"It’s another universe": Zack Snyder Regrets Not Casting Christian Bale in Batman v Superman

byKrittika MukherjeeAugust 3, 2023, 10:31 am

Creating stunning cinematic tableaux, Zack Snyder indeed delivered great characterization and plotting through his DC movies. Known for putting a delirious spin on Superman’s character, while simultaneously remaining faithful to the comics, the acclaimed filmmaker shared inside titbits surrounding his Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Opening up about the progression of his movies in the DC universe, Zack Snyder spoke about The Dark Knight protagonist Christian Bale. Revealing how he once hoped to cast Bale in his superhero saga, Snyder mentioned trying different ways to merge the universes. Being desperate to cast the Oscar-winning actor, the filmmaker even mentioned searching for cameo roles for him.

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Having a firm grip on cinematic essentials, Zack Snyder is hailed for delivering that pulse and pound of energy and originality in his movies. Famously known for his contribution to the DCEU with the Superman saga, Snyder recalled his hotly anticipated Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and shared inside details.

Speaking to the Australian outlet Film Ink, the acclaimed filmmaker discussed how his version of DC movies is different from that of Christopher Nolan’s version. Thus, discussing the casting for his 2016 action adventure, Zack Snyder recalled how he once desired to cast Christian Bale but failed to merge the universes. Snyder explained,

“This is a total and opposite reality from the Chris Nolan movies. It’s another universe, so we couldn’t hire Christian Bale if we wanted to, because he doesn’t exist in our world.”

Failing to simultaneously create a shift in the fantastical universe while honoring the comic work, Zack Snyder had to give up on his dream of casting Christian Bale. Despite being desperate to have the Oscar-winning actor on set, the director had his hands tied.

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While Zack Snyder brought Ben Affleck’s Batman into his DC superhero saga, he wasn’t willing to totally wipe away the previous Dark Knight protagonist Christian Bale. Although Snyder tried to merge the universes and failed, he still mentioned having one way of bringing Bale. Recalling how he frantically went through different options to cast the American Psycho actor, Snyder mentioned finding a cameo role, his last resort.

“Maybe we could hire him to play another part. We did talk about that briefly. I just wanted to hire Christian to play another part to make that obvious. Christian could play, like, Alfred with age makeup. No! Of course not. But you know what I mean.”

Feeling desperate to cast the legendary actor, Snyder even recalled discussing his idea with the studio executives. The director claimed that the executives were on board with his idea to bring Bale back into the DCEU. However, eventually, Snyder confessed to resisting his temptations to tamper with Nolan’s Batman trilogy and recruit those cast members.

Snyder mentioned,

“I was like, ‘Hey, come on guys, let’s all understand, it’s a different world.’ In the Batman universe that Chris Nolan created, Superman would have a hard time existing.”

Explaining how he resisted his desire to cast Bale, Snyder discussed the concept of a reboot that allowed the different characters from the DCEU to exist together.

Watch Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice on Amazon Video.

Read more: “I explained to him what I wanted to do”: Heath Ledger Wanted Nothing To Do With Joker, Rejected Appearing In $373M Christian Bale Movie

Source: Film Ink

Christian BaleZack Snyder

Finding her escapism in art and fiction, Krittika joined our team at FandomWire with a penchant for creativity. But when she's not working, this diehard Potterhead sets out to explore the world and learn new things.