DC's New Batman Casting Is The Exact Version Of The Dark Knight I've Wanted For Years

Summary Hamish Linklater delivers a perfect balance between Batman's brooding nature and real heart.

Linklater's portrayal authentically distinguishes between Bruce Wayne and Batman, adding depth.

Batman: Caped Crusader has the potential to enhance Linklater's performance with the introduction of a new nemesis.

The latest Batman animated show introduces a brand-new voice for the iconic character in Batman: Caped Crusader, and honestly, it might just be perfect. Batman is a character that has been around since 1939 in several different iterations. Whether you're favorite Batman is dark and broody, or quirky and silly, there have been a wide variety of actors and voice actors who have tackled the role, and all have given their own unique spin to The Dark Knight.

I grew up watching Batman: The Animated Series as a kid, and honestly, Kevin Conroy's version of the character has been the gold standard since that point. Watching older versions like Adam West felt too goofy and outrageous, and performers like Christian Bale did a spectacular job embodying the role, but the forced hoarseness just always took me out of it. Now, the spiritual successor to Batman: TAS delivers the perfect follow-up actor after Conroy passed away, with the wonderfully talented Hamish Linklater.

Related Batman: Caped Crusader Cast Guide & What They Look Like In Real Life Batman: Caped Crusader is packed with a wonderful and vibrant cast of talent who have appeared in a variety of other TV shows and films.

Hamish Linklater's Batman Balances His Brooding Nature With Real Heart

Batman Requires A Subtle Distinction For The Hero

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Here's the thing, Batman is not an easy character to play, and I believe one of the biggest hurdles to jump for any performer is the fact that it's not just one character, it's two. Bruce Wayne is a different man. He may be the alter ego of the masked vigilante, but he's also someone who behaves in a totally different way. I don't want Bruce to be a total airhead, but he isn't the man in the mask, and whoever voices him needs to reflect that.

Batman is in many ways the real Bruce Wayne. Forged in pain and sadness, he's a tragic hero who has a laser focus on completing his self-directed mission, and he needs to clean up the corrupt streets of Gotham. But he is not simply motivated by revenge, he has a genuine love for his city. For this reason, the Batman voice needs to feel more authentic, it's not like his mask, rough, and artificial, it has heart and pain behind it. Whereas Bruce is the disguise, injecting a degree of positivity and light to try and hide the darkness within.

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Linklater's Batman Has Already Become One Of My Favorite Versions Of Batman Of All Time

One Of The Best Takes On The Dark Knight

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I truly think Linklater has gone into the role of Batman and took the time and effort to consider and put the work into these voices. Not only is it the perfect homage to Conroy, with his voice bearing many of the same elements and tones, but it follows this same pattern of distinguishing Bruce and Bats. Neither voice feels like they are putting on a show, but both fit their individual characters and personalities to perfection.

Ultimately, it serves as one of the best ways of identifying the character, and in a show where the actor's sole contribution is delivered through their voice, it's great to see Linklater put in the work. And just on a personal level, I find it easier to connect with and believe in this version of the hero. He isn't trying to pretend to be something he's not, but he is authentically giving himself to both identities, and serving totally different purposes. Just like Clark Kent and Superman, the characters share a lot in common, but they remain distinct and function in independent roles.

Related Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 Ending Explained The Batman: Caped Crusader season 1 ending kills off one major DC figure and introduces another, setting the stage for a major season 2.

Caped Crusader's Future Is Set To Make Linklater's Batman Even Better

An Essential Part Of Batman Is His Enemies

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However, there is one key element that is still missing from Linklater's portrayal, and Batman: Caped Crusader as a whole. Any truly great hero ends up with an ultimate rival. A counterpoint that forces them to rise to new heights, and overcome their worst fears. For Batman, it is the Joker. Joker is an agent of chaos who wants nothing more than to see all of Gotham dancing in flames and losing their minds in the anarchy and devastation. And Conroy's Batman had the perfect Joker when they cast Mark Hamill to play the role.

With the passing of Conroy, Hamill decided to retire from the role, considering his Joker and Conroy's Batman as a pair. Now, Linklater's Batman needs to find his nemesis, and Batman: Caped Crusader provides a brief glimpse of the character, with just a single word in the final episode of season 1. However, when the character appears in a more prominent role in Batman: Caped Crusader season 2, it will be great to see how they operate opposite the Gotham Guardian. Until then, Linklater's performance is still one of the best takes on Batman of all time, and I can't wait to hear more.