Back in September, we found out that Fox has acquired the rights from Warner Bros. for Gotham, a TV drama that will focus on the Batman character James Gordon in his early years.

Now, the lead role for Gotham has been cast, with Ben McKenzie from Southland taking the spot, according to Variety.

The 35-year-old actor had a lead role on FOX’s The O.C. from 2003 to 2007, and was a main character on NBC TV’s Southland as the rookie LAPD officer Ben Sherman. McKenzie is already a part of the Batman universe — he provided the voice for Batman/Bruce Wayne in WB’s 2011 animated feature Batman: Year One.

Gotham will be a prequel to the Batman story, set years before Jim Gordon ever meets Batman back when the future Gotham City commissioner was still a detective. A pre-teen Bruce Wayne, who eventually becomes Gotham’s Caped Crusader, will also be part of the show, which will follow the young millionaire for the years before he becomes Batman. Some classic Batman villains will also figure into the script, but which ones it will be are unknown at this time.

[Source: Variety; Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Helga Esteb. Used with permission.]

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