Paul Anthony Kelly Emerges as Top Fan Choice for Batman in DC's New Film
The DC Universe is buzzing with excitement as fans passionately advocate for Hollywood newcomer Paul Anthony Kelly to take on the iconic role of Batman in James Gunn's highly anticipated film, 'The Brave and the Bold'. Following his breakout performance in the FX series 'Love Story', where he portrayed John F. Kennedy Jr., Kelly has captured the imagination of audiences who believe he possesses the perfect blend of charisma and physicality to embody Bruce Wayne.
Social Media Ablaze with Fan Support
Across various social media platforms, enthusiasts have launched a widespread campaign to see Kelly cast as the Caped Crusader. Many point to his striking resemblance to the comic-book version of Batman, noting that scenes from his FX series could easily be mistaken for footage from a Batman movie. One fan enthusiastically declared, "Welcome back Bruce Wayne," while another asserted, "This is James Gunn's DCU Batman—stop all auditions, I've seen enough." A third fan drew parallels to classic animated films, stating, "This is literally Bruce Wayne in 'Mask of the Phantasm' on his knees at his parents' grave, telling them he doesn't know if he can still be Batman."
Joining a Prestigious List of Contenders
Kelly's name now joins a roster of fan-favorite actors being considered for the role, including Brandon Sklenar, Jensen Ackles, Alan Ritchson, and Jake Gyllenhaal. This surge in fan interest comes at a critical time, as DC Co-CEO James Gunn has emphasized that official casting for Batman will only commence after the script for 'The Brave and the Bold' is fully completed. The film, directed by Andy Muschietti, remains in active development, with no formal announcements regarding the cast made to date.
Parallels to David Corenswet's Superman Casting
Fans have also drawn comparisons to the casting of David Corenswet as Superman in the DC Universe. Like Kelly, Corenswet gained prominence through roles in Ryan Murphy's productions, such as 'The Politician' and 'Hollywood', before landing the superhero part. This pattern suggests that emerging talents with strong performances in notable series can successfully transition into major DC roles, fueling optimism among Kelly's supporters.
How Kelly Landed His Role as JFK Jr.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, executive producers Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson shed light on Kelly's casting as John F. Kennedy Jr. in 'Love Story'. They revealed that they were searching for an actor who embodied "'80s, old-school masculinity—a man with hair on his chest, sort of Richard Gere or Tom Selleck, with classic chiseled looks." They noted that such figures are rare in contemporary Hollywood, but Kelly perfectly fit the bill, showcasing the physical presence and demeanor required for the role. This background has only strengthened fan arguments that he is well-suited to portray Batman's imposing and heroic persona.
As the entertainment world eagerly awaits updates, the conversation around Paul Anthony Kelly's potential casting highlights the passionate engagement of DC fans and the ongoing evolution of the superhero franchise under James Gunn's leadership.
