As anticipation builds around the future of the new DC Universe, one casting suggestion has started dominating fan discussions online — and it involves one of the most physically imposing actors currently working in Hollywood.
Fans are increasingly pushing for Martyn Ford to take on the role of Bane, with many convinced the towering actor already looks like he stepped straight out of a Batman comic.
The growing support comes as DC Studios continues developing a project connected to both Bane and Deathstroke, with reports suggesting the film remains in early production stages, Comic Beasts reports.
While no official casting announcements have been made, Ford’s name keeps resurfacing across social media whenever conversations turn toward who should portray the iconic villain.
For many fans, the reasoning is simple.
At 6-foot-8 and weighing around 350 pounds, Ford already possesses the kind of intimidating size that audiences have long associated with Bane. Combined with his background in bodybuilding and combat-focused acting roles, supporters believe he naturally fits the part better than most traditional Hollywood actors.
One Reddit thread titled, “Martyn Ford, the 6 ft 8 bodybuilder/actor I’d pick to be Bane”, has amassed over 100 comments from social media users – many intrigued by the prospect of seeing Ford as the iconic “Man Who Broke the Bat”.
“He was great as Shao Khan in [Mortal Kombat II]. Very convincing villain,” one person wrote, with a second adding: “But Martyn as Shao Kahn was excellent, he’s big, intimidating, ruthless and a really well adapted villain.”
A third wrote: “Nice guy and definitely looks the part so I’d be happy to hear he at least got a chance to audition.”
Ford has steadily built a reputation for portraying physically dominant characters on screen, but interest around him surged even further after he landed the role of Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat II.
The legendary Mortal Kombat villain is known for brute force and overwhelming physical presence — two qualities fans also strongly connect with Bane.
Speaking about landing the role during an interview with Collider at San Diego Comic Con, Ford admitted the opportunity initially felt unreal.
“For me, the past 2 or 3 years have been incredible,” he told Collider. “To have it, land on my desk as it did. I was in Italy at the time filming, and I remember getting the phone call thinking it was a prank call, to be honest. 24 hours later, I was on the airplane to Australia from Italy just to meet them and got offered the part and came back home. I’m filming and when I went out again, it was so surreal.
“I honestly don’t think it’s sunk in yet. We’ve broken all sorts of records with the trailer release. It’s incredible to be part of that franchise. It’s incredible to be here today. I feel that every role that I’ve done has kind of led to that. It was a phenomenal opportunity and an absolute honor and privilege to play Shao Kahn.”
That performance has only intensified calls for him to make the jump into DC.
Reports surrounding the planned Bane and Deathstroke project first emerged in September 2024, with screenwriter Matthew Orton attached to the screenplay. Since then, further updates have suggested the script is still evolving as DC Studios continues meeting with potential directors.
One of the names reportedly linked to discussions is filmmaker Greg Mottola, although no final creative direction has been confirmed.
Production itself has yet to begin, but reports indicate filming could eventually take place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in England once development is finalised.
Even without concrete casting news, fan enthusiasm around Ford has continued to snowball.
Featured image credit: Instagram/MartynFord (screenshot)
