Charles Dance In Talks For The Batman 2: 5 DC Roles He Should be Playing

Credits:- HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures

Charles Dance is reportedly in talks to join The Batman 2, with Deadline noting that the actor could end up playing Charles Dent, the father of Harvey Dent, who is set to be portrayed by Sebastian Stan. According to previous reports, Matt Reeves and co. were aiming to land the likes of Robert De Niro, Brad Pitt, Stellan Skarsgård, Daniel Craig, and even Viggo Mortensen for the role (via World of Reel).

Even though Dance might not boast the same star power as Pitt or De Niro, his performance as Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones makes it easy to imagine him nailing an abusive father to Harvey. That said, the casting is far from confirmed, as the actor is reportedly still in talks to join the movie.

And if Dance does end up joining the cast, here are five other characters, beyond Charles Dent, that he would absolutely dominate within Matt Reeves‘ The Batman Epic Crime Saga.

1 Mr. Freeze

Given the rumors surrounding a winter setting, especially in the wake of the flooding at the end of The Batman, it makes perfect sense to incorporate Mr. Freeze, a character who has yet to be done justice on the big screen, at the core of the narrative.

Moreover, given Charles Dance’s repertoire of depicting cold and rigid figures, as seen in The Imitation Game and Game of Thrones, it’s safe to say he’d make a brilliant fit to realize Mr. Freeze’s calm, collected, and detached persona onscreen. But while Dance would undoubtedly excel at portraying a more restrained and clinical version of the character, one whose tragedy feels more internalized, Matt Reeves’ grounded approach does place an asterisk over the character’s overall viability within The Batman Epic Crime Saga.

2 Dr Hugo Strange

Hugo Strange | Credit: DC Comics

As opposed to the uncertainty surrounding Mr. Freeze, there’s a strong chance Matt Reeves will eventually incorporate Hugo Strange into the mix, as his brand of villainy, which is rooted in psychological manipulation, weaves seamlessly into this version of Gotham.

This role in particular seems tailor-made for Charles Dance, who is no stranger to playing authoritative figures that dominate every room through sheer psychological control. Although the similarities between Hugo Strange and Tywin Lannister are largely surface-level, with one being outright unhinged and the other driven by an obsession with familial legacy, the same commanding energy Dance brought to the latter could translate effectively to Strange.

3 Rupert Thorne

Rupert Thorne in Creature Commandos | Credit: DC Studios

Like Strange, Rupert Thorne would make an excellent fit for Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, thanks to the deep-rooted corruption that rests at the heart of this version of Gotham.

It makes perfect sense to bring in a classic corrupt politician and crime kingpin who has played a key role in shaping Gotham’s criminal underbelly in the comics, which also feels right up Dance’s alley. His deep, resonant voice, combined with his 6’3 stature, would make for a formidable presence in the role of a calculating kingmaker who operates in the shadows and is embedded in every layer of Gotham’s criminal and political systems.

4 Ra’s Al Ghul

Ra’s Al Ghul | Credit: DC Comics

5 Vandal Savage

Vandal Savage | Credit: DC Comics

It’s arguably the most unlikely character to appear in The Batman Epic Crime Saga, as Vandal Savage, an immortal conqueror who has outlasted civilizations, feels far removed from Matt Reeves’ grounded depiction of Gotham. Furthermore, given his stature as a villain, he is more often positioned as a foe for the Justice League despite his history with Batman.

But beyond all the obstacles suggesting Savage’s big screen debut in this universe is unlikely, it can be said with absolute confidence that Charles Dance would totally rule the role. Savage is defined by longevity, a man shaped by centuries of experience, and many of Dance’s most notable performances already tap into that sense of accumulated wisdom delivered with quiet calculation.

If the character ever does make the jump to this grounded world, Dance feels like the perfect choice to bring that timeless, imposing presence to life.

The fact that, even at first glance, it can be said with absolute certainty that Charles Dance would excel in any one of these roles is a testament to his prowess. While time will tell whether we’ll see him take on one of the most celebrated members of Batman’s rogues gallery, if the Deadline report holds true, audiences may soon witness him nail the role of the Dent patriarch.

Share your thoughts on Dance’s potential casting below!

The Batman: Part II will debut on October 1, 2027.