Before Jeffrey Wright was in talks to play Commissioner Gordon in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, Mahershala Ali was in contention – only to sign on with Marvel Studios to play Blade instead.
Variety’s Justin Kroll tweeted the following news tidbit after it was announced that Jeffrey Wright was eyed to play Commissioner Gordon in The Batman:
Fun little fact to all the BATMAN news, prior to going out to Wright, Mahershala was in line for the role…and then BLADE came around
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) September 23, 2019
Mahershala Ali won his second Academy Award earlier this year for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in Green Book. He previously won for his acclaimed performance in Moonlight. Following his latest Oscar win, Mahershala Ali reportedly contacted Marvel Studios expressing interest in playing Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, likely putting the nail on the coffin for him considering the Commissioner Gordon role in The Batman.
Interestingly enough, Jeffrey Wright will be involved in both the MCU and The Batman now that he’s landed roles in the upcoming animated series What If…? as The Watcher and as Commissioner Gordon.
We know that Matt Reeves’ The Batman will center around a younger Bruce Wayne and feature a Rogues’ Gallery of villains that reportedly includes Catwoman and The Penguin. Reeves has also confirmed that it will not be directly based on Frank Miller’s acclaimed Year One comic and will make use of the Dark Knight’s detective skills to a greater extent than previous DC Films. It is expected to be the first chapter in a new movie trilogy with Robert Pattinson as Batman.
What do you make of this news tidbit regarding Mahershala Ali’s choice? Are you bummed to hear that Mahershala Ali was in line for the role of Commissioner Gordon in The Batman and chose to play Blade instead? Do you prefer seeing Jeffrey Wright in the Commissioner Gordon role? Sound off in the comments below, and be sure to continue following Heroic Hollywood for all the latest news regarding Mahershala Ali, Blade, Jeffrey Wright and The Batman.
The Batman will be released in theaters on June 15, 2021.
Source: Justin Kroll
