s Andy Muschietti. Detailed plot points are scarce, but the co-head of DC Studios, James Gunn, has indicated that the film draws from the Batman narrative penned by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Any Kubert, particularly the 2006 storyline “Batman and Son.”
The narrative is noteworthy in the DC community for introducing Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s son, into the DC Comics’ primary storyline, following his initial, unofficial entrance in the 1987 graphic novel, Batman: Son of the Demon.
The release schedule for The Brave and the Bold has not been announced yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Has Winston Duke portrayed Batman before?
Yes, Winston Duke has previously voiced the character of Batman in the scripted podcast Batman Unburied by Spotify. - Will Winston Duke voice Batman in the upcoming season of Batman Unburied?
It is currently not confirmed whether Duke will reprise his role as Batman’s voice in the forthcoming season of the podcast. - When is The Brave and the Bold expected to be released?
As of now, no official release date has been provided for The Brave and the Bold. - What is the storyline of The Brave and the Bold based on?
The Brave and the Bold is reportedly inspired by the comic book “Batman and Son” by Grant Morrison and Any Kubert, part of their run in the Batman series of comics. - What is unique about the “Batman and Son” story arc?
The “Batman and Son” story arc is known for formally introducing Bruce Wayne’s son, Damian, into the DC Comics universe.
Conclusion
Winston Duke’s aspiration to don the cape and cowl as the DC Universe’s Batman reflects a growing trend of actors showing interest in versatile and dynamic superhero roles. His previous experience voicing Batman sets a foundation for what could be an intriguing portrayal of the Dark Knight on screen. Although his casting is far from confirmed, Duke’s enthusiasm is a testament to the enduring legacy of Batman as an iconic character whose iteration can spark excitement and discussion among fans and industry insiders alike.