It looks like we may finally know who will next don the cape and cowl in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. After months (perhaps years given the back-and-forth rumours of Ben Affleck’s continued involvement) of speculation, Variety is reporting that Robert Pattinson looks set to be cast as the new Batman for Warner Bros.
The outlet does make a note that negotiations have yet to conclude, and that X-Men star Nicholas Hoult also remains in the mix, but Pattinson is reportedly the top choice for both Reeves and the studio to assume the mantle. Pattinson’s name has been long rumoured in contention for the role of Batman alongside others such as Armie Hammier or Jake Gyllenhaal, though Pattinson’s age certainly lines up with Reeves’ desire to focus on a younger Batman.
Pattinson is primarily known for his lead role in the Twilight franchise as well as portraying the doomed Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but since the conclusion of the Twilight saga he has branched out to more dramatic and arthouse films such as Maps to the Stars and more recently High Life. Coincidentally, he now shares a Batman connection with The Dark Knight Trilogy director Christopher Nolan, who he’ll work with on Nolan’s untitled 2020 film.
The Batman has been rumoured to start production in early 2020 as Reeves polishes the film’s script. It will be released on June 25, 2021.
Originally published May 17, 2019. Updated May 18, 2019.
