On Aug. 22, Warner Bros. made their biggest casting news of the year, that Ben Affleck will be the new Batman, replacing Christian Bale. Affleck will be the caped crusader in the upcoming “Man of Steel” sequel in 2015, involving Superman fighting Batman in some way. He will also be in 2017’s “Justice League” film, as well as in the eventual “Batman” reboot, whenever that happens.

There has been an overwhelmingly negative reaction to Ben Affleck’s casting as Batman, and one can’t help but wonder, who could have been a better choice for Batman, and which actor could have nailed the part if Ben Affleck wasn’t chosen?

Back when Warner Bros. was still deciding who would be the next Batman after Christian Bale said “no” to coming back, the name Josh Brolin was one of many to come up. Though Brolin unfortunately turned down the role, there are a few things to consider about him.

Brolin is an actor who can play both young and old characters. Take “Men in Black III” when he played a younger Agent K, opposite of Tommy Lee Jones.

Brolin also has the right muscular build, and when viewed closely, almost has a “Batman” looking jaw. Brolin could also pass as a rich businessman, another great characteristic to have while playing Bruce Wayne.

For those who have seen 2012’s “Dredd,” the name Karl Urban might seem familiar. Karl Urban has played several tough characters in films throughout his career, as he has been in two “Lord of the Rings” films and in both of J.J. Abrams’s “Star Trek” films.

Karl Urban can pull off a great dark voice as a character, as seen in many films. Urban is in his 40s now also, which would have made him a good choice if an older Bruce Wayne was needed for this new Batman. Karl Urban is also in great muscular shape. Though Warner Bros. didn’t approach him at all for this role, he would have been someone to consider.

“This is Gotham!,” might have been heard, if Warner Bros. cast “300” star Gerard Butler as the new Batman. Butler is a very fit man, and he has been seen in several kinds of fancy suits in his films. This could have worked to his advantage when playing Bruce Wayne.

Butler also has a “Bruce Wayne” presence to him when you think about it, and he would have given Henry Cavill a good run for his money, as far as playing two well-known heroes on the big screen.

Though Warner Bros. has made up its mind, and Ben Affleck will be the new Batman no matter what people think, it’s nice to think of some alternative actors who could have taken on Bob Kane’s superhero creation and nailed the part.