Smallville star Tom Welling says he wants to suit up as Batman in James Gunn’s DCU.
Welling appeared at a Smallville panel at Comic Con Liverpool (via YouTube) with much of the original cast, where fans asked which DC characters they would play if given the chance.
Michael Rosenbaum immediately pointed at Welling and mouthed “Batman,” which drew a big reaction from the crowd. Welling didn’t hesitate, simply answering, “I mean, Batman.”
Aaron Ashmore then joked that he could be Welling’s Robin. Welling fired back with, “I’d fly with you anytime,” keeping the crowd going.
Welling Has Wanted Batman For Years
This isn’t the first time Welling has pushed for the Dark Knight. In a 2019 appearance on Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast, he was asked who he’d want to play outside of Superman. His answer was Batman, saying he liked the character and thought there was room to build something different.
Welling also pushed for Bruce Wayne to appear on Smallville during its run. DC didn’t allow the series to use Batman, but Welling still had ideas.
Speaking at Terrificon in 2024, he explained that he wanted Bruce Wayne to casually show up during a scene in the Luthor mansion. He described the pitch as Clark Kent walking in, Lex greeting someone off-screen as Bruce, and Batman quietly exiting. It was a simple way to acknowledge the character without ever suiting him up.
Could Welling Actually Land The Role?
Welling’s comments come as fans continue speculating about who James Gunn will cast as the DCU’s Batman for The Brave and the Bold.
Gunn hasn’t announced anything yet, and recently Andy Muschietti said he wasn’t allowed to talk about it. There is also the question if it will happen.
