Scott Adkins has worked in Hollywood for over two decades, and conversation has recently begun suggesting the actor could play a role like Batman in the upcoming DC Universe and its film The Brave and the Bold. Following a career of many straight-to-video movies like Accident Man and One More Shot, the actor has built a strong reputation for himself as an actor, writer, producer, and fight choreographer. With roles in films like The Killer’s Game, however, it seems that the actor’s star is rising, leading to speculation where he could fit into the DC Universe’s upcoming slate of films.
Adkins is no stranger to superhero cinema. While Scott Adkins did not return in Deadpool & Wolverine, the actor previously worked as a stunt double for Ryan Reynolds, playing the role of Wade Wilson after he was transformed into Weapon XI in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. While this iteration of the Deadpool character was not beloved, a lot of physical strength and ability is shown in Adkins’ martial arts prowess with the character. This could be better used in many possible roles in the upcoming DC Universe.
10 Batman
Set To Appear In The Brave And The Bold
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Scott Adkins would be an excellent Batman, although there is much competition for the role. The actor has already been imagined in The Brave and the Bold fan art which shows much of what would work about the actor. With martial arts prowess, a Scott Adkins Batman could easily be made into an imposing and bold figure. Adkins’ skills would allow for a fresh take on The Dark Knight that focuses on his brutality and fighting ability.
With this said, Batman is a much contended for role, and many bigger actors have already expressed interest in The Brave and the Bold casting. It is more likely that a more prominent name or a younger star than the Adkins would be considered for the DC hero. However, this would be a perfect casting, and the conversations around the prospect also help to shed light on other promising DC roles for Adkins.
The Brave and the Bold
The Brave and the Bold is the first Batman movie in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, which reboots the Dark Knight after Ben Affleck’s take on the character. It introduces Bruce Wayne’s son, the Robin Damian Wayne, and draws inspiration from Grant Morrison’s work on the comic book character.
Director Andy Muschietti Studio(s) DC Entertainment , Warner Bros. Discovery , Warner Bros.
9 Deathstroke
Set To Appear In The Untitled Deathstroke And Bane Film
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Deathstroke is perhaps the most obvious choice for an actor like Scott Adkins. Following Joe Mangienello’s short tenure as the character, reports of a movie involving Deathstroke and Bane have surfaced, suggesting the two villains are set to appear in the DCU in the near future. Deathstroke is an incredible martial artist, and his brutality fits what has been seen from Adkins in films like John Wick Chapter 4. As such, the actor would be a perfect fit for the role.
While a popular comic character, Deathstroke has not yet become a big deal in DC movies. Following this, casting a lesser-known star like Adkins would make sense, and potentially even play into the mystery surrounding Slade Wilson. Adkins has the right charisma, look, feel, and abilities to suit the character of Deathstroke, and would be an excellent addition to this film. While there are other bigger names in contention for the role of Slade Wilson, Adkins might be the best of them all.
8 Constantine Drakon
Could Appear In The Untitled Deathstroke And Bane Film
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If not cast as Deathstroke, Constantine Drakon would be an excellent addition to the Deathstroke and Bane movie due to the relationship between the characters. One of the best martial artists in DC needs a performer like Adkins, who could elevate the Green Arrow villain to being a more memorable part of the DC Universe. Having worked with Deathstroke in the comics, the character could be an excellent companion in the Deathstroke and Bane film that could give Adkins the chance to shine.
Adkins has the look and feel of a character like Drakon. With his fighting ability and his fearsome but unassuming look, the actor could channel much of the ability he brought to films like Avengement. With Drakon not being one of the most popular villains, there is room for interpretation, too; Adkins could take what works from the character but would also have the opportunity to make much of it memorably his own.
7 Green Arrow
Could Appear In Waller
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Following Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, it appears the DCU is balancing its newer heroes with more experienced ones. Scott Adkins could make for an exceptional and established Green Arrow with excellent martial arts ability. Following the success of Arrow, integrating a new, brutal take on the hero could fit the DCU. Adkins could adeptly add to the texture of the universe and the expanding roster of popular characters set to appear in Superman with a featured role in Waller.
In the comics, Green Arrow has spent some time working with Amanda Waller’s Task Force X. This could make a great addition to the story and star power of the upcoming Waller series. Everything known about Waller suggests that Task Force X could be an important part of the story. With intensity and fighting ability that could characterize this Green Arrow while pulling deeply from comics lore, Adkins would make an excellent addition to the DCU’s world as Oliver Queen.
Waller (DCU)
Waller follows Amanda Waller, the covert government operative known for assembling and leading the infamous Suicide Squad. Set within the DC Universe, the series delves into her manipulative tactics, complex moral decisions, and interactions with both allies and adversaries as she navigates the treacherous world of espionage and superhuman intrigue. Viola Davis reprises her role, bringing depth to this enigmatic character.
Cast Viola Davis , Danielle Brooks , Steve Agee Seasons 1
6 Manchester Black
Could Appear In The Authority
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Adkins is British and brings effective intensity and control to each of his roles, which would allow him to be an excellent casting for British Superman foil Manchester Black. While Manchester Black is not typically a part of The Authority team but is instead a member of The Elite, the character seems to fit the themes of subversion and darker heroes that the film is set to tell, and moving him to The Authority instead would make sense. As a result, much of Superman’s brightness and heroism can be countered by a good performance from Adkins as the more morally complicated figure.
As the character is a little more worn and a little more violent, Adkins’ ability to convey darkness in characters would be a great fit for the part that could be introduced in The Authority. He could bring an interesting and unusual presence to the figure. This would follow an excellent performance by David Ajala in Supergirl.
The Authority
5 Richard Dragon
Could Appear In The Brave And The Bold
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Another martial artist and League of Assassins character, Richard Dragon is another viable candidate for the DC Universe. Adkins is often a supporting player, and could fit into the Talia al Ghul and Damian Wayne stories of The Brave and the Bold as a foil to Batman in the film. Richard Dragon is considered one of the best martial artists in all of DC which would make Adkins an appropriate fit for the role, who has earned several black belts.
In addition, Dragon is heavily inspired by Bruce Lee, whom Adkins has referred to as one of his greatest influences. Seeing the character and his fighting ability translate to the screen would require a performer with incredible skill, and as such, Scott Adkins appears a solid choice to bring this aspect of the character to life.
4 David Cain
Could Appear In The Brave And The Bold
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The Brave and the Bold is set to expand the roster of the Bat family, and introducing the father of Cassandra Cain – one of the universe’s Batgirls – could be a practical choice. David Cain trained Bruce in his early years and has worked as a violent and bloody assassin before and since. With Scott Adkins being 48, having a more mentorship-like role that transforms into antagonism with Batman could be effective in the DCU.
Adkins would be well suited to the role with his martial arts ability and his intense acting style from films like Ip Man 4: The Finale. He could elevate what might be seen as a minor character into something truly special. This could be in a supporting role or even as one of the film’s main villains. With his martial arts prowess, and with Adkins having trained with swords in some films like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, he would be a great fit for the role.
3 Hush
Could Appear In The Brave And The Bold Or The Batman Part II
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Several entries on this list outline Adkins’ ability to play Batman, but twists and subversion of that role may be even better for the actor. Hush has been rumored for Batman projects for a while, and Adkins would work well due to his unassuming appearance and stature in Hollywood. A villainous twist on Batman himself, Thomas Elliott would be an excellent inversion and comparison point to Bruce Wayne and would make a strong villain in any upcoming Batman project.
A star like Adkins is not as well known as many of the others joining the DC Universe. Following this, the mystery of the Hush storyline could be well-executed with him in the role. Adkins as Elliott would not clearly be able to be identified as the villain of the piece in ways some other actors who are known for specific roles perhaps would be, which would allow for intensity to stew throughout the film. Adkins would be a great choice for the role, who has also been rumored to appear in the Elseworlds project The Batman Part II. The character would also work well in the DCU.
The Batman Part II
The Batman Part II is the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, released in 2022, and will continue where the original film left off. The film shares a universe with the HBO Max original Penguin series and sees the return of the Riddler and a different incarnation of the Joker.
Director Matt Reeves Release Date October 2, 2026 Cast Robert Pattinson
2 Azrael
Could Appear In The Untitled Deathstroke And Bane Film
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Scott Adkins brings a violent but quiet intensity that would suit the character of Azrael. Following Bane and Deathstroke rumors, the Knightfall storyline – wherein Bane breaks Batman’s back, and Azrael stands in as Gotham’s protector – could well follow in the DCU. Adkins would make for an ideal, more brutal and stylized Batman successor in the DCU. He could be introduced in the Bane and Deathstroke stories before crossing over with the Bat family in future installments.
Unpredictable and decorated with strange and sensational outfits, Azrael walks a much thinner moral line than Batman. Adkins has done much of this, especially in films like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, where he played a terrifying version of the Deadpool character. Embodying this subversion of popular heroes could continue in this trend with Azrael being introduced to the DC Universe, where he would play a significant role in Batman stories moving forward in this fully realized universe.
1 Midnighter
Set To Appear In The Authority
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Much of this list sees Adkins being considered for twists on the Batman role. While the actor would make a strong Bruce Wayne, his skills and his standing in Hollywood actually make him better suited for unusual parallels to the character, and dark mirrors of the Caped Crusader. As a member of DC’s The Authority, Midnighter is perhaps the most interesting of these. The character is a formidable fighter with skills that Adkins could certainly embody, helping to establish Midnighter as a major force in the universe.
Related What Is The Authority? DC Movie & Characters Explained
James Gunn is currently working on The Authority movie for DC Studios’ new DCU, here’s everything you need to know about the team and its members.
With The Authority set to subvert superhero stories in the DCU, an established but underappreciated actor like Adkins would be excellent for one of the film’s main roles. Midnighter is one of the core members of the team, and Adkins clearly has the skills to hold up one of the film’s most important characters. With a prospective Midnighter story also set to show deeper layers to the character through story avenues like his relationship with Apollo and his dynamic with the rest of the team, casting Adkins in the role could be one of the most interesting ways for the actor to feature in the DC Universe.
DC Universe
The DC Universe is one of the biggest comic book franchises and often competes with Marvel. DC Comics started as National Allied Publications, founded by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson in 1935. Since then, the franchise has exploded with thousands of comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games. 2013 marked the beginning of the most recent iteration of the superheroes, with Zack Snyder introducing Henry Cavill as Superman. After several movies with mixed reviews, DC underwent a soft reboot under the helm of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Created by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson First Film Man of Steel
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Release Date October 4, 2024
- Superman (2025)
Release Date July 11, 2025
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Release Date June 26, 2026
- The Batman Part II
Release Date October 2, 2026
Joker: Folie a Deux
Superman (2025)
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow