Okay so have we all calmed down yet from that Comic Con announcement? A few weeks have past since Zack Synder brought out Harry Lennix (the general from the Man of Steel film) to read a few lines of dialogue from a certain comic called The Dark Knight Returns, which had a few gasping as they knew what was coming (most were happy enough to listen) and then they bought out the logo on the screens that you see above and people started to lose their SHIT! So not only do we know that Batman will be in Man of Steel 2 but that MoS 2 will actually come out in 2015. Now that some people are so overhyped about this film on ridiculous levels, it’s now the task to find someone to play Bruce Wayne/Batman and find him soon. There’s already a rumoured shortlist of names for the role and what the studio are looking for.

“But the real insight is the kind of Bruce Wayne/Batman that Snyder is looking to cast. According to numerous sources, this Wayne/Batman will be in the late 30s or around the 40 mark. He will be established and rugged. This new movie will not seek to recount an origin story or the rise of the Dark Knight. Sources say the new movie is aiming for the tone of the relationship and fight seen in Frank Miller’s 1980s ground-breaking mini-series The Dark Knight Returns.”

So here are the names that have been shortlisted:

Josh Brolin – Allegedly the favourite for the role. Fit’s the criteria but somewhere can’t see him in the Bruce Wayne persona unless it’s just simply the Batman role throughout the film.

Ryan Gosling – As much as I like the Gos, I doubt he is being considered as me doesn’t meet the criteria.

Joe Manganiello – If they were looking for Batman to have the body of a spartan, this would be your guy. Though he’s in the rumoured running as he was on of the final on the Superman role shortlist before it obviously went to Henry Cavill.

Richard Armitage – I like, right age, look and thanks to his role in The Hobbit films he might be a contender.

Max Martini – Well that came out of nowhere. Right age but as much as I like him in The Unit, Castle and for the role he had in Pacific Rim, I doubt he’ll land the role.

Matthew Goode – No. Didn’t buy him as Ozymandias in Zack Snyder’s Watchmen, I doubt I’ll buy him as an experienced Batman.

An interesting list but obviously it’s early days in the rumour mill but I’m sure they’ll pick the actor for the role soon enough. My personal choice?

Karl Urban. The right age, look and just watch Dredd and tell me he won’t make a good, experienced Batman.

But in terms of the story to lead to Man of Steel 2, some believe that Lex Luthor will be on the big screen. Perhaps he’ll be the saviour of Metropolis by being his charming, rich self and help rebuilt what damage them damn aliens and Superman have caused. Maybe this is where Bruce will come into play have the billionaires partner up and help rebuild city and he will have his obvious doubts on Superman. No one man should have all that power, right?

Right so I had a few thoughts on the question of who would be considered for the role of Lex Luthor.

The Instant Favourite

Mark Strong would be the clear front runner for the role of Lex simply as he has got two things for him. One he’s the devilish charm to a tee and two, he’s bald (such a simple detail, not really needed as Gene Hackman proved all them years ago, but still). The main issue that some might have is that Strong has literally always been the go to villain guy and that him being Lex would just too obvious a choice.

Lex is the one who knocks

Bryan Cranston would also be an ideal choice. Come on, just look at that face. He can definitely channel between charming and full on Heisenberg in seconds if he took on the Lex role. Issue would be seeing Cranston as someone else after Breaking Bad for some, even though he went from comic genius in his role in Malcolm In The Middle to Mr Chips meets Scarface in Breaking Bad.

The Wildcard

Terry O’Quinn can be villainous, and I mean really, really villainous when given the chance. Problem is that he might not carry the charm that people would expect for Lex and the studio might not consider him as a name. I would like him in the part but he won’t be on the top of the list.

The Comeback Lex

Michael Rosenbaum is no secret my favourite take on Lex Luthor on the big and small screen. Michael has actually come out to say he is interested in reprising the role he took to great success (Was the only reason to keep watching Smallville). Problem is obviously that he already had the role and they may look for a new take regardless.

The Mad Man

Jon Hamm just has it. Really the guy could easily cover Bruce Wayne or Lex Luthor. He has the right amount of charm and the right amount of aggression for either role. But as most things, there’s got to be a problem. That problem will be Mad Men. With the film to be out for 2015, the Mad Men schedule might keep Hamm away from the role(s).

Again just a few suggestions though I’m sure you’ll see plenty more mentioned for the months to come. Would definitely prefer they go for an older type actor for Lex like they are aiming for Batman. Who would you like to see in both roles?