For just one moment, let’s put aside the fact that Christian Bale, a very good actor, is already playing Batman, and the third Bat-movie is already on track.
John Hamm was born to play Bruce Wayne.
It’s so obvious, and yet it didn’t occur to me until I was in the middle of a “Mad Men” marathon a few weeks ago. If you’ve watched the show, you know that Hamm’s portrayal of tortured soul/sexy scoundrel Don Draper is one of the best things on television. There are already so many elements of classic Bruce Wayne in Draper, a ‘60s-era Manhattan ad man with more secrets than a Hollywood starlet’s plastic surgeon. Besides, we know Hamm has love for the geeks, as demonstrated by his Funny or Die video turn as Lex Luthor.
And just look at the man. In a tux. Meow! (Warning: Images may cause spontaneous drooling.)
In the “Batman” movie of my dreams, Hamm would play an older, wearier Dark Knight in a more classic bat-suit and setting. While origin stories make financial sense for studios, they’re also kinda played out. It’s potentially much more interesting to see a character after the superhero bloom is off the rose. When you’ve spent years fighting twisted villains like the Joker, Hush and Scarecrow, how does that affect your relationships with other people, to say nothing of your psyche? And what happens when you’re cruising toward middle age and your body, however rigorously trained, has taken repeated beatings? In Batman’s case, the results rarely have been pretty, but often gripping.
This isn’t intended as a slam of Bale, who has been a perfectly solid Batman. However, I think a quieter, more mature-skewing version of Bruce Wayne’s story would appeal to a lot of moviegoers, especially with the talented Hamm on board. Must every cape movie be based on the (presumed) fantasies of 15-year-old boys? And yes, I’m aware that this idea probably has zero chance of becoming a reality. A gal can dream.
As long as I’m playing studio overlord, I’m casting Christina Hendricks, who plays “Mad Men” bombshell office manager Joan Holloway, as Vicki Vale. Hollywood, if you insist on pimping the same A-list heroes over and over, at least make it interesting.
Oh my…
I think that says it all.
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Would it be cheap to refer to him as Jon “Honey Glazed” Hamm? OK, it is. But I stand by it.
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Honey Glazed. XD Hot damn, a ringer!
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Seriously that guy should play Bruce Wayne long time ago and Vincent Kartheiser (Pete Campbell) should be the boy wonder.
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Good choice! Kartheiser is SO good on “Mad Men.” That whole cast is excellent.
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Jon Hamm would be amazing as a world weary Batman! Contending with the JL, his rogues gallery, Wayne Corp. his strained relationships with his sons.
The ingredients are there and should be used!
Mind you I do love Bale’s portrayal too but this is a bonus idea.
As for Christina Hendricks I would love her as Poison Ivy. The only love interest that I want for Bruce is Diana. ;)
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Okay, okay, I’m on board too. Good ideas all but I want a Dark Knight Returns type story, and I’m voting for Chloe Moretz as his girl Robin.
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Ooooh, Chloe Mertz would be GREAT. And yes, let’s get some Christina Hendricks in these movies. Please.
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I love JH in Mad Men and that voice… *gasp*, but for some reason, I can’t see him as Bruce Wayne/Batman. And I don’t know why.
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It’s OK! All opinions are welcome here.
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He is so the older, seasoned Bruce Wayne in my head. The guy that has been through so much and but is still dedicated to his mission. He can totally pull off both BW and BM which very few actors that have played BM can do. Now if we can work in a little WW too….this is a fantasy so I should wish for everything right.;)
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Well, that would be perfect, would it not?
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that man is Batman, the rest of the world just doesnt know it.
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Amen.
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