Christopher Nolan Admits The Dark Knight Trilogy Star was Never Batman Material

Bale
Credit: WB


Bale
Credit: WB

It goes without saying that The Dark Knight trilogy pretty much set the tone for what superhero films would become and to this day, it's still held by fans in such high regard. Paving the way for franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Universe, the trilogy clicked because, unlike the previous films that came before it, the trilogy was injected with realism.

Of course, Christian Bale's stellar performance as both Bruce Wayne and Batman was one of the trilogy's winning recipes, and looking back, it's hard to imagine someone else playing the part.

Most of you are probably aware that Cillian Murphy, who starred in all three NolanVerse films initially tried his luck to be the protector of Gotham but ultimately, the role went to Bale, and Murphy was instead cast as Jonathan Crane aka Scarecrow.

Now, Nolan is opening up about Cillian's failed casting and what led to him becoming a baddie in the beloved trilogy.

Christopher Nolan Knew Cillian Murphy Wouldn't Get Cast as Batman in The Dark Knight Trilogy

During an appearance in WIRED's Autocomplete interview along with Oppenheimer star Robert Downey Jr., the director was asked about his history with Murphy and how he lost the bet to become the caped crusader in 2005's Batman Begins.

Nolan said: "Yeah, [when I] first met him, he screen-tested for Batman and I think we both kind of knew he probably wasn't right for Batman. But his test was so exciting that the studio was okay for me to cast him as the villain."

Also Read: Christopher Nolan No Longer Wants Anything to Do with Superhero Films

Murphy's performance as Scarecrow may have not been on par with Heath Ledger's Joker or Tom Hary's Bane but at least the exposure he got propelled him to greater things in his career.

Now, I wouldn't mind seeing him do another comic book project.

Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer is now screening in cinemas everywhere.

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