Superheroes dominate the entertainment landscape of the modern era, and there is no hero more profitable in film thanBatman. The caped crusader has had a long history in the comics that filmmakers managed to draw from for their films. FromThe Killing JoketoThe Dark Knight ReturnstoThe Long Halloween, many elements of the comics have influenced Batman in film. One element the films have often been lacking is Batman’s supporting cast.
While the films tend to focus on Batman as a solo hero and a dark brooding figure of the night, his comic book counterpart has a whole host of allies that protect the streets of Gotham. This group of supporting characters is often called the Bat Family and consists of characters like Robin, Batgirl, Catwoman, and many more.
Updated February 8th, 2023: This article has been updated to reflect the latest news regarding the DCU, including the Bat Family making an appearance in the upcoming filmThe Brave and the Bold.
A fan-favorite character in the Batman franchise is Jason Todd akaThe Red Hood. Originally the second Robin, the character was killed by the Joker in the pages of DC Comics in the 1988 comic Death in the Family before being brought back in 2005 as The Red Hood. The Red Hood was originally a villain, but has since transitioned into an anti-hero, and has been on a road to redemption, and has become a full member of the Bat Family.
With the recent news that the DCU Batman film titledThe Brave and the Boldwill introduce Damian Wayne as Robinand open the door for the Bat Family, many expect to see Jason Todd join the franchise. Right now, Red Hood has yet to be cast, but here are seven actors we believe have great potential to play the iconic DC character.
Curran Walters
Curran Waltersalready plays Jason Todd in DC’sTitans. In the series' third season, Jason leaves the Titans to become Red Hood. Walters' performance as Jason Todd is a major highlight ofTitans. He is clearly passionate about the role and portrays all of Jason’s emotional complexity.
The strength and determination, as well as the character’s fear and insecurity, are all on full display. Since the announcement ofThe Brave and the Boldthe actor has taken to social media to campaign for the part of Jason Todd, and due to the upcomingThe Flashresetting the DC Universe actors from other incarnations of the DC franchise could be carried over.
Taron Egerton
Taron Egertonis one of the most popular fan-castings for Red Hood. Many comic book fans want Egerton to playWolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if that never comes to fruition, Egerton could play Jason Todd for DC. He is a phenomenal actor appearing in films such asKingsman: The Secret ServiceandRocketman.
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The actor is still relatively young and has already previously worked with Warner Bros. His character in theKingsmanfranchise, Eggsy, starts off as a trouble-making street kid. The character’s cockiness and rebellious traits would transfer over to the role of Red Hood. Neither Eggsy nor Red Hood are characters that sit back trusting authority figures to carry out justice.
Nicholas Hamilton
Best known for playing Henry Bowers, the bully inITandIT Chapter Two,Nicholas Hamiltonis a rising actor to look out for.ITalready proves that Hamilton can play an intense character and intimidating antagonist very well, something needed for Jason Todd who does begin out as an antagonist under the Red Hood persona.
Hamilton has also shown a much softer side, portraying a young man madly in love inEndless. Hamilton’s performances across film and television show lots of promise and stepping into the role of Red Hood might take his career to the next level.
Kyle Allen
Kyle Allenis certainly making himself a star to watch, having appeared in a wide variety of high-profile films. In 2021, he was the lead in the romantic comedyThe Map of Tiny Perfect Thingsand then was one of the Jets in Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-nominated remake ofWest Side Story. Most recently the actor can be seen as Romeo inRosaline, and the actor’s wide array of work in different genres shows he has what it takes to tackle a role like Jason Todd and the Red Hood.
Tanner Buchanan
Warner Bros. has already looked toward the cast ofCobra Kaifor the DCU as Xolo Maridueña is set to be the lead inBlue Beetle, so why not look at another young actor from the series to play another major DC character?Tanner Buchananplays Robbie onCobra Kai, and much like Jason Todd the character is another fighter with a troubled past who finds a sense of purpose by being taken in by a wise mentor figure.
Related:Here’s Why a Batman and Robin Team-Up Is Necessary for the New DCU
There are even more parallels to Robbie fromCobra Kaiand Jason Todd. Buchanan’s character is the estranged son of an older Johnny Lawrence fromThe Karate Kid. Similarly, the character of Red Hood also experiences fractured relationships with other members of the Bat Family including Batman. Although Buchanan has expressedinterest in playing Nightwing, the role of Red Hood may also be a great fit.
Kofi Siriboe
An incredibly talented and charismatic actor,Kofi Siriboeis a star to watch out for. Siriboe plays a young man facing many challenges after being released from prison in Ava DuVernay’s drama seriesQueen Sugar. Siriboe also makes an appearance in HBO’s comedy-drama seriesInsecure, and even the music video for Doja Cat’s “Streets.”
While Siriboe is currently not part of any blockbuster film franchise, an actor who is less recognizable may be for the better when casting a major new character in the DC universe. The effortless charm Siriboe brings is perfectly suited for Red Hood. Especially when an edgier, morally conflicted character needs to be likable.
Dacre Montgomery
Stranger Things' Billy Hargrove commands the screen during his two seasons on the show. Billy is a charming but aggressive teenager who hides a lot of personal conflict within. He does his best to avoid dealing with it, which manifests in rage-filled behavior towards his stepsister Max and her friends. But there is also light in Billy; there is a heroic side. The show killed off Billy in the third season, allowing actorDacre Montgomeryto soon tackle another franchise.
Additionally, Montgomery plays the Red Ranger in the 2017Power Rangersfilm. He already plays a character associated with the color red in the world of superheroes. Both Red Hood and the Red Ranger are characters that make major mistakes and have a bit of a temper. But both are leaders and strong characters with very big ambitions.
Keean Johnson
Appearing inAlita: Battle Angel,Euphoria, andSpooksville,Keean Johnsonis a talented young actor in Hollywood. Johnson plays alead romantic interest inAlita, portraying a character that is very flawed and experiencing conflict surrounding his morals. However, he still cares strongly for other people, including Alita.
These struggles, the balance between light and dark, are central to the character of Red Hood. Johnson has proven that he has the acting chops. He is also entering his mid-twenties, which is the perfect age for Jason. There is a lot of charm and talent in this young actor that can be utilized.
Colton Ryan
Colton Ryanis a young actor who seems to be ideally suited for the role of Jason Todd. Originally a theater performer, he played the role of Connor Murphy in the film adaptation ofDear Evan Hansen. In 2022, he played the role of Conrad Roy in the Hulu seriesThe Girl from Plainvillewhich was based on a true story.
He recently appeared in an episode of the Peacock seriesPoker Faceas a troubled young man. Ryan has a silent intensity in many of his performances, always as if he is holding something back that nobody can anticipate which is needed for the violent but also sympathetic characters like Jason Todd and the Red Hood.
