Matt Reeves's The Batman is blowing audiences away as it introduces Robert Pattinson's take on the Caped Crusader, who must solve the mystery surrounding the Riddler's crusade against corruption in Gotham City. Already, the film is proving to be a massive success, pulling in big box office numbers.
The film, though intended as a standalone story, dropped several hints at what a potential sequel could look like, including who might be the villain to take on the Batman in such a film. One antagonist hinted at was the psychotic killer Hush, also known as Tommy Elliot, a character on whom many Reddit s have an opinion for casting choices.
Doug Jones
In a discussion thread regarding possible casting choices for the villainous Hush, Reddit Star Trek: Discovery.
Jones has an uncanny ability to inhabit an onscreen persona so jarring that it can make the viewer physically uncomfortable, thanks mostly to the intense makeup used in his characters. This could come into play well with the villain of Hush, whose appearance can often seem almost inhuman.
Zach Woods
Redditor The Office's Zach Woods. They write that the actor "looks good enough for Tommy Elliot," Hush's original playboy identity, and is "age-accurate" to take on Robert Pattinson's Batman.
While Woods is primarily known for his comedic performances, there is a darkness in many of his characters, one that the actor could bring out in a portrayal of the iconic villain. However, since he tends not to be overly imposing physically, it would be likely that Matt Reeves and his team would adapt Hush's storyline wherein he receives plastic surgery to perfectly resemble Bruce Wayne.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
One Redditor, as the eponymous comic book villain Kraven the Hunter in his own spinoff movie.
Though his contracts with Marvel and Sony might keep him from showing up in the universe of The Batman, it isn't hard to picture the actor taking on such a villainous role opposite Pattinson's Caped Crusader. Taylor-Johnson certainly has the skill as an actor to play both the playboy Elliot and the psychotic Hush.
Nicholas Hoult
Reddit Arrow19 suggests Nicholas Hoult play Hush in a sequel to The Batman, reminding other fans that the British actor was "in the running for Batman," and voicing their opinion that he would be "a good choice" to play Batman's nemesis.
While Hoult has a history of playing heroes in the superhero genre, he has also lent his talents to several villainous roles in different categories of film. He brings a certain eery quality to his villainous characters that would serve the character of Hush quite nicely. He also possesses the physicality to be an imposing presence, even when sharing the screen with Pattinson's Batman.
Charlie Hunnam
Resident_Paint9716 explained their decision in fan-casting Charlie Hunnam to play Hush, writing that "Hush is a rich kid who doesn't get his inheritance and is a psycho. Tell me Charlie Hunnam doesn't look exactly like he could portray that."
Hunnam, best known for his roles in The Lost City of Z and Sons of Anarchy, has yet to accept a role within the superhero genre, though he is a frequent fan-cast for various characters therein. Perhaps his introduction to such films could come as the villainous Hush, beginning with Tommy Elliot's descent into madness.
Christian Bale
A Redditor using the handle Even to this day, to some, Bale is the best Batman yet.
While this suggestion may seem like a joke, it could actually make for a very interesting onscreen dynamic, as two Batman actors face off against one another. Bale has recently reed the superhero scene, this time as the villain Gor in Thor: Love and Thunder, which could indicate that he is ready to undertake more roles within the genre, even as a villain pitted against the very hero he once portrayed.
Daniel Radcliffe
Redditor Harry Potter franchise during his early acting days.
This casting choice could actually be an interesting dynamic between Hush and Batman, lending a familiarity that is essential to their relationship. Radcliffe has long been awaiting his own superhero film role, with many casting him as the MCU's Wolverine. Perhaps a villainous turn from the actor would be the perfect way to subvert fan expectations.
Jack Quaid
Jack Quaid won a poll posted by Redditor CarelessAd4039 asking other s to vote on their favorite pick to play Tommy Elliot/Hush. Receiving almost a third of the votes, Quaid beat out other talented actors, including Domnhall Gleeson and Ed Skrein.
Quaid, best known for his memorable characters in Scream (2022), has proven over his burgeoning career that he can play the dastardly role quite well, making him a perfect fit for Batman's Rogues Gallery. And, as his role in The Boys proves, he is already quite adept at killing superheroes.
Ben Affleck
Abject_Cellist_4896 has an intriguing suggestion for who should play Hush. "What about Ben Affleck for Hush?" they write, "it could be a fun nod to the weird fact that they have both played Batman in the span of five years and be a nice sendoff for Affleck in the DCEU."
While this is a matchup that isn't likely to happen, it does have some merit. Though Pattinson has been generally warmly received as the Batman since his first outing, many were disappointed when Affleck stepped away from the role so early on in the DCEU, despite having some truly great moments as the Caped Crusader. Casting Affleck as the Bruce Wayne-wannabe could work wonders if healing the scars of fans who were sad to see the actor exit the role.
Robert Pattinson
Redditor ChaucerBoi recalls the Arkham City storyline regarding the character of Hush, wherein the villain receives plastic surgery to perfectly resemble Bruce Wayne. As such, they write that "the clear answer" for who should portray the villain is Robert Pattinson himself. They voice their confidence in the actor's ability to "change his voice and mannerisms" to do so, pulling off playing both the hero and the villain.
Pattinson has already made a name for himself with his first outing as the Caped Crusader, which fans and critics agree is one of the best live-action depictions of the hero yet. Moving forward, the actor will want to differentiate himself from those who formerly adopted the role, and there is perhaps no better way to do so than to play his own worst enemy.
