Christian Bale offered $50m to reprise role as Batman

Elessar

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/the-dark-knight-reprises-christian-bale-reportedly-offered-50m-to-return-as-batman-in-man-of-steel-2-8760943.html

In a payday which might make him as rich as his character Bruce Wayne, Christian Bale has reportedly been offered $50 million (£32 million) to reprise his star role as Batman in the next Superman film.

The two heroes were part of comic book legend's Justice League, which also included Wonder Woman.

The film, which follows this year's Man of Steel, would see DC Comics attempt to emulate Marvel's highly lucrative Avengers franchise, which brought together many of the publisher's biggest superheroes and scored the third highest US gross in film history.

Henry Cavill is assumed to be continuing in the role of Superman, which he debuted in Man of Steel - giving him a chance to pick up the franchise from that film's middling reviews.

Joining 2012's Avengers Assemble in the list of top ten earners are The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, in which Bale fought off two of the genre's most memorable baddies - Heath Ledger's Joker and Tom Hardy's Bane.

The Welshman - who also starred in The 3:10 to Yuma and American Psycho - has since suggested his days of capedly crusading might be over.

Last month, he said: “We were incredibly fortunate to get to make three [Batman films]. That’s enough. Let’s not get greedy.”

But according to the Press Association, a new eBook has quoted a source from Legendary Pictures saying the studio wants him on board.

As quoted in "Beyond Batman: The Unauthorised True Story of Christian Bale and His Dark Knight Dilemma", an insider said: "Why would Christian Bale walk away from what is certainly going to be either the first or second highest grossing movie in the history of cinema?

"He could probably make 50 million dollars for being in the movie 20 minutes. And it would be worth every penny to the studio."

The book, by Vincent Russel, added: "Sources close to Christian Bale have reportedly begun expressing their suspicions that Bale now views the Batman films in the same light that Robert Downey Jr views the Iron Man films."

Bale has also said of the role: “It’s a torch that should be handed from one actor to another. So I enjoy looking forward to what somebody else will come up with," and who might take the role in the 39-year-old's absence is a question of fevered debate.

Ladbrokes.com placed Josh Brolin at 2/1 favourite to play the next Bruce Wayne, with everbody's favourite tough guy/heart-throb Ryan Gosling in at second on 3/1. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, whose character John Blake was tantalisingly revealed to have the real name "Robin" at the end of The Dark Knight Rises, is judged an outsider at 33/1.

Producers Warner are also thought to be planning a Justice League film. First introduced in a 1960 comic book, the group comprises Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, joined by Green Lantern and Aquaman.

Meanwhile, Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston has teased fans with a suggestion that he might fancy a crack at playing Superman's arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. Asked about whether he'd play the role, he told US news site Metro: “Give me a call.

"I like Lex Luthor. I think he’s misunderstood. He’s a loveable, sweet man."

So Bale has reportedly been offered a kings ransom to play Batman again in the Batman/Superman film. Would you like to see him reprise the role?

Personally I'm mixed. He played a magnificent Batman and I would literally throw money at a cinema to see him on screen again. But the Nolan films were very much their own universe and that Batman story is over, I don't see how he could come back into it. Also, I would be VERY apprehensive about the script and direction of the film. I fear, if he did come back, he would be utterly wasted at the hands of Snyder who can't even do justice to Superman. I feel it would be ultimately better to bring Joseph Gordon-Levitt in and continue where the Nolan films left off. Or set it in a completely different universe and have a different, older actor play him (Josh Brolin anyone?) - though that might be too soon.

Bryan Cranston as Lex on the other hand? SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

ted1

I thought he was rubbish, when he put on the stupid dark mysterious batman voice is was Barly audible and added nothing

Chris_Heilong

I hope they dont use him, the voice in the dark knight annoyed the hell out of me, as long as the new batman has a Kevin Conroy vibe then I am in.

Karl Urban would be a decent choice maybe? Bale was alright but nothing spectacular.

Tipsy McSwagger

Jon Hamm is Bruce Wayne

krudler

Tipsy McSwagger wrote: »

Jon Hamm is Bruce Wayne

Hes who I'd cast if they go older than Cavill, which they should.

Topbike77

I thought the title said Gareth Bale......

PunkFreud

Looks like the story is based on fairly unfounded rumours:

The recent online buzz erupted after the London Sun reported that “Bale is facing extraordinary pressure” to return to the character for a huge payday. The Sun‘s sources, however, aren’t exactly Warner Bros. insiders or members of Bale’s inner circle. Instead, the tabloid was blindly relying on a new ebook titled Beyond Batman: The Unauthorized True Story of Christian Bale and His Dark Knight Dilemma. It’s a 27-page mini-book from an author named Vincent Russel, who’s also written an unauthorized biography of WWE superstar CM Punk.

Don't get me wrong, it's still possible Bale would come back, I just don't think it's likely. Jon Hamm is definitely my vote for his replacement.

It's a longish article, but interesting enough.

Varik

Not a fan of the voice but there's no reason that they can't use the same actor and play it differently, I'd say Cavill and Bale would be fine together.

As long as the we don't see any more Batman or Superman origins I'm good, the same if they have green lantern/arrow.

FortuneChip

Well, their prices are well off.
Paddy Power have JGL at 3/1
Brolin at 16's
Bale at 12's

It's a pretty generic list of actors to be honest, and I'd have no problem seeing someone outside those named.

Bale & Cavill would (don't expect it to happen) have worked quite well I reckon.
There's a decent enough age gap, and Bale isn't as chiseled as Cavill, so it wouldn't look like a case of two pretty boys in costume going to war.

Artful_Badger

Is this sentence in some shítty ebook what the papers are using to report he's been offered 50 million to reprise the role ??

He could probably make 50 million dollars for being in the movie 20 minutes

pilatus

I'm just trying to figure out how the 2 characters would be pitted against each other and more importantly why? 2 of the most recognized super heroes fighting against, instead of alongside each other? They are completely mismatched too, I know they are from different comic worlds but Superman and Thor would be a better contest. I just don't get it!?

salacious crumb

pilatus wrote: »

I'm just trying to figure out how the 2 characters would be pitted against each other and more importantly why? 2 of the most recognized super heroes fighting against, instead of alongside each other? They are completely mismatched too, I know they are from different comic worlds but Superman and Thor would be a better contest. I just don't get it!?

I don't think they necessarily would be pitted against each other, it's more of a JLA set up like in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ie. Avengers and it's prequels.

That being said, in practically every comic where heroes team up together, they always fight first.

Anyway, back on topic, I hope Bale has nothing to do with these Superman movies. Nolan's Batman series was fantastic, Man of Steel was sh*te.

Scarily though, I read Orlando Bloom's name as a possible Batman, please, please noooooooooooo :pac:

Josh Brolin might be a decent Batman.

don ramo

johnny depp is supposedly gonna make over $100million for pirates 5, so $50million is an insult,

snyder is gonna completely **** it up like he did with man of steel so its better if bale just stays away, now if they fire snyder and get nolan in to do the batman superman film, that would be another story;)

He made a decent Bruce Wayne, but a terrible Batman. That voice was largely ridiculous and completely unnecessary. So far the best Batman for my money has been Michael Keaton; he got almost everything right. What I would love is if they went down the Darth Vader route and had someone play him as Bruce Wayne, but when he's Batman, have Kevin Conroy do the voice.

Zero-Cool

Deleted User wrote: »

He made a decent Bruce Wayne, but a terrible Batman. That voice was largely ridiculous and completely unnecessary. So far the best Batman for my money has been Michael Keaton; he got almost everything right. What I would love is if they went down the Darth Vader route and had someone play him as Bruce Wayne, but when he's Batman, have Kevin Conroy do the voice.

THIS...THIS....A BILLION TIMES THIS!!!!!!!!!!!

Keith300

[Deleted User] wrote: »

He made a decent Bruce Wayne, but a terrible Batman. That voice was largely ridiculous and completely unnecessary. So far the best Batman for my money has been Michael Keaton; he got almost everything right. What I would love is if they went down the Darth Vader route and had someone play him as Bruce Wayne, but when he's Batman, have Kevin Conroy do the voice.

Disagree, loved him as batman, the voice was brilliant. He had to be larger than life, a symbol, not just an ordinary man, an ordinary voice isn't appropriate for symbol and a legend.

salacious crumb

Keith300 wrote: »

Disagree, loved him as batman, the voice was brilliant. He had to be larger than life, a symbol, not just an ordinary man, an ordinary voice isn't appropriate for symbol and a legend.

Agreed, as a long time reader of comics, everything about Nolan's movies, and Bale's portrayal of both Batman and Bruce Wayne were spot on.

In movie terms, Keaton was a good Batman, but a sh*t Wayne, Val Kilmer was a great Bruce Wayne but a sh*t Batman, George Clooney was George Clooney, and **** at both Batman and Bruce, and Christian Bale was great at both.

The only problem I had with his Batman voice was Adrian Brody using it in Predators. WTF? :pac:

Mitch Connor

pilatus wrote: »

I'm just trying to figure out how the 2 characters would be pitted against each other and more importantly why? 2 of the most recognized super heroes fighting against, instead of alongside each other? They are completely mismatched too, I know they are from different comic worlds but Superman and Thor would be a better contest. I just don't get it!?

in the DC movie The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 -

the fight between Superman and Batman is EPIC. Just brilliant. Batman levels the playing field quite brilliantly, and delivers one of the best lines in any movie, ever.

salacious crumb

Mitch Connor wrote: »

in the DC movie The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 -

the fight between Superman and Batman is EPIC. Just brilliant. Batman levels the playing field quite brilliantly, and delivers one of the best lines in any movie, ever.

It's pretty damn awesome in the original comic series/graphic novel too

Mr Freeze

Deleted User wrote: »

What I would love is if they went down the Darth Vader route and had someone play him as Bruce Wayne, but when he's Batman, have Kevin Conroy do the voice.

Conroys voice in live action. I can't describe how much I would love that, words fail me.

Potential-Monke

I'm not too pushed who does it. Bale has had his turn, and i don't think Nolans Batman would suit Snyders Superman, so i want Brolin, he has the jaw line for it!

As long as Gosling doesn't get it. God it would be terrible if he got it... I'd be rooting for Superman to kick his face in!!!

Chris_Heilong

This is a pretty good batman with a Conroy style voice, for the love of all things holy please skip to 2:24 to avoid the annoying intro.

MagicMarker

I really don't see the point in having Batman and superman in the same movie. What's Batman going to do when Superman is off saving the world? Shine his utility belt?

McChubbin

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

This is a pretty good batman with a Conroy style voice, for the love of all things holy please skip to 2:24 to avoid the annoying intro.

Feck Batman, I want a decent Deadpool movie!

Sad Professor

I'm really not a fan of comic book crossovers. I can accept a Superman, a Batman, a Spider-Man or whatever when they are alone and unique within their fictional universe. But once they start banding together or fighting each other or just generally standing around together in their costumes, believability goes right out the window and I start to find the whole thing very silly. Batman and Catwoman joining forces at the end of TDKR was as much as I could stomach and those characters are about as perfect a duo as you could find.

Superman and Batman just seem totally incompatible, either as friends or foes. While I'm sure comic book writers have managed to make it work over the years, they've done so within a universe that hasn't always treated Batman as a real man. I've read many Batman comics which, while very good, make a mockery of the idea that Batman doesn't possess superhuman strength. One thing Nolan really got right about Batman was that in real life his career would be very short. He was also smart enough to hold back on introducing any potential sidekicks until the end.

Sad Professor

Sad Professor wrote: »

Superman and Batman just seem totally incompatible, either as friends or foes. While I'm sure comic book writers have managed to make it work over the years, they've done so within a universe that hasn't always treated Batman as a real man. I've read many Batman comics which, while very good, make a mockery of the idea that Batman doesn't possess superhuman strength. One thing Nolan really got right about Batman was that in real life his career would be very short. He was also smart enough to hold back on introducing any potential sidekicks until the end.

That's what I've told myself to explain the actuality that in The Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman only existed for about a year and a half. I'm open to correction here.

I can see a story that would pull Bale's Batman out of retirement somewhere down the line, but not for the next Superman movie. As much as I'd love to see a Bale/Nolan Batman movie again I'd rather it didn't happen for 6-8 years. In the meantime I'd be happy for them to reboot the character whatever way they want in the MoS sequel leading into a JL movie.

For me it would somewhat devalue TDK trilogy to merge the 2 franchises. The Dark Knight Rises was made as a conclusion, and apart from my desire to see that universe explored again years down the road, Bale's Bruce Wayne should be left in Florence when it comes to Snyder/MOS.

The_Valeyard

How about Idris Elba, Michael Fassbender, or even Daniel Day Lewis (older style Batman) or Andrew Lincoln.


These are a few names been tossed about at the moment, think their on few top 10 lists too.

jonnyfingers

I agree with most that Bale shouldn't return as Batman for the Justice League movie. It would only ruin what was a great trilogy of films for his Batman.

I do hope they go down the route of an older Batman coming out retirement upon Superman's emergence. I would love to see Patrick Warburton in the bat suit sometime, but he hasn't got the serious acting chops to pull it off I fear. However I would love to see someone with his size, jaw line and deep voice play Batman. Size-wise, shouldn't Batman and Superman be quite similar? Or is that just the way the comics drew them?

Sirsok

Could make sense, superman let the world know of his existence after the events of del knight rises. Batman can't understand why he wouldn help originally to rid bane of Gotham and wants answers....luthor could play a role in this, hence batman v superman

Agricola

Didnt like Bale's Batman voice either but it was completely necessary. The Nolan film were attempting to root Batman in reality. He is supposed to be a highly trained individual who has the money to create this superhero / symbol. He had to go out of his way to make himself look bad in order to disassociate his creation from Bruce Wayne. He could hardly go around using his own voice while speaking to other characters.

I hope Bale stays away from this too. It will only tarnish the trilogy. 3 serious films, made by a serious director and a very serious leading actor. If they want to make more money spinners, cast someone else.