Much of the hype surrounding Matt Reeves' The Batman, which is nearing its theatrical release, has been around Robert Pattinson's Batman, who will be the latest actor to don the cape and cowl. But one aspect that could potentially separate this film adaptation of the DC character from previous films is the use of multiple villains Batman will have to encounter. From Selina Kye's Catwoman to the Penguin and The Riddler, The Batman is sure to be packed with many thrilling scenes involving these iconic characters.
Reeves confirmed that The Batman will take place in Batman's second year of fighting crime and focus heavily on a noir-driven, detective version of Batman that wasn't explored as in-depth in previous live-action adaptations. With already two planned sequels and two spin-off television series in early development for HBO Max, fans can expect there to be plenty of more villainous additions for Pattinson's Batman to face. In particular, though, it is time for one character to return to the big screen: Mr. Freeze.
Originally called Mr. Zero in his early days, the supervillain was revitalized in the television series, Batman: The Animated Series, where writer Paul Dini created the most famous version of the character. Dr. Victor Fries, a cryogenics expert in Gotham City, desperately searches for a cure to save his wife, Nora, after she becomes diagnosed with a terminal condition. When attempting to cure Nora, a laboratory accident drastically lowers his body temperature to sub-zero levels, forcing him to wear a cryogenic suit in order to survive, thus leading to his obsession with ice and forcing him to become the well-known Mr. Freeze. As a result, Nora is still kept cryogenically frozen so that he could buy time to find a cure for her condition, furthering his plan to build his criminal empire that pins him face-to-face with Batman in numerous conflicts.
Unlike the Joker, Mr. Freeze has been known as a sympathetic villain, with his main objectives revolving around curing his wife. Understanding where he is coming from, Mr. Freeze's origins set him up as one of the most interesting and complex foes Batman has ever had to face. After a cartoonish depiction of the character played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1997's disastrous Batman & Robin, it is time for Mr. Freeze to return to the big screen under the right hands. Below are a few actors that could bring the role justice.
Mark Strong
With a cold, captivating voice and a slimmer, average body type, the English actor seems to check off all of the boxes to make the ideal candidate to play a character like Mr. Freeze. Strong is no stranger to playing a villain, either. From portraying mob boss Frank D'Amico in Kick-Ass to holding his ground opposite of Zachary Levi's Shazam as the intimidating Dr. Thaddeus Sivana in DC's Shazam!, Strong definitely has the villainous chops that could match up well against Pattinson's Batman while also having the ability to deliver a more sympathetic performance as Merlin seen in the Kingsman films. Plus, he can of course rock the bald look.
Bryan Cranston
One thing that is certain when it comes to Bryan Cranston is that the actor has plenty of range. From playing the inept, goofy father Hal in the popular sitcom Malcolm in the Middle to flexing his darker, more devastating side as Walter White in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, Cranston has all of the elements to make a compelling Mr. Freeze. Other than fitting the look and the age, Cranston can definitely bring the tragedy and sympathetic aspect to Freeze's character that he has presented in his earlier roles.
Forest Whitaker
This might not be the first choice that many moviegoers come across, but it certainly would be a fitting one. Whitaker has that cold, emotionless look to him while also emanating a sense of pain and loss, perfect for a role like Mr. Freeze who's desperate to help his wife. A great example of this in Whitaker's filmography is him playing the burglar Burnham in David Fincher's Panic Room. Instead of portraying the cliche bad guy in that film, Whitaker's blue-collar character is a conflicted one, torn between the original job he was set to carrying out and helping the family trapped in the panic room. That conflicted personality resembles Mr. Freeze's torn personality.
Giancarlo Esposito
Esposito, who starred opposite of Cranston in Breaking Bad as one of the show's main antagonists, Gus Fring, may just be the perfect actor to take on such a unique villain. The critically acclaimed actor can carry this serious, professional side that is unpredictable as much as it is terrifying, perfect for someone like Mr. Freeze who is a supervillain yet still holds a sympathetic persona inside. Esposito's other notable works include The Boys and The Mandalorian, where he portrayed Moff Gideon, a dangerous leader of a remnant of the Galactic Empire that won't hesitate to kill in order to get what he wants. On top of that, similar to Mark Strong, he most definitely can pull off the appearance of the ice villain. Sounds like a fitting Mr. Freeze, doesn't it?
Tobin Bell
He may not be the biggest name in the industry, but Bell's chilling and emotionless performance as Jigsaw in the popular Saw series is all fans really need to know. Familiar with playing criminals in many of his films, Bell's sinister voice and persona could really bring Mr. Freeze to life as the scientific genius that uses his gifts for destruction. Plus, being the oldest actor on this list and getting to collaborate with many great filmmakers, Bell has the experience to really transform into this role that may just be the right depiction of the character fans have been looking for.