Jeffrey Wright has spoken out about the negative reactions to his casting as Commissioner Jim Gordon in The Batman. He called the backlash racist and stupid. Wright is the first Black actor to play this role in a Batman movie. He shared his thoughts in a recent interview with Collider. The actor did not hold back his feelings about those who criticized the decision to cast him.
Wright explained that the evolution of Batman films should reflect the evolution of society. He said it makes no sense to keep the franchise stuck in the cultural reality of 1939 when Batman was first created. The actor pointed out that Gotham City is based on New York City, which is multicultural. So a modern Gotham should look like a modern American city. Wright believes that the original Batman creators meant for their stories to be open to new interpretations.
“It’s just so f***ing racist and stupid. It’s just so blind in a way that I find revealing to not recognize that the evolution of these films reflects the evolution of society, that somehow it’s defiling this franchise not to keep it grounded in the cultural reality of 1939 when the comic books were first published. It’s just the dumbest thing. It’s absent all logic,” Wright told Collider .
Many fans online agreed with Wright. They praised his performance and said that race should not matter if the actor does justice to the role. Some compared it to other castings, like Nick Fury in the Marvel movies, which was also race-swapped and widely accepted. Others noted that Wright even voiced Batman himself in an audio drama without any backlash, suggesting that the issue might be more about visual representation than the actor’s ability.
“I liked his Jim Gordon. Plus, no one is complaining about Nick Fury. If you can make your character compelling, spin it in your own take while doing the character’s role justice, then whatever! Race shouldn’t be much of an issue in comic book movies, unless it’s REALLY integral to the character,” one fan commented on Facebook .
However, not all reactions were supportive. Some fans expressed disappointment with race-swapping in general. They argued that characters should look like their comic book versions. But many others felt that Wright’s acting was so good that it did not matter. They emphasized that he captured the essence of Jim Gordon as a tired, dedicated cop trying to do good in a corrupt city.
Background On The Casting Controversy
Jeffrey Wright played Commissioner Gordon in the 2022 film The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves. The movie starred Robert Pattinson as Batman and Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman. Wright’s casting was announced a few years before the film’s release. Some comic book fans were critical because Jim Gordon has traditionally been portrayed as a white character in the comics. Previous actors like Gary Oldman, J.K. Simmons, and Pat Hingle were all white.
This is not the first time a comic book movie has faced backlash for race-swapping a character. However, Wright’s performance was well-received by critics and many fans. The movie was a commercial success and praised for its gritty take on Gotham City. Wright will reprise his role in the sequel, The Batman: Part II, which is set to release on October 1, 2027. The script has been completed, and filming is expected to begin in early 2026.
Why Wright Believes The Backlash Is Misguided
Wright argued that Batman’s longevity comes from its ability to adapt and change. He referenced the original creators, Bob Kane and Bill Finger, who were two Jewish men living in the Bronx. They created Batman based on the world around them, but Wright believes they intended their creation to be open-ended. This allows new artists and writers to bring their own perspectives to the story.
The actor also highlighted that Gotham City is inspired by New York City. In the 1970s, and even today, New York is a diverse, multicultural place. Therefore, a Batman movie that aims to feel authentic should reflect that diversity. Wright’s version of Gordon is grounded in the character’s core traits but designed for a 21st-century audience.
“What I love about our Batman is how gritty and granular and accessible it is. Ours is a Gotham that’s born out of ’70s noir in terms of its cinematic aesthetic, ’70s noir New York. Obviously, New York City is the template for Gotham, and if you look around New York City in the ’70s, or if you look around New York City, of course, today, it’s a multicultural place,” Wright said .
He feels a strong sense of ownership over the Batman stories now that he is part of them. Wright stated that he has as much right to interpret these characters as anyone else. His goal was to play Gordon based on the character’s interior qualities rather than his race.
Fan Reactions And Industry Support
Reactions from fans have been mixed but largely supportive of Wright. Many people online agreed that his performance was excellent and that the backlash was unnecessary. Some pointed out that Zoe Kravitz, who is biracial, played Catwoman and did not face the same level of criticism. This led to discussions about why some race-swapped castings are accepted while others are not.
James Gunn, the head of DC Studios, has also shown support for Matt Reeves and his team. Gunn asked fans to be patient with the delays in producing The Batman: Part II. He emphasized that creative work takes time and that Reeves does not owe fans a rushed product. Gunn’s comments were about the film’s production timeline, but they show a broader support for the creative vision behind these movies.
Looking Ahead To The Batman Sequel
The Batman: Part II is one of the most awaited superhero sequels. Details about the plot are still scarce, but there are rumors that villains like Mr. Freeze or Hush might appear. The first film left several storylines open, and the sequel is expected to explore them. Jeffrey Wright has confirmed that he has received the script and is eager to return to the role.
The sequel will continue to build on the noir-inspired version of Gotham City that Reeves established. The goal is to create a world that feels real and contemporary, which includes a diverse cast that reflects modern society. Wright’s comments make it clear that he believes this approach is not only logical but necessary for the franchise to remain relevant.
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Credits: Deadline
