‘Batman vs. Superman’: Bruce Wayne Getting a Love Interest in ‘Man of Steel 2′ ?

 

Somewhere in the world right now Ben Affleck is either at the gym or recuperating from his most recent trip, in order to get into Batman shape by the time production starts on the Man of Steel sequel (with director Zack Snyder and writer David S. Goyer back in action). Many people are struggling to accept that “Batfleck” is going to become a real thing (and not just an excuse to make Internet Memes/GIFs), but others have moved onto speculating about what everyone can expect from the superhero blockbuster.
The non-Batman rumor conversation – regarding Man of Steel 2/Batman vs. Superman (whichever unofficial title you prefer) – has primarily revolved around the potential casting of (unconfirmed) villain Lex Luthor, with the current lead candidate Bryan Cranston having recently claimed – emphasis on claimed – that he knows nothing about the situation. Today, we can offer a new casting rumor for everyone to mull over, in the meantime until we find out if Luther is even in the Man of Steel sequel (much less, who is playing the often-Machiavellian billionaire).
Latino Review is reporting that WB has sent out a casting breakdown to various talent agencies, with the intent of finding a love interest for Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne. We’ve speculated that Bruce will flirt with Lois Lane (Amy Adams) in order to get under Clark Kent’s (Henry Cavill) skin – as the Caped Crusader has done in previous Superman/Batman crossover stories - but Goyer’s script could feasibly have room for Bruce to have a serious love interest as well; all the more so because that Lois and Clark’s relationship in Man of Steel 2 will break from tradition in certain ways (example: Clark allowing Lois to know his real identity).
Here is what WB is looking for (read: Bruce’s romantic foil), according to LR:

They’re looking for someone in their late 20s and are open to all ethnicities. So not only does the 42 year old Goddamn Batman like em at least a decade younger, but playboy Bruce Wayne doesn’t discriminate either.
But wait there is more. They’re not only looking for a good actress (like duh), but they’re being very specific and looking for an actress who is both tall and possesses physicality.

Judging by these details, this sounds more like the description for a specific character and not just some nameless lady who hangs around on Bruce Wayne’s arm in public. Classic love interests like Vicky Vale and Julie Madison are very much possibilities, though someone like Selina Kyle is more of a long shot, despite the “possesses physicality” line; not to mention, it’s safe to rule out Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes/Maggie Gyllenhaal), since she was created by Goyer, along with Christopher and Jonathan Nolan, for the Dark Knight trilogy.

For now, it seems there are a couple things we might take away from this:

1. Man of Steel 2/Batman vs. Superman aims to offer a richer portrayal of Bruce Wayne’s pseudo-playboy persona, which is
2. something that Goyer and the Nolan brothers tended to skimp on in the Dark Knight trilogy (outside of when it explicitly advanced the plot).
3. Affleck as Bruce Wayne will be presented as the polar opposite to Clark Kent: wealthy, extroverted and openly dating a gorgeous woman, as juxtaposed with Clark and Lois’ more complicated relationship. That would only heighten the sense of antagonism between Clark/Bruce and their respective superhero alter-egos.

Similarly, Rachel Dawes was always a weak point in the Nolan Batman films, as she’s (arguably) more a good role model than fully-rounded character; which is to say, there’s room for improvement in the Bruce Wayne love interest department, as far as future comparisons between Man of Steel 2 and The Dark Knight goes. Likewise, as his buddy Mat Damon has pointed out, Affleck should have little trouble pulling off the Bruce Wayne side of things – and, frankly, he might end up being much more believable as a legit playboy than Christian Bale ever was (had to say it).
Who do you think Bruce’s lady love will be in the Man of Steel sequel? Speculate away in the comments section!