Latest rumours on The Batman suggest a 2021 release date, a new Dark Knight, and The Penguin as a villain

With Matt Reeves said to have completed his script for The Batman, it was reported earlier this month that Warner Bros. and DC Films is looking to begin principal photography on the Dark Knight solo movie in November of this year ahead of a potential 2021 release date.

If true, then we may still face quite a wait until we get some official news on the project, but to tide us over Forbes has posted an update on the film, confirming that the current plan is to aim for a summer 2021 release, although there is the possibility of this being pushed back to 2022.

The outlet goes on to state that Reeves’ script calls for a younger Batman, meaning that Ben Affleck is not expected to reprise his role, and “it would require a significant change in plans and situations for Affleck to rejoin the project.” It also claims that rumours of Jack O’Connell being Warner’s top choice to replace Affleck are premature, and that the actor has not had any discussions with the studio as of yet.

Meanwhile, it’s also said that – as previously rumoured – The Penguin is being lined up as one of a number of villains in The Batman, and as such, the character was replaced by Black Mask in the upcoming DC girl gang movie Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), which is due to begin shooting this month.

What do you make of these latest rumours on The Batman? Is The Penguin a good choice for a villain? Which other members of the Rogue’s Gallery would you like to see alongside him? And who’s your pick for the new Batman? Let us know in the comments below or on social media…