Supergirl’s new villain actor actually almost played Batman in Zack Snyder’s DCEU

Matthias Schoenaerts has joined the Supergirl movie

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow finally got some new casting news, months after Milly Alcock joined in the title role.Red Sparrow actor Matthias Schoenaerts is set to play the villainin the upcoming movie.

However, you might not realize that the star almost played another major role in the DC universe. WhenZack Snyderwas casting Batman for his DCEU, Schoenaerts was a frontrunner for the part, which ultimately went to Ben Affleck.

On theHappy Sad Confused podcastback in 2021, Snyder explained: “I was talking to [Schoenaerts] a lot about it. He never got in the suit, but I did do a bunch of mock-ups of him, because Ben was on the fence. And I don’t blame him. Everyone should be on the fence when you’re asked, ‘Do you want to play Batman?'”

While he ultimately didn’t land the role, Schoenaerts joins a list of actors who almost played Batman,which includes Cillian MurphyandJake Gyllenhaal. He’s also now landed a role in the rebooted DC universe under new DC Studios headsJames Gunnand Peter Safran.

It’s not yet clear who exactly Schoenaerts is playing in Supergirl, but given it’s following the storyline of the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic by Tom King and Billquis Evely, it seems likely he’ll be Krem of the Yellow Hills. Described as a “killer of men, women, and dogs”, he’s a pretty ruthless bad guy who murders the father of alien girl Ruthye Marye Knoll, which brings him to Supergirl’s attention.

Supergirl is set to release in theaters on June 26, 2026. For more, check out our guides to all theupcoming DC movies and shows, as well our breakdown ofDCU Chapter One.

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I’ve also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.

James Gunn’s Superman will “be its own thing” but Christopher Reeve’s son hopes his dad’s “benchmark” performance inspires it

The directors of the Superman Christopher Reeve documentary admit they were worried when James Gunn’s studio acquired the film – but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise

“At least one” Game of Thrones movie is reportedly in early development at Warner Bros.