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Michael C. Hall, despite a robust and diverse filmography, continues to be most recognized for his role as the captivating serial killer, Dexter Morgan, from the series “Dexter.” This association doesn’t seem to bother him, as he has revisited the character multiple times since the show concluded in 2013. However, fans of both “Dexter” and DC Comics might be intrigued to learn that Hall has also lent his talent to portray a complex Batman villain-turned-antihero.
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In 2015, Hall took on the role of Kirk Langstrom in the animated film “Justice League: Gods and Monsters,” as well as in the three-part series “Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles.” This alternate reality within the DC Universe presents Langstrom as a brilliant scientist who experiments with bat DNA in an attempt to cure his cancer. Unlike the traditional Man-Bat transformation seen in comics, Langstrom becomes a vampire-like figure, endowed with extraordinary powers and a thirst for blood. Under the guidance of Superman, voiced by Benjamin Bratt, and Wonder Woman, played by Tamara Taylor, Langstrom assumes the Batman title, and together, they form a unique Justice League.
The storyline of “Justice League: Gods and Monsters” offers a fresh take on Langstrom’s fate, diverging from the usual Man-Bat narrative. Hall delivers a compelling performance, embodying the dual nature of a man simultaneously blessed and cursed by his supernatural abilities. Langstrom’s character resides in a moral grey area, a perfect fit for Hall, who has experience navigating complex roles like Dexter.
Most actors would consider playing a version of Batman as a career highlight, yet Michael C. Hall remains realistic. He acknowledges that his portrayal was a distinctive iteration of the character, differing from the traditional Dark Knight.
In an interview with Yahoo during a 2018 press event for “Safe,” Hall reflected, “In that particular iteration of the superhero origin story, it was an alternative universe; he was a vampire. But Batman in general, I like him as a superhero, because he’s not particularly endowed with superpowers. He’s just smart. And the suit!”
Michael C. Hall would like to play Batman
Warner Bros. Animation
Any other actor would have claimed “Justice League: Gods and Monsters” as a win in terms of playing the Dark Knight; however, Michael C. Hall is under no illusions. He knows he played a different version of the character — not the traditional Caped Crusader.
“In that particular iteration of the superhero origin story, it was an alternative universe; he was a vampire,” Hall told Yahoo during a press junket for “Safe” in 2018. “But Batman in general, I like him as a superhero, because he’s not particularly endowed with superpowers. He’s just smart. And the suit!”
His co-star Amanda Abbington echoed the interviewer’s sentiment that Hall would make a fantastic version of Gotham’s most famous son. After Hall put on his best impersonation of Michael Keaton’s Batman, he admitted that he would be game for playing the character in a live-action movie. The only question is, would fans be able to see him as the hero? Maybe some would, while others would instantly think he’s the Gotham City Butcher. No matter what, it would be cool to see Hall on the list of every movie version of Batman to date.
