Man Of Steel Sequel: Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin & Joe Manganiello All Batman Contenders (Report)

Who will face off against Henry Cavill in the “Man of Steel” sequel, where Superman battles Batman?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Zack Snyder is beginning to formulate a list of potential actors and is considering casting a Caped Crusader in his late 30s or early 40s.

The sequel will reportedly not tell the character’s origin story, but give fans an “established and rugged” Batman, similar to the character seen in Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns” comic series from the ‘80s.

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So who is on the potential Batman shortlist?

Josh Brolin, 46, is said to be the frontrunner according to two THR sources, but another studio source told the mag that the casting process has just begun.

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Ryan Gosling, 32, is also reportedly being eyed for superhero role.

“True Blood’s” Joe Manganiello, 36, who director Snyder liked as a possible Superman, is also a potential Batman. The actor’s schedule for his HBO vampire show could reportedly pose a problem for filming.

Other Batman contenders include: “The Hobbit’s” Richard Armitage, “Pacific Rim’s” Max Martini and “Watchmen” star Matthew Goode.

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The Batman casting could reportedly be settled in the next few weeks. The studio is looking to shoot the film in 2014, with a release slated for 2015.

— Jesse Spero

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