Fancasts have become a trusted part of comic book culture. Fans love to wonder which actor could bring their favorite characters to life. Although Batman’s list of enemies is filled with renowned names like the Joker, the Riddler, and Two-Face, there’s also a villain turned villain character who deserves more attention: Catman.
In this blog, we’ll look at who Catman is, how he developed in the comics, why fans want a DC Catman fancast, and which actors could best portray him on the big screen.
Who is DC Catman?
His real name is Thomas Black, and he is one of the most ignored characters in the DC Comics universe. Once a rich hunter, his life fell apart, and he eventually reinvented himself as Catman.
He is repeatedly compared to Batman because of his related skills, costume, and physical abilities, but unlike Bruce Wayne, Blacke’s motivations are far more difficult.
Catman Biography at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
| Real Name | Thomas Blake |
| First Appearance | Detective Comics #311 (1963) |
| Occupation | Big-game hunter, mercenary, anti-hero |
| Powers & Skills | Peak human condition, expert martial artist, acrobatics, hunting skills |
| Affiliations | Suicide Squad, Secret Six |
| Costume Inspiration | Inspired by big cats, features clawed gauntlets and orange suit |
Many new fans don’t know that Catman evolved into a morally gray anti-hero in later comics, even becoming the leader of the Secret Six.
Catman’s Evolution: From Campy Villain to Fan-Favorite Anti-Hero
When Catman first debuted in the 1960s, he was mostly seen as a gimmicky villain in a bright orange costume. Many readers terminated him as a cheap copy of Batman.
However, over time, particularly in the Secret Six comics of the early 2000s, Catman was reimagined as a severe and profound character. Writer Gail Simon gave him more depth, showing his moral struggles and attempts to better himself.
This transformation led fans to view Catman in a new light, and today he is frequently included in lists of underrated DC villains who deserve more recognition.
Catman in the Secret Six and Suicide Squad
Although Catman has also competed with Batman, his most significant character progress came with teams like the Secret Six.
- In Secret Six, Catman was no longer just a sidekick to a typical villain, but he became the leader of the team.
- His character was portrayed as loyal, clever, and remarkably well-rounded, despite his past being quite dark.
- He later also acted in Suicide Squad for a short time, proving that he could be part of a larger team.
All of these stories make Catman perfect for live action, as fans already know how well he works both independently and as part of a team.
Catman in DC Comics and Media
Catman has a long but frequently unnoticed history:
- He was initially introduced as a villain in Batman comics.
- His restoration was later showcased in Secret Six, where he became a fan-beloved character.
- He was also closely associated with the Suicide Squad.
- Known for his Catman costume and powers, which include superior flexibility, hunting characters, and hand-to-hand combat skills.
Despite being an underrated DC villain, fans adore his complex character immensely.
How Catman Differs From Batman
Many fans joke that Catman is just “Batman in orange.” But their differences are deeper.
| Aspect | Batman | Catman (Thomas Blake) |
| Motivation | Justice, protecting Gotham | Survival, redemption, thrill of the hunt |
| Wealth Background | Billionaire with global resources | Wealthy hunter who squandered his fortune |
| Symbolism | Bat (fear, darkness) | Cat (stealth, agility, predator instinct) |
| Alignment | Hero (strict moral code) | Anti-hero (morally gray, survivalist) |
| Fighting Style | Martial arts, detective skills | Hunting instincts, acrobatics, mercenary style |
This similar characteristic could make Catman an interesting rival in a Catman vs. Batman story
Why Fans Want a Catman Live-Action Adaptation
So why should Catman be brought into live action?
- He characterises the gray line between villain and hero, which makes him perfect for modern storytelling.
- He could appear as an opponent in a Batman vs. Catman storyline.
- He would also fit into the DC Extended Universe villain roles, such as those in Suicide Squad or Justice League.
His live-action Catman adaptation would demonstrate how DC can make even second-tier anti-hero characters appealing.
Read more: The Significance of Phoenix Tattoo
Best Actors for a DC Catman Fancast
The fun part: Who could play Catman best? Here are our top fancast picks.
Actor Comparison Table
| Actor | Why They Fit Catman | Previous Roles That Help |
| Alexander Skarsgård | Physique and intensity perfect for a DC anti-hero role. | Tarzan, True Blood |
| Charlie Hunnam | Rugged look, action credibility, fits a mercenary vibe. | Sons of Anarchy, King Arthur |
| Travis Fimmel | Charisma and edge, great for villain casting rumors turned reality. | Vikings |
| Garrett Hedlund | Balanced mix of charm and menace, great for live action Catman adaptation. | Tron: Legacy, Mudbound |
| Boyd Holbrook | Proven track record as a layered villain, gritty realism. | Logan, Narcos |
Each of these actors brings something unique that could make a DC Catman fancast exciting and believable.
Actor Shortlist: Scrutiny of Each Candidate
Alexander Skarsgård
- Pros: Tall, physically magnificent, has played roles like Tarzan before. His intense acting style is a perfect match for Catman’s hunter background.
- Cons: Some fans say he’s “too famous” and expensive, which could make DC hesitant to cast him in an associate role.
Charlie Hunnam
- Pros: Raggedy, Sons of Anarchy-esque motorcycle gang look, an excellent choice for an ethically ambiguous villain.
- Cons: His King Arthur film didn’t do well, which could make studios cautious.
Travis Fimmel
- Pros: Known for his energy and charm as Ragnar in Vikings. His volatile and lively acting could complement the compound character of Catman.
- Cons: He seems too hectic compared to the disciplined, greedy side of Catman.
Garrett Hedlund
- Pros: The versatile actor excels at playing both heroic and gloomy characters well. It can realistically represent the character of Catman.
- Cons: Not as big a fan favourite as the other applicants, which could indicate a lack of enthusiasm.
Boyd Holbrook
- Pros: Outstanding in villain roles (like Donald Pierce in Logan), complex and realistic acting, could easily fit into DC’s dark and serious characters.
- Cons: Already been linked with Marvel (Logan), which may cause mixed reactions for particular fans.
Catman vs Batman: Potential Storylines
If Catman were introduced in the DC Universe, these arcs could work:
- A Catman vs Batman rivalry, with Blake serving as a foil to Bruce Wayne.
- Catman is teaming up with or against the Justice League connections.
- A darker future DCU villains storyline where Catman joins the Suicide Squad.
Catman in Fan Culture and Online Communities
On Reddit and Twitter, Catman is frequently mentioned in fan casting threads for DC movies. Many fans argue he would make a great addition to the DCU because:
- He hasn’t been “overused” like Joker or Harley Quinn.
- His costume could be modernised to look sleek and intimidating.
- His backstory as a broken man makes him relatable in today’s storytelling climate.
One Reddit user wrote: “Catman is the perfect character to show how DC can turn a joke villain into a star, just like Marvel did with Guardians of the Galaxy.”
How a Live-Action Catman Could Be Introduced
Writers have several ways to weave Catman into the DC Universe films:
- Batman Movie Rival – Introduce him as a rival vigilante, clashing with Batman over territory and ideology.
- Suicide Squad Addition – As a mercenary with hunting skills, he would be a natural recruit.
- Justice League Connections – A morally gray anti-hero forced to team up with heroes against a bigger threat.
- Standalone Origin Story – Showing Thomas Blake’s fall from wealth to mercenary could hook audiences.
Fan Reactions to Catman in Other Media
Even though Catman hasn’t been on screen, he has appeared in animated shows like:
- Batman: The Brave and the Bold
- DC Super Hero Girls (animated cameo)
Fans who grew up watching him in these cartoons have long requested a live-action Catman adaptation, and casting speculation threads frequently pop up.
Challenges of Bringing Catman On-Screen
Of course, adapting Catman isn’t easy.
- His Catman costume and powers need a modern update to avoid looking campy.
- Writers must balance him as both a villain and an anti-hero.
- He risks being overshadowed by bigger Batman villains if not written carefully.
Why Fans Love and Struggle With Catman
Benefits:
- Complex, morally gray personality
- Ties into DC Comics mercenary and anti-hero arcs
- Adds diversity to DCU villains beyond the classics
Challenges:
- Not widely recognised
- Strict costume adaptation needed
- Needs strong storytelling to avoid being a throwaway villain
The Future of DCU Villains and Where Catman Fits
With James Gunn rebooting parts of the DC Universe, there’s space for lesser-known villains to shine. Catman could:
- Offer a fresh face in a crowded Batman villain gallery.
- Represent the morally grey anti-hero trend that audiences love (think Deadpool and Punisher).
Give fans a Suicide Squad Catman version, full of dark humor and grit.
Conclusion
The DC Catman fancast isn’t just fun speculation—it’s a chance to reintroduce a layered character into the modern DC Universe. With the right actor, Catman could easily stand alongside iconic Batman villains and even rival them in fan popularity.
As someone who once brushed him off as a “Batman copy,” I can honestly say that after reading Secret Six, Catman became one of my favourite DC characters. He’s flawed, unpredictable, and full of personality, exactly what the DC Universe needs.
FAQs About DC Catman Fancast
Q1. Who is Catman in DC Comics?
Thomas Blake, a wealthy hunter turned mercenary, is known as Catman.
Q2. Why is Catman underrated?
Despite being a strong fighter with unique skills, he has often been overshadowed by bigger Batman villains.
Q3. Could Catman appear in the DCU?
Yes, he fits into Suicide Squad, Justice League, or even a standalone Batman story.
Q4. Which actors could play Catman?
Fan choices include Alexander Skarsgård, Charlie Hunnam, Travis Fimmel, Garrett Hedlund, and Boyd Holbrook.
Q5. What makes Catman interesting?
His anti-hero roles, complex morality, and unique connection to Batman make him a standout character.
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